Little Brown Bat: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification & Much More

By Morgan Gutierrez

This blog post introduces the fascinating creature known as the Little Brown Bat. Bats are unique animals that belong to the order Chiroptera, only found worldwide. With over 1,400 species, bats are diverse and come in various sizes, colors, and habitats. In this article, we will explore the history, facts, size, habitat, and classification of the Little Brown Bat.

The Little Brown Bat, as its name suggests, is a small bat species that is commonly found in North America. These nocturnal creatures typically have a body length of 3-4 inches and a wingspan of about 9-11 inches. They weigh around 0.3-0.5 ounces, making them one of the smallest bat species in North America.

Regarding their habitat, Little Brown Bats prefer to roost in dark caves, attics, and buildings during the day. They are known for their hibernation habits, with large colonies gathering in specific sites called hibernacula during the winter months. These hibernacula provide the necessary conditions for them to survive the colder months, as their body temperature drops, and they enter a state of torpor.

In terms of classification, the Little Brown Bat belongs to the family Vespertilionidae and the genus Myotis. They are insectivores, meaning they primarily feed on insects such as mosquitoes, beetles, and moths. These bats play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling insect populations, making them beneficial to both humans and the environment.

That concludes our introduction to the Little Brown Bat. This article aims to provide valuable information on this particular bat species. If you want to learn more about other fascinating animals, we already have an article featuring over 155 animal names. Stay tuned for more exciting content on animals and their incredible world!

History of Little Brown Bat

The little brown bat is a fascinating creature that has been roosting in North America for centuries. It is a small mammal known for its distinctive brown fur and winged flight. These bats primarily inhabit forests, woodlands, and even urban areas.

Throughout history, little brown bats have played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. They are insectivores, which means they feed on insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and moths. By consuming these pests, they help control their populations and prevent the spread of diseases. In addition, the little brown bat is an important pollinator, transferring pollen from one plant to another as it feeds on nectar. This process is vital for the reproduction of many plant species.

However, the little brown bat has faced numerous challenges throughout its existence. One of the most significant threats to their population is a disease known as white-nose syndrome. This deadly illness is caused by a fungus that grows on the bats’ skin while they hibernate. White-nose syndrome has decimated bat populations across North America, leading to serious ecological imbalances. Efforts are being made to address this issue through research, conservation projects, and public awareness campaigns.

In conclusion, the little brown bat has long been an important member of North American ecosystems. They contribute to the control of insect populations and the pollination of plants, making them an essential part of our natural world. However, they are currently facing significant challenges, such as white-nose syndrome. It is crucial that we work together to protect and preserve these remarkable creatures for future generations.

Importance of Little Brown Bat

The little brown bat is a very important animal. It helps us in many ways. First of all, these bats help control insect populations. They eat lots of mosquitoes and bugs that can harm us and our crops. Without bats, we would have more insects flying around and causing problems.

Secondly, little brown bats play a vital role in pollination. When they fly from flower to flower, they carry pollen on their bodies and transfer it to other plants. This helps plants reproduce and create new seeds and fruits. Their pollination work helps our gardens and forests grow and thrive.

Finally, little brown bats contribute to the ecosystem by providing food for other animals. Many predators like owls and snakes rely on bats for their survival. By eating bats, these predators keep the balance in nature and ensure that no one species becomes too dominant.

In conclusion, the little brown bat is an important animal for controlling insects, pollinating plants, and providing food for other animals. Without these bats, we would have more bugs, fewer plants, and unbalanced ecosystems. It is crucial to protect and preserve their habitats so that they can continue to help and benefit us all.

