P. lineatus occurs through the central portion of South America, extending south along the Andes from Colombia through Equador and Peru, east to northeastern Brazil, and further south to northern Argentina.

Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )

White-lined bats have a stout muzzle, fairly large ears, and a well-developed noseleaf and tragus. The calcar is short. The fur is yellowish brown to dark brown on the back, and lighter on the ventral surface. True to their name, they have several white stripes. There are two on each side of the face, one running from the base of the noseleaf to the ear and the other across the cheek below the eye. There is also a white stripe on the animal's back.

Average mass: 22 g.

Average basal metabolic rate: 0.25 W.

• Terrestrial

These bats prefer damp forests. They roost mainly in the tops of trees, under the leaves, but have also been found on lower branches (particularly during stormy weather) and in caves.

Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; rainforest

White-lined bats eat mainly fruit, but will also consume some insects (especially moths), and nectar from flowers.

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 13 years.

In general, these bats can reproduce throughout the year and sometimes become pregnant again while still nursing the offspring from the previous pregnancy. In northeastern Brazil, however, there has been found to be a more restricted pattern of reproductive events. Pregnancies occur only from the early dry season in July through the end of the rainy season in early March, and there is a bimodal distribution of breeding and lactation during this period. Females normally give birth to a single offspring, although twinning is also possible. Gestation lasts approximately 3.5 months.

Average gestation period: 106 days.

Average number of offspring: 1.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

White-lined bats disperse the seeds of fruit trees, pollinate some plants, and help control insect pests.