Wing shape variation in populations of Carollia perspicillata Linnaeus 1758 (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Bahia state, Brazil

Carollia perspicillata is one of the most widespread and abundant phyllostomid bats in the Neotropics. This study is focused on the wing morphology of four populations of C. perspicillata in Bahia state, Brazil. Although previous studies have reported morphological variability within the genus, most have focused on parameters such as body size and mass; consequently, consensus regarding sexual dimorphism and intraspecific variation remains limited. Using geometric morphometric analyses of 190 specimens, we examined the mean shape of the right wing to asses differences among populations and between sexes. Our results revealed no significant sexual dimorphism in wing shape. Nevertheless, an interpopulational morphological variation was observed. The population from Chapada Diamantina National Park, an area with predominantly open vegetation and a contrasting climate, exhibited the most distinct wing morphology, with narrower and more elongated wings shape. In contrast, populations from Ituberá, Una, and Ilhéus, located in Atlantic Forest fragments, displayed wider wings. These morphological differences were not associated with allometry and likely reflect environmental selective pressures, suggesting that habitat structure influences wing morphology. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of geometric morphometrics in detecting subtle shape variations and emphasizes habitat structure as a key determinant of bat wing morphology.