Amazing Facts About Little Brown Bat

1. The little brown bat is a small mammal that belongs to the species Myotis lucifugus.
2. They are found in various regions of North America, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
3. Little brown bats are usually around 3-4 inches long and weigh approximately 1/4 to 1/2 an ounce.
4. They have a wingspan of about 8-11 inches, which allows them to fly quickly and maneuver through the night sky.
5. These bats are called “little brown” due to their brown fur, which ranges from light to dark shades.
6. Little brown bats are insectivores, meaning they mainly feed on insects such as mosquitoes and moths.
7. They are beneficial to humans as they can consume vast amounts of insects, helping to control pest populations.
8. Little brown bats are nocturnal, which means they are most active during the nighttime.
9. During the day, these bats roost in dark places like caves, trees, and buildings, hanging upside down to rest.
10. They can go into a state called hibernation during cold winters, where their body temperature drops, and they slow down their metabolism to conserve energy.
11. Female little brown bats usually give birth to a single pup in late spring or early summer.
12. The young bats are born hairless and blind but grow rapidly, gaining wingspan and fur within a few weeks.
13. Little brown bats use echolocation, emitting high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects, helping them navigate, find prey, and avoid obstacles.
14. Their lifespan can vary, but on average, little brown bats live for around 6-7 years, with some living up to 30 years.
15. Unfortunately, little brown bat populations have been declining due to habitat loss, white-nose syndrome (a fungal disease), and human disturbance, making them a protected species in some areas.

Can we keep Little Brown Bat as our Pet?

The Little Brown Bat is a small, nocturnal animal that is not suitable to be kept as a pet. While it might seem interesting to have a bat as a companion, it is important to understand that wild animals like the Little Brown Bat are meant to live in their natural habitat. We should avoid introducing them into our homes as pets.

The Little Brown Bat plays an essential role in our ecosystem. They help control insect populations by eating mosquitoes, bugs, and other harmful pests. However, due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and a disease called White-nose Syndrome, their population has been declining drastically. Many Little Brown Bats have become endangered or even extinct. It is important to take measures to protect them rather than harm their existence by keeping them as pets.

Furthermore, bats are different from other pets like cats and dogs. They have unique needs and behaviors that are difficult to cater to in a home environment. Bats require a large space to fly and hunt for food. In captivity, they can become stressed and develop health issues. It is best to admire and respect these creatures from a distance, rather than trying to keep them as pets.

In conclusion, the Little Brown Bat should not be kept as a pet. They are important creatures in our ecosystem, and they deserve to live in their natural habitats. Their decline in population reminds us of the importance of conservation and protecting these species rather than treating them as pets.

Size of Little Brown Bat

The little brown bat is a small animal that can fit in the palm of your hand. It is one of the smallest bat species in North America. These bats are about 3 to 3.7 inches long and weigh only around 0.2 to 0.4 ounces. That’s not much at all!

Despite their small size, little brown bats have a wingspan of about 8.6 to 10.6 inches. This allows them to fly smoothly through the night sky. Their wings are made up of a thin membrane of skin stretched between elongated finger bones. This unique feature enables them to navigate and catch insects in mid-air, as they are excellent at hunting insects like mosquitoes, beetles, and flies.

Little brown bats have furry bodies and their fur color can vary from dark brown to lighter shades of reddish-brown. They have big round ears, which help them in echolocation – a special process that allows them to use sound waves to find their way and hunt prey. These bats also have sharp teeth for devouring their insect meals. Despite their small stature, little brown bats are mighty hunters of the night!

In conclusion, the little brown bat is a tiny creature with a size that fits in the palm of your hand. Its small body and fluffy fur make it quite adorable. Even though they may be little, these bats have amazing wings that allow them to fly swiftly, sharp teeth to catch their prey, and keen hearing to navigate the darkness. These wonderful creatures play a crucial role in keeping insect populations in check. So, let’s admire and protect the little brown bat for all its small yet mighty qualities!

Habitat of Little Brown Bat

The little brown bat is a fascinating creature that lives in a variety of habitats. These small creatures can be found in many parts of North America, from Canada to Mexico. They prefer to live in wooded areas, such as forests and parks, where they can find plenty of trees to roost in during the day.

During the warmer months, little brown bats make their homes in caves or old buildings. They like to snuggle up close together in large groups, called colonies, for safety and warmth. These colonies can be made up of hundreds or even thousands of bats! When it gets colder, they migrate to warmer areas, such as hibernacula, where they will spend the winter months in a state of deep sleep.

Little brown bats are nocturnal creatures, which means they are most active at night. They come out of their roosts at dusk to hunt for insects, their favorite food. They use echolocation to locate their prey in the dark. This means they make high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects in their surroundings, allowing them to “see” in the darkness. They eat a lot of insects, including mosquitoes, which is helpful for controlling bug populations.

