Mediterranean horseshoe bat

About the Mediterranean horseshoe bat

The Mediterranean horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus euryale) is a species of insectivorous bat in the family Rhinolophidae. It is found in the Mediterranean region and Balkan peninsula, as well as parts of Italy. The head and body are normally between 43 and 58 millimetres (1.7 and 2.3 in), with a 22–30 millimetres (0.87–1.18 in) tail. The wingspan of R. euryale is between 30 and 32 centimetres (12 and 13 in), with a standard weight between 8 and 17.5 grams (0.28 and 0.62 oz). The upper connecting process is pointed and slightly bent downwards, and is distinctly longer than the lower connecting process, which is broadly rounded when seen from below.

The fur is fluffy, with a light grey base. The dorsal side is grey-brown, with sometimes a slight reddish tinge, while the ventral side is grey-white or yellow-white. There is little known information about the Mediterranean horseshoe bat's reproductive cycle. Nurseries normally hold between 50 and 400 females, with males sometimes present. The colonies in the summer and winter are very large and they are surrounded by small satellite colonies. The main colonies are in caves and can include... Wikipedia →