First record of leucism in Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818) (Phyllostomidae) in Brazil
Souza, Renan de FrançaNovaes, Roberto Leonan MorimFelix, SauloSauwen, CristalJacob, GabriellaSantori, Ricardo TadeuAvilla, Leonardo dos Santos
Leucism is a genetic disorder, which causes partial depigmentation on individuals. In mammals, leucism is characterized by individuals with partial or total discolored skin and fur. However, eyes and claws have normal pigmentation. The leucism in Neotropical bats has been reported in four families, also including four species of the genus Artibeus. The present work reports and provides characterization of the first record of leucism in Artibeus lituratus in Brazil. Between 2010 and 2012 we captured three specimens of A. lituratus with leucism in two different areas of Atlantic Forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The specimens exhibited partial bleaching of the pelage and patagia, and eyes and claws presented normal color, which confirm the diagnosis of leucism in the three cases presented here.(AU)