In conclusion, the little brown bat is a remarkable creature that can adapt to different habitats. They prefer to live in wooded areas where they can find shelter and safety. These bats are most active at night when they hunt for insects using their echolocation abilities. They are beneficial to humans as they help control bug populations.

Evolution of Little Brown Bat

The Little Brown Bat has gone through many changes over a long period of time. This amazing animal has evolved and adapted to survive in different environments. Let’s explore its evolution and learn about some fascinating features it developed.

Millions of years ago, the ancestors of the Little Brown Bat were actually tree-dwelling creatures. They had sharp claws that helped them climb trees, but over time, they began to spend more and more time flying. This led to the development of wings, which allowed them to move through the air swiftly. Bats are the only mammals that possess this incredible ability!

As these bats continued to evolve, their bodies changed to suit their flying lifestyle. The Little Brown Bat developed a lightweight body structure that made it easier to soar through the sky. Their bones grew thin and stiff, while their muscles became flexible and powerful for efficient flight. In addition, they developed a unique membrane of skin called a patagium that stretches between their elongated fingers and provides support for their wings. This adaptation allowed the Little Brown Bat to become skilled hunters, catching insects on the wing!

To further assist them in finding food and navigating during the night, the Little Brown Bat’s senses evolved. They developed large ears, enabling them to detect the sounds of tiny insects in the darkness. They also have a special ‘sonar’ system called echolocation. This means they emit high-pitched sounds and listen for the echoes bouncing back from objects, helping them to locate food and avoid obstacles.

Through these incredible adaptations, the Little Brown Bat has become a true marvel of evolution. From climbing trees to flying through the air, their lightweight bodies, powerful wings, and keen senses have allowed them to thrive in their environment. We can certainly appreciate the amazing journey this animal has taken to become the impressive creature it is today.

Classification of Little Brown Bat

The little brown bat is a fascinating animal that belongs to the classification of mammals. Mammals are a group of animals that have fur or hair, breathe air, and give birth to live young. Little brown bats are also a part of the order Chiroptera, which includes all kinds of bats. Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly!

Little brown bats are further classified into the family Vespertilionidae. This family includes many different species of bats that are found all over the world. Little brown bats themselves are native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as forests, fields, and near bodies of water. They are quite small, usually measuring around 3 to 4 inches in length, and their fur is a dark brown color.

In addition to these classifications, little brown bats have some unique features. They have wings made up of a thin membrane of skin stretched between their elongated fingers, which allows them to fly and hunt for insects during the night. They are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. Little brown bats also use echolocation, a special ability that allows them to navigate and find food in the dark. They emit high-frequency sounds that bounce off objects, and they listen to the echoes to determine where things are.

In summary, the little brown bat is a mammal that belongs to the order Chiroptera and family Vespertilionidae. They have the amazing ability to fly and navigate using echolocation. Found in North America, these small bats are an important part of the ecosystem as they help control the population of insects. Next time you see a bat fluttering in the night sky, remember that it belongs to the fascinating world of mammals.

How did Little Brown Bat Extinct?

1. Habitat: Little brown bats typically live in forests, woodlands, and near bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers. They often roost in caves, tree hollows, or man-made structures like bat houses.

2. Appearance: These bats have short, brown fur with a darker shade on their back and a lighter shade on their belly. They have small eyes and large ears, which they use for echolocation to navigate and find food.

3. Nocturnal Lifestyle: Little brown bats are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night. They use their incredible echolocation abilities to locate insects, their primary food source, during their night flights.

4. Diet: These bats are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. They feed on a wide variety of flying insects, including mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and flies, helping to control insect populations and providing an essential ecological service.

5. Hibernation: During the winter, when insects are scarce, little brown bats hibernate in groups. They find shelter in caves, mines, or other protected places. During hibernation, their body temperature drops, and they enter a state of torpor to conserve energy.

6. Reproduction: Little brown bats typically mate in the fall before hibernation or in the early spring. The females can delay the fertilization of their eggs and store the sperm until the following spring, allowing for delayed ovulation and birth during the summer months.

