Abstract
The dietary composition of the Black-bearded Tomb Bat Taphozous melanopogon Temminck, 1841 (Chiroptera: Emballonuridae) from two different habitats was analyzed following faecal pellet analysis method. Representatives of 11 insect orders and spiders (Araneidae) contributed to the diet. Forest bats fed on 1-9 insect orders and araneids indicating opportunistic feeding behaviour, while the semi-urban bats fed on 3-8 insect orders and araneids indicating selective feeding behaviour. Although both the forest bats and semi-urban bats fed on the same spectrum of insect prey they showed differential use of them. Forest bats fed predominately on Coleoptera, Homoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, Odonata and Araneidae, while the semi-urban bats preferred Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Orthoptera, Odonata, Hemiptera, Araneidae and Homoptera. Variation in terms of consumption of a particular kind of insect prey between the sexes was evident only among the semi urban bats only with respect to the most significant prey items coleopterans, lepidopterans and dipterans.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
