Order : CHIROPTERA
Family : Emballonuridae
Species : Taphozous melanopogon

Forearm Length : up to 6.5 cm
Tail Length : up to 2.4 cm

References : M2, M3

This widespread insectivorous bat inhabits various forest types, including scrub and other disturbed areas. It generally roosts in caves and rock crevices, sometimes in the company of other bat species. The pair of bats illustrated here were found clinging to the roof a large limestone cave at Krabi, southern Thailand, in the company of around 50 roundleaf bats. Colonies of up to 4000 individuals have been reported from other parts of Thailand.

	The black beard is visible as a dark smudge on the lowermost of these two bats, which is probably a male.

Its fur is pale in colour, ranging from buff to greyish-brown. Adult males of the species often possess a dark beard under the throat (see right).

The wings are pale and pinkish, and mainly devoid of fur. The free tail is slender and slightly enlarged at the tip.

The Black-bearded Tomb Bat ranges from India and Sri Lanka, through Burma, Thailand and Indochina (including southern China) to Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Java and Borneo.