Blasius's horseshoe bat
In this article we will explore Blasius's horseshoe bat in depth, a topic that has captured the attention of many in recent times. As we delve into this exciting topic, we will try to shed light on its importance and relevance in today's world. From its origins to its impact on society, Blasius's horseshoe bat has been the subject of debate and analysis, and in this article we will try to address all its facets in an objective and detailed manner. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we will examine the historical, cultural and contemporary aspects of Blasius's horseshoe bat, with the goal of providing our readers with a broader and deeper understanding of this fascinating topic.
| Blasius's horseshoe bat | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Rhinolophidae |
| Genus: | Rhinolophus |
| Species: | R. blasii
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| Binomial name | |
| Rhinolophus blasii Peters, 1866
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| Blasius's horseshoe bat range | |
Blasius's horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus blasii) is a species of insectivorous bat in the family Rhinolophidae found throughout large parts of the Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa.
Taxonomy
Blasius's horseshoe bat was described as a new species in 1866 by German naturalist Wilhelm Peters. The holotype had been collected in Italy. The eponym for the species name "blasii" was German zoologist Johann Heinrich Blasius.
Description
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.
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.
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.
References
- ^ a b Taylor, P. (2016). "Rhinolophus blasii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T19515A21972073. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T19515A21972073.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ a b c Happold, 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. ISBN 9781408189962.
- ^ 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): 17.