7. Maternal Care: Female little brown bats form nursery colonies in the summer where they give birth to their pups. They nurse and raise their young until they are old enough to fly and hunt for themselves.

8. Longevity: Little brown bats have an average lifespan of around 6 to 7 years. However, some individuals have been known to live up to 20 years. Threats such as white-nose syndrome, a disease affecting bat populations, can significantly impact their lifespan.

9. Ecological Importance: Little brown bats play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Their consumption of insects helps control pest populations, minimizing crops’ damage and reducing the spread of diseases carried by insects.

10. Conservation Status: Little brown bats are currently listed as a species of concern or endangered in various places due to decreasing populations. They face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and a fungal disease called white-nose syndrome, making their conservation a priority.

Geographical Presence of Little Brown Bat

The Little Brown Bat is found mainly in the North American region, particularly in Canada and the United States. These adorable creatures can be spotted in various habitats such as forests, fields, and even in urban areas. They prefer to live near water sources like ponds, lakes, and rivers, where they can hunt for insects to eat.

However, Little Brown Bats are not found in other parts of the world, such as Europe, Asia, or Africa. They are endemic to North America, meaning they are native and exclusive to this region. This is because they have adapted to the specific environments and climates found in North America, which may include colder winters or different food sources.

It’s important to note that the Little Brown Bat population has been declining in recent years due to various factors, such as habitat loss, disease, and human disturbance. These bats play a crucial role in controlling insect populations and pollinating plants, so their decline can have significant impacts on ecosystems. Many conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve these fascinating creatures and their habitats, so future generations can continue to enjoy their presence in the North American region.

Scientific Name of Little Brown Bat

The scientific name of the little brown bat animal is Myotis lucifugus. This name helps scientists identify and classify this particular bat species. Bats are fascinating creatures that belong to the group of mammals known as Chiroptera. Little brown bats are commonly found in North America.

Little brown bats are small creatures with a body length of around 3 to 4 inches. They have brown fur, which helps them blend in with their surroundings. These bats are also characterized by their leathery wings that allow them to fly and maneuver in the air.

During the day, little brown bats rest in caves, abandoned buildings, or trees. They are nocturnal animals, which means they are most active at night. These bats have an impressive ability to navigate in the dark using echolocation. They emit high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects, allowing them to determine their location and avoid obstacles during flight.

Little brown bats play an essential role in the ecosystem as they consume large amounts of insects, including mosquitoes and agricultural pests. However, these bats are currently facing some threats, such as habitat loss and a disease called white-nose syndrome, which has had a negative impact on their population.

In conclusion, Myotis lucifugus is the scientific name of the little brown bat. These small mammals are interesting creatures known for their ability to fly, navigate using echolocation, and serve as pest controllers. Protecting their habitats and raising awareness about the importance of bats in our ecosystems is crucial for their survival.

Diet of Little Brown Bat

Little Brown Bats have a diet that sets them apart from many other animals. They are insectivores, which means their primary food source consists of insects. These bats have a remarkable appetite for eating flying insects, and they are especially fond of mosquitoes, moths, and beetles. In fact, one Little Brown Bat can eat hundreds of insects in just one hour, which makes them essential for controlling insect populations in their environment.

These bats use echolocation to find their prey. They emit high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects and insects, helping them locate their next meal in the dark. When they detect an insect, they swoop down to catch it using their wings and sharp teeth. Little Brown Bats are skilled hunters and are well-equipped for their insectivorous diet.

Their diet also changes with the seasons. During the warmer months, they feed heavily to store fat reserves for hibernation. In winter, when insects are scarce, they enter a state of torpor to conserve energy. Little Brown Bats’ ability to help control insect populations makes them valuable to the ecosystems they inhabit, as they help keep the insect numbers in check, benefiting both the environment and humans.

Locomotion of Little Brown Bat

The little brown bat can move very well, even though it does not have wings like a bird. It uses its arms and wings, which are all connected with skin called the patagium. This special skin helps the bat to fly and move around. When the little brown bat wants to fly, it stretches its wings out and flaps them up and down. This creates a lot of air around the wings, which helps the bat to stay up in the sky.

