Diclidurus albus (Chiroptera: Emballonuridae) in Panama: new records and comments on its geographic distribution

Abstract

Diclidurus albus is a medium-sized insectivorous bat species, easily distinguishable by its white to grayish fur. It is considered an uncommon to rare species, with few documented records in Panama, which has historically limited knowledge about its geographic distribution in the country. Through direct observations and the systematic collection of information, available historical records are compiled and analyzed, as well as the updated distribution of the species within the national territory. On December 27, 2025, two individuals of D. albus were recorded under the external roof of a bohío-type dwelling, at a height of approximately 3 m above ground level, constituting the eleventh record in Panama. Records of D. albus in Panama have historically been concentrated in Colón, Panama, and Chiriquí, with one report from the island of Coiba. This study documents the first record close to the central region, in tropical dry forest. The scarcity of records is attributed to methodological limitations rather than the actual absence of the species.