Anatomical and Histological Characterization of the Intestine of Artibeus lituratus.

The order Chiroptera is highly diverse and is the second richest among mammals. Approximately 181 species are known in Brazil, with varied feeding habits that make them essential for ecological functions such as seed dispersal and plant regeneration. Despite the importance of their ecosystem services, the anatomical and histological aspects of the digestive system of these animals are still little explored. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical and histomorphological aspects of the intestines of A. lituratus. Six individuals were captured in peri-urban areas of Rio Branco, Acre. After euthanasia, the intestines were removed, fixed in 10% formaldehyde and processed for macroscopic and histological analysis using Haematoxylin-Eosin staining. Macroscopically, it was not possible to accurately distinguish the small and large intestine portions. Microscopically, all the typical intestinal layers were present, with cells, glands and structures compatible with a frugivorous diet. The findings contribute to the knowledge of the species' digestive morphology and provide subsidies for future investigations into physiological adaptations related to its diet and ecology.