Morphological aspects of the digestive tract of insectivorous bats of the species Molossus rufus (E. Geoffroy, 1805)

Abstract

Five male specimens of the species Molossus rufus from north‐western Parana were captured, identified, packaged and transported to the laboratory for weighing and later euthanasia with isoflurane. They were laparatomized for evaluation of macroscopic characteristics and the digestive tube segments were collected for fixation in 10% neutral formalin for histological processing, after 48 h of fixation. Macroscopically, the digestive tube had an oesophageal segment in the abdominal cavity, with a J‐shaped saccular stomach, in addition to a small intestine divided into duodenum, jejunum‐ileum and terminal ileum. In the large intestine, an organ dilatation was observed from the small intestine with a one‐way oral‐aboral ending in the anus, which was called the descending colon. Morphological similarity of the walls of all segments with those of other mammals was observed; however, it presented some peculiarities such as the absence of oesophageal glands, Brunner in the intestine, cecum and appendages. The anatomical disposition and tissue pattern were similar to that found in other insectivorous species. The adaptations of the digestive tube of this species are possibly due to the insectivorous feeding habits, which can be impacted due to anthropic actions in foraging environments.