Observations on Yellow-bellied Sheath-tailed BatsSaccoliamus flaviventris(Peters, 1867) (Chiroptera: Emballonuridae)

Abstract

The felling of a tree at Brightview, south-west of Brisbane containing a colony of 29 Saccoliamus flaviventris provided an opportunity to obtain data on morphology, ectoparasites, and sex ratios from 13 individuals killed during the tree felling. This is the largest known colony of this species. The limited availability of roost trees may be the cause of this large aggregation of bats. The importance of checking mature or dead trees prior to felling is demonstrated by the number of bats in this colony. Comparison of wing morphology showed no significant difference between the sexes, but significant differences occurred between bats from Brightview and Mt. Isa. Incidental observations on echolocation call structure and flight behaviour are also presented. The dimensions of the wings of S. flaviventris are similar to Nyctinomus australis, resulting in similar flight patterns for these species. Both species fly straight and rapidly above the canopy, although observations suggest they fly at different times of night, possibly due to differences in prey type.