This specimen from Singapore was active
in a sparsely wooded area adjacent to secondary forest.Order : CHIROPTERA
Family : Vespertilionidae
Species : Tylonycteris pachypus
Forearm Length : up to 2.8 cm
Weight : up to 5 grams
References : M1, M2, M3 |
Bamboo Bats are so called
because they roost by day inside the stems of various bamboo species : the
Lesser Bamboo Bat is able to squeeze through a narrow slit of just 4
mm in width. (The slits in the bamboo stems are reported as being be created
by beetles). All species of Bamboo Bat have a evolved a flattened skull as a
result.
The species is smaller than the Greater
Bamboo Bat, but has more fluffy, reddish-brown fur and an orange tinge
to the belly. There are circular, fleshy pads on the thumbs and feet which
allow a firm grip when roosting.
The Lesser Bamboo Bat inhabits forested areas, and will forage at night for
flying insects, particularly termite swarms.
The species ranges from India through southern China and Burma to much of
Southeast Asia. |
