Blasius's horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus blasii) is a species of insectivorousbat in the family Rhinolophidae found throughout large parts of the Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa.
Individuals have forearm lengths of 43–48 mm (1.7–1.9 in) and weigh 7–13 g (0.25–0.46 oz), making it small for an African horseshoe bat.[2]
Biology and ecology
Blasius's horseshoe bat is insectivorous, consuming moths, termites, beetles, and flies, among other kinds. It hunts for its prey by hawking, or catching insects on the wing, or gleaning, which means plucking insects off foliage or the ground. Its social behaviors are poorly understood, but it will roost singly or in small groups. Group foraging consisting of up to five individuals has been reported in Malawi. They have one annual breeding season, and females give birth to a single young.[2]
Range and habitat
Blasius's horseshoe bat has been documented at a range of elevations from 0–2,215 m (0–7,267 ft) above sea level. It has a large geographic range, though its populations are patchily distributed. Its range includes Africa, Asia, and Europe. It is extinct in Italy, and possibly extinct in Slovenia. Its habitat includes deserts, savannas, shrublands, and forests.[1]
^ abcHappold, M. (2013). Kingdon, J.; Happold, D.; Butynski, T.; Hoffmann, M.; Happold, M.; Kalina, J. (eds.). Mammals of Africa. Vol. 4. A&C Black. pp. 312–313. ISBN9781408189962.
^Peters, W. (1866). "Über einige neue oder weniger bekannte Flederthiere" [About some new or lesser known bats]. Monatsberichte der Königlichen Preussische Akademie des Wissenschaften zu Berlin (in German). 1866: 17.
