False vampires
| False vampires | ||||||||||||
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Malay False Vampire ( Megaderma spasma ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Megaderma | ||||||||||||
| E. Geoffroy , 1810 |
The false vampires , sometimes also called ornamental noses or actual large-leaf noses ( Megaderma ), are a species of bat from the family of large-leaf noses (Megadermatidae). They are not closely related to the vampire bats (Desmodontinae). The genus is divided into two types:
- The Indian or Great False Vampire ( Megaderma lyra , sometimes classified in the genus Lyroderma ) lives from Afghanistan to India to the north of the Malay Peninsula .
- The Malay or Little False Vampire ( Megaderma spasma ) lives in South and Southeast Asia to the Philippines and the Moluccas .
description
Both species reach a head body length of 65 to 95 millimeters, with 40 to 60 grams in weight, the Indian false vampire is significantly heavier than the Malay false vampire (23 to 28 grams). In the former, the fur is gray-brown on the upper side and whitish-gray on the underside, in the latter the upper side is smoky gray above and brownish below. Like all large-leaf noses, they are characterized by their large ears, the large nasal blade and the absence of the tail.
Way of life
False vampires sleep in caves, mines, buildings or tree hollows during the day. Usually they rest in small groups (3 to 30 animals), but sometimes they also form larger groups of up to 2000 specimens. At night they go in search of food, often hanging from a branch or a higher vantage point and waiting for prey. Once they have found a victim, they rush at it, carry it back to their vantage point and consume it. The diet of the false vampires consists of insects and spiders, the Indian false vampire in particular also eats small vertebrates such as rodents , other species of bats, birds , frogs and lizards . There are reports that these animals forage for food even in houses.
Reproduction
After a gestation period of around 150 to 160 days, the female usually gives birth to a single young between April and June. In the first few weeks the female carries the newborn around with her, later they put it down in sheltered places while foraging for food. After around two to three months, the boys are weaned and reach sexual maturity in their second year of life.
threat
Both types of false vampires are common and widespread and are not listed as threatened.
literature
- Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World . Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999 ISBN 0-8018-5789-9
