Bicolored roundleaf bat
Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Genus
SPECIES
Hipposideros bicolor

The bicolored roundleaf bat (Hipposideros bicolor ) is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae found in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. This bat inhabits caves, rock crevices and tunnels among lowland forests. They roost in large numbers and consume mostly small winged insects. Their navigation and hunting skills come from the use of echolocation. Its leafnose is used to release ultrasonic shouts to distinguish its surroundings. Echolocation is also used to distinguish other species based on their wingbeat and size. The habitat of this bat decides the color of its fur. Bleaching fumes of a cave environment will cause an orange colored fur. Those who inhabit a well-ventilated roost will be a light brown color.

Distribution

Geography

The bicolored roundleaf bat is found in Southeast Asia where its range includes Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.It has been documented at elevations up to 600 m (2,000 ft) above sea level. Hipposideros bicolor atrox is documented in southern Thailand to Sumatra. Hipposideros bicolor major located in Enggano Islands and Nias. Hipposideros bicolor bicolor inhabits in Java stretching to the Lesser Sunda Islands and Borneo. Hipposideros bicolor erigens lives solely in the Philippines.

Show More

Roosting in groups of up to 150 bats, the bicolored leafnose bat must have darkness and high humidity. They are known to roost in environments that have a constant temperature several degrees cooler than the surrounding areas. Though they prefer to live in forest, they will not dwell in an area that has been disturbed or diminished by humans.

Show Less
Bicolored roundleaf bat habitat map
Bicolored roundleaf bat habitat map
Bicolored roundleaf bat

Habits and Lifestyle

In West Malaysia, researchers have found two different groups of bicolored roundleaf bats. These seemingly identical groups are distinguished by their size and echolocation frequency. The first group has a more rounded wingtip due to its smaller weight and shorter wider wing. It also has an echolocation call between 127.0 and 134.4 kilohertz. The second group has a smaller tibia length but weighs more with larger wings. Their echolocation call ranges from 138.0 to 144.0 kilohertz. Researchers conclude that the first group's body composition may be more suited for better flight agility and hunting in cluttered spaces.

Lifestyle

References

1. Bicolored roundleaf bat Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicolored_roundleaf_bat
2. Bicolored roundleaf bat on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/80258800/22095301

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About