New records of hypopigmentation in two neotropical phyllostomid bat species with different roosting habits (Uroderma bilobatum, Glossophaga soricina)

Hypopigmentation disorders were reported in several bat species roosting in dark and sheltered roosts, but comparable records from open foliage roosts are rare. Here, we present three observations of non-albinistic hypopigmentation in two neotropical bat species. One extensively hypopigmented individual of Uroderma bilobatum was observed roosting among regular pigmented conspecifics in an open foliage roost in Panama. Two individuals of Glossophaga soricina with a patchy hypopigmentation were incidentally mistnetted during studies in Panama and Costa Rica. Considering the species-specific roosting habits, we briefly discuss potential implications of pigmentation disorders and aberrant visual appearance for the affected individuals.