Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
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Order : CHIROPTERA
Family : Vespertilionidae
Species : Miniopterus spp.
Forearm Length :
species vary between 34 and 53 cm
Weight : species vary between 10 and 16 grams
Bent-winged or
Long-fingered Bats are so called because of the relatively long terminal
bone of the middle finger, compared to the
middle bone. As a result, the end part of the wing is folded back and
tucked underneath the rest of the wing when roosting.
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Gomantong Cave, Sabah,
Borneo : a typical roosting place for colonies of
Bent-winged Bats and
other species.
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Globally the true number of species
of Miniopterus bats is unclear but, as of 2022, around 40 are
recognised. There are great similarities between all species, which are
often distinguished only on the basis of forearm length and weight.
Identification of species on the basis of photographs alone is difficult.
In all species the fur is thick and generally brown-black to brown, or
sometimes reddish. The ears are relatively small and rounded, and the eyes
small.
Many bent-winged bats roost in large colonies in caves: these bats
may become spectacularly abundant in tropical rainforests where karst
limestone habitats provide cave systems for roosting. For example in parts
of Borneo there are colonies of over 100,000 bats. These colonies are well
organised: it is known that
thousands of juveniles may be left together by night under the care of a few
females while their parents are out foraging for food. They feed on flying insects,
particularly moths, high in the forest canopy.
Some species are wide-ranging across Southeast Asia, New Guinea
and beyond.
The Common Bent-winged Bat Miniopterus schreibersi has a range that
extends from parts of Africa, across southern Europe and Asia to Australia
and Oceania. The range of elevations is also large; in New Guinea some
species occur up to 3200 metres above sea level.
Figs 1 to 4 : This species is probably the Western Bent-winged Bat Miniopterus magnater.
All photos are from Southern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea, in lower
montane forest at 1920 metres.
References : M1, M2, M3, M4
Thanks to
Frank J. Bonaccorso for assistance.
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