Orange Leaf-nosed Bat

About the Orange Leaf-nosed Bat

The orange leaf-nosed bat (Rhinonicteris aurantia) is a bat in the family Rhinonycteridae. It is the only living species in the genus Rhinonicteris which is endemic to Australia, occurring in the far north and north-west of the continent. They roost in caves, eat moths, and are sensitive to human intrusion.

A small bat weighing 7–11 grams that resides in large colonies of subterranean environs, usually caves and abandoned mines. The colour of the fur is variable between individuals, brownish, a reddish orange shade, lemon-yellow or white. The forearm measurement range from 42 to 46.

A complex structure—a characteristic of some bats referred to as 'nose-leaf'—is broad and flattened at the base, with a central gap, similar to a horseshoe-shape of related species. The top of the leaf-shaped structure is scalloped, and the nasal pits deeply recessed, an opening behind this structure leads from an enlarged secretory gland. The noseleaf does not have by any forwardly projecting parts at the deep cleft of the lower section.

The ears, which are smaller than similar species, are sharply pointed at the top. The measurements for the head and body combined are 43 to 53 millimetres... Wikipedia →