When the little brown bat wants to land or walk, it uses its arms. It has long fingers that it can use to grab onto things like tree branches or walls. The bat can also crawl on the ground using its fingers. The little brown bat is very good at moving around, whether it’s flying, hanging upside down, or crawling on the ground. It is a very agile animal that can adapt to different situations easily.

Social and Sexual Behaviour of Little Brown Bat

Little Brown Bats are social animals that live together in groups called colonies. These colonies can sometimes have hundreds or even thousands of bats! They like to hang out in dark and quiet places like caves, attics, or tree hollows. They usually leave their homes at night to find food, such as insects like mosquitoes. Little Brown Bats have a special way of communicating with each other using sounds that humans can’t hear. This helps them stay close and find their way around in the dark. They are very friendly with each other and often groom each other’s fur, like a cleaning session with friends!

When it comes to their sexual behavior, Little Brown Bats are quite interesting. Female bats usually give birth to one baby bat, called a pup, at a time. They have special roosting areas where they take care of their babies. Male bats compete with each other to attract female bats during a time called the mating season. They show off their strength and agility by flying around and making fancy moves in the sky. The female bats then choose the strongest and most impressive male to mate with. They mate while flying in the air, and the female stores the male’s sperm inside her body until she is ready to have a baby.

Overall, Little Brown Bats are friendly and social animals that live together in large groups. They communicate with special sounds and help each other keep clean. When it comes to mating, male bats compete to impress female bats, and the strongest male gets chosen to have babies with. Bats may seem mysterious, but they have fascinating social and sexual behaviors that help them survive and thrive in their habitats.

Reproduction and Lifecycle of Little Brown Bat

The little brown bat, also known as Myotis lucifugus, is a small mammal that goes through a fascinating life cycle. Like other mammals, these bats reproduce by giving birth to live young. Female bats usually have one baby bat, called a pup, at a time. This happens in late spring or early summer, after a period of about 50 to 60 days of pregnancy. The female bats gather together in groups to give birth and raise their pups, usually in dark and quiet places like caves or buildings.

Once the pup is born, it relies on its mother for everything. The mother bat feeds her baby with milk, which it sucks from her nipple. As the pup grows older, it starts exploring its surroundings and begins to practice flying. It is essential for them to learn how to fly because this is how they catch their food, like insects, during the night. The mother bat takes care of her pup until it becomes independent and able to find food by itself, which usually takes around six weeks.

The life cycle of a little brown bat is a fascinating journey. It starts with the birth of a tiny pup that depends completely on its mother for survival. As it grows, the pup learns to fly and hunt, gaining the skills it needs to survive on its own. Eventually, it will reach adulthood and be able to reproduce, continuing the life cycle of these incredible creatures. Understanding the life cycle of animals like the little brown bat helps us appreciate the wonders of the natural world and the diversity of life that exists around us.

Threats to Little Brown Bat

The little brown bat, like many other animals, faces several threats that endanger its survival. One major threat is a disease called white-nose syndrome. This disease is caused by a fungus that grows on the nose, ears, and wings of the bat. It disrupts their hibernation and causes them to use up their stored fat reserves too quickly. As a result, many bats do not survive the winter. This disease has had a devastating impact on the little brown bat population.

Another threat to the little brown bat is habitat loss. Bats rely on caves, trees, and buildings to roost and raise their young. However, human activities such as deforestation and urbanization have resulted in the destruction of these habitats. When there are fewer places for bats to live, they struggle to find suitable roosting sites and reproduce successfully. This leads to a decline in their population.

Pesticides also pose a significant threat to little brown bats. These chemicals are used to kill insects, but unfortunately, bats often consume these poisoned insects. The toxins from the pesticides build up in the bat’s body and can weaken their immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases and other threats. Pesticides have been linked to declines in bat populations worldwide.

Overall, white-nose syndrome, habitat loss, and pesticides are the major threats that the little brown bat faces. To protect these fascinating creatures, it is important to raise awareness about their importance in the ecosystem and take actions to conserve their habitats. By addressing these threats, we can help ensure the survival of the little brown bat and maintain a healthy balance in our natural world.

