Spotted-winged fruit bat

Balionycteris maculata is the smallest known Flughundart. It is native to Indonesia and Malaysia and the only species of the genus Balionycteris.

Description

Balionycteris maculata differs from other bats by the light spotted wings and the fact that it has only a single pair of lower incisors. Similar species such as CHIRONAX melanocephalus and species of the genus Cynopterus have two pair of lower incisors and no pattern on the wings. Balionycteris maculata has big eyes and no tail. The coat is soft and dark brown, abdomen gray - brown. Flight skin is also dark brown and has particularly along the joints and fingers on bright spots, which probably serve to camouflage. Thumb and index fingers have a claw in each. The nostrils are dilated and are far apart. The head -body length of Balionycteris maculata is on average 61 mm with a weight of 13.4 g In Malaysia, the males are smaller than females, but do not differ in weight. The wingspan is 28 cm.

Way of life

Balionycteris maculata has long, narrow wings, which makes it a fast flier. It feeds on small fruits of various species of trees. When foraging they are limited to an area within a radius of 1 km around the hanging place. During the day the animals hang in small groups of usually one male with up to nine females in hollowed of male ants and termite nests, and holes in the root system of epiphytic plants. Alone hanging animals are always male.

Reproduction

However, females can become pregnant for the first time from the age of 10 months. Balionycteris maculata gives birth twice a year, after a gestation period of about 135 days each a cub. The young are born with closed eyes and ears and to suckle to an age of 40-80 days. Birth weight is an average of 3.5 g

Distribution and habitat

Balionycteris maculata is found in Malaysia and Indonesia. There are also isolated reports of local occurrence in Thailand. The species is dependent on primary forest. Your stock is classified by the IUCN due to the widespread than safely.