An experimental analysis of feeding performance in Syconycteris australis (Megachiroptera, Pteropodidae)

The hypothesis that flower shape affects nectar-feeding performance was exa mined for the nectarivorous bat, Syconycteris australis. Experiments using feeders with artificial flowers of different diameters demonstrated that th e narrow flower diameter had a negative effect on time spent feeding, amoun t of nectar taken, and rate of nectar extraction. These results suggest tha t flower morphology may influence both evolution of the masticatory system and resource partitioning by affecting feeding performance in flower-visiti ng bats.