About Rhinolophus hipposideros (Bechstein, 1800)
The lesser horseshoe bat, scientifically named Rhinolophus hipposideros (Bechstein, 1800), is one of the smallest bat species in the world. Adults weigh 5 to 9 grams (0.18 to 0.32 oz), have a wingspan of 192–254 millimetres (7.6–10.0 in), and a body length of 35–45 millimetres (1.4–1.8 in). This species has strong feet that it uses to grasp rocks and branches, and despite having small eyes, it can see well. Like most bats, the lesser horseshoe bat lives in colonies and hunts prey using echolocation; it emits ultrasound from specialized round pads located in its mouth. Its soft, fluffy fur has a light grey base. Dorsal fur is smoky brown, and ventral fur is grey, while juvenile bats are entirely dark grey. Its ears and wing membranes are a light greyish brown. When hunting, the lesser horseshoe bat is quick and agile; it usually flies within five meters of the ground, and actively avoids contact with bushes and shrubs. It feeds on small insects, most of which it gleans from stones and branches. Its preferred prey includes flies, mosquitoes, butterflies, moths, and spiders. The average lifespan of Rhinolophus hipposideros is 3 years, though some known individuals live much longer. Detailed observations of specimens in Tunisia found no obvious morphological differences between North African and European populations. The lesser horseshoe bat inhabits warmer regions in foothills and highland, particularly favoring wooded areas or limestone landscapes, where it roosts in caves. In summer, its recorded range extends up to 1160 m above sea level, and up to 2000 m above sea level in winter. The highest known nursery roost for the species is located at 950 m above sea level. This is a sedentary species; the average movement between a summer and winter roost is between 5 and 10 kilometers, and the longest recorded movement between roosts is 153 kilometers. The species can be found in western Ireland and south-west Britain, with some larger populations located in parts of Germany and the Bavarian foothills of the Alps. It is widely distributed across the Mediterranean area, occurring in North Africa, on most larger islands extending to Asia Minor, and around the Black Sea. In Asia, it occurs in Kashmir, the Near East, Iran, Iraq, and the Arabian Peninsula. It can also be found in part of East Africa.