Population of Little Brown Bat

The population of the Little Brown Bat animal, also known as Myotis lucifugus, is estimated to be around 6 million. These tiny creatures are found in North America and can be spotted in various habitats including forests, urban areas, and near water bodies. Though they are small in size, Little Brown Bats play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature.

Sadly, in recent years, the Little Brown Bat population has been declining at an alarming rate due to a deadly disease called White-nose Syndrome. This disease affects their hibernation and has caused the death of millions of bats. Once affected, their survival becomes extremely challenging, leading to a rapid decline in their numbers. If this devastating trend continues, it is feared that the Little Brown Bat population may become extinct in the near future.

The extinction of the Little Brown Bat would have significant consequences for our environment as they are important insect-eaters. Bats help keep insect populations in check, which helps to protect crops, reduce the spread of diseases carried by insects, and lessen the need for pesticide use. Losing these amazing creatures would disrupt the delicate balance of our ecosystems, and we must take action to prevent their extinction.

Conclusion

In summary, Little Brown Bats are fascinating creatures that play an important role in our ecosystem. These tiny animals are about the size of a human thumb and can be found in various habitats across North America. They are known for their nocturnal habits and incredible flying abilities. Little Brown Bats are a type of animal called a mammal, which means they have fur and give birth to live young.

Little Brown Bats are incredibly beneficial to humans and the environment. They are skilled insect hunters, devouring thousands of mosquitos each night, helping to control their population. These bats also serve as pollinators, transferring pollen from one flower to another as they feed on nectar. Unfortunately, Little Brown Bats face numerous threats, including habitat loss, disease, and pesticide use. It is important for us to protect these amazing creatures to maintain a healthy balance in our ecosystem.

To conclude, Little Brown Bats are remarkable animals that are vital to our ecosystem. Their small size and impressive flying abilities allow them to play a crucial role in controlling insect populations and pollinating plants. However, these bats are facing various challenges that put their population at risk. By understanding and appreciating the importance of Little Brown Bats, we can work towards preserving their habitats and ensuring their survival for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Little Brown Bat (FAQ’s)

Q: What is a little brown bat?
A: The little brown bat, scientifically known as Myotis lucifugus, is a small species of bat found in North America.

Q: How big is a little brown bat?
A: Little brown bats have a wingspan of approximately 8-9 inches and typically weigh between 7-14 grams.

Q: What do little brown bats look like?
A: They have dark brown fur, with a slightly paler belly, and their ears and wings are long and narrow.

Q: Where do little brown bats live?
A: Little brown bats can be found in various habitats, including caves, mines, barns, and other man-made structures.

Q: What do little brown bats eat?
A: These bats primarily feed on insects, including mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and flies.

Q: Are little brown bats solitary animals?
A: No, they are known to form colonies or maternity roosts during the summer months.

Q: How do little brown bats communicate?
A: Bats communicate through a combination of echolocation, vocalizations, and body postures.

Q: How do little brown bats navigate in the dark?
A: They use echolocation, emitting high-frequency sound waves and listening for the echoes to detect objects in their surroundings.

Q: How long do little brown bats live?
A: Little brown bats can live up to 30 years, although their average lifespan is closer to 6-7 years.

Q: Do little brown bats hibernate?
A: Yes, during winter, little brown bats hibernate in caves or other protected structures to conserve energy.

Q: How many pups do little brown bats have?
A: Little brown bats typically give birth to a single pup each year, usually in June or July.

Q: Are little brown bats endangered?
A: Yes, little brown bats are considered a threatened species due to factors such as habitat loss, white-nose syndrome, and wind turbine collisions.

Q: Do little brown bats carry diseases?
A: Yes, little brown bats can carry diseases such as rabies, although not all bats are infected.

Q: Can little brown bats be beneficial to humans?
A: Yes, little brown bats are considered beneficial due to their insect-eating habits, which help control populations of agricultural pests and disease-carrying insects.

Q: Are little brown bats social animals?
A: They are social to some extent, forming maternity colonies in the summer and often roosting together in large numbers.

Q: Can little brown bats be found outside of North America?
A: No, little brown bats are native to North America and can be found across the continent, from Canada to Mexico.

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