Vespertilionidae Research Articles

Plain-nosed bats (family Vespertilionidae) as a possible reservoir of lyssaviruses and coronaviruses in Western Siberia and the south of European Russia.

The review presents current data on the chiropterofauna inhabiting Western Siberia and the south of the European part of Russia. A general description of the genus of lyssaviruses and the family of coronaviruses is given. The potential for virus carriage in relation to lyssaviruses and coronaviruses in bat populations of two geographically distant regions is considered.

DNA metabarcoding analyses reveal fine-scale microbiome structures on Western Canadian bat wings.

Microbiomes play important roles in host health. White-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal infection of bat wings and muzzles, has threatened bat populations across North America since 2006. Recent research suggest that the skin microbiome of bats may play a significant role in bat's susceptibility to WNS. However, relatively little is known about the skin microbiome composition and function in bats in Western Canada, a region with a high diversity of bats, but WNS has yet to be a major issue. Here, we revealed high bacterial and fungal diversities on the skin of three common bat species in Lillooet, British Columbia, including several highly prevalent microbial species that have been rarely reported in other regions. Our analyses showed fine-scale structures of bat wing microbiome based on local sites and bat species. The knowledge obtained from WNS-naïve bat populations in this study may help develop mitigation and management strategies against WNS.

Early Morning Activity: New records of diurnal behavior in Mexican bats

Bats are predominantly nocturnal animals, but some studies, mainly from temperate regions and islands, report bats flying during the day. We report the diurnal foraging of three species of bats in Mexico, one species of the family Vespertilionidae, and two Phyllostomidae (Anoura and Artibeus). In addition, we document the first in situ record of fruit consumption on the ground for Artibeus. Diurnal flight in bats is a poorly documented behavior in the tropics. Furthermore, we suggest that extreme heat and drought may influence this behavior, as two reports occurred during periods of drought.

Thermomechanical properties of bat and human red blood cells—Implications for hibernation

Hibernation is a widespread and highly efficient mechanism to save energy in mammals. However, one major challenge of hibernation is maintaining blood circulation at low body temperatures, which strongly depends on the viscoelastic properties of red blood cells (RBCs). Here, we examined at physiologically relevant timescales the thermomechanical properties of hundreds of thousands of individual RBCs from the hibernating common noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula), the nonhibernating Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus), and humans (Homo sapiens). We exposed RBCs to temperatures encountered during normothermia and hibernation and found a significant increase in elasticity and viscosity with decreasing temperatures. Our data demonstrate that temperature adjustment of RBCs is mainly driven by membrane properties and not the cytosol while viscous dissipation in the membrane of both bat species exceeds the one in humans by a factor of 15. Finally, our results show that RBCs from both bat species reveal a transition to a more viscous-like state when temperature decreases. This process on a minute timescale has an effect size that is comparable with fluctuations in RBC viscoelasticity over the course of the year, implying that environmental factors, such as diets, have a lower impact on the capability of RBCs to respond to different temperatures than general physical properties of the cell membrane. In summary, our findings suggest membrane viscoelasticity as a promising target for identifying mechanisms that could be manipulated to ensure blood circulation at low body temperatures in humans, which may be one first step toward safe synthetic torpor in medicine and space flight.

Description of Ixodeslanigeri sp. nov., a new hard tick species (Acari, Ixodidae) collected from mouse-eared bats (Vespertilionidae, Myotis) in Vietnam.

Historically, for more than one and a half centuries, only one so-called "long-legged bat tick" species, i.e., Ixodesvespertilionis Koch was known to science. However, during the past decade, it was recognized on a molecular basis that long-legged ixodid ticks associated with bats may represent at least six species. Of these, until recently, five have been morphologically described. In this study, Ixodes ticks were collected from two Myotis species in southeastern Asia, Vietnam. Based on the morphological and molecular characteristics of the female, nymph and larva, Ixodeslanigeri Hornok, sp. nov. is described here. The male is unknown. Like other members of the Ixodesariadnae complex, I.lanigeri Hornok apparently shows a preference for vesper bats as its typical hosts. In this context, host-association and geographical separation may explain the evolutionary divergence of I.lanigeri Hornok from its closest relative occurring on Murinahilgendorfi Peters in East Asia, Japan, because no Myotis or Murina spp. have overlapping distribution between Vietnam and the main islands of Japan. On the other hand, supposing that (similarly to I.ariadnae) I.lanigeri Hornok probably occurs on other myotine bats and knowing that several Myotis species indigenous in Vietnam have a broad geographical range in southern and southeastern Asia, the new tick species most likely has a widespread distribution in this area.

Non-invasive monitoring of adrenocortical activity in the Gould’s wattled bat (Chalinolobus gouldii)

Although bats are the second most species-rich mammalian order, very little is known about their endocrine physiology. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly associated with the stress response, but also modulate vital physiological functions which help animals adapt to their environment. Understanding normal patterns of adrenocortical activity can provide valuable insights into a species’ fitness. Non-invasive hormone monitoring via faecal samples provides an integrated measure of adrenocortical activity while minimising stress on the animal but must be properly validated to ensure reliable results. The goal of this study was to validate an enzyme immunoassay for monitoring faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) in a common Australian insectivorous bat species, the Gould’s wattled bat (Chalinolobus gouldii). We compared the performance of five assays for monitoring changes in FGMs following capture and transfer of C.gouldii from the wild to captivity. Four of the five assays detected a significant increase in FGMs following capture, but the magnitude of the increase and consistency across individuals differed considerably. We selected the UVM-69a assay as the best performing assay to then describe normative patterns of adrenocortical activity in the species. Males had higher FGM levels than females, and juveniles had higher FGM levels than adults. Individuals with poorer body condition had higher FGM levels. We also demonstrate seasonal patterns of FGMs with higher levels in March and April corresponding with reproductive up-regulation and lower levels in May and November. Our study is the first of its kind to examine adrenocortical activity in an Australian insectivorous bat and provides a valuable tool for studying this species. Understanding adrenal function in common species such as C.gouldii can shed light on the physiological mechanisms facilitating survival and success in changing environments.

First records of three species of Lasiurus Gray, 1831 (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in Bolivia

Insectivorous bats of the family Vespertilionidae have been grouped into eight tribes, with Lasiurini showing an extensive distribution in South America. In Bolivia, three species of lasiurine bats have been reported: Lasiurus blossevillii (Lesson & Garnot, 1826), L. ega (Gervais, 1856), and L. villosissimus (É. Geoffroy St.-Hilaire, 1806). The morphological analyses of specimens of this genus deposited in Bolivian scientific collections and comparisons with specimens from other countries (including holotypes) prompt us to report the first records of three species: Lasiurus atratus Handley 1996, L. castaneus Handley 1960, and L. egregius (Peters, 1870) in Bolivia, expanding their known geographic ranges to the southwestern part of the Amazon.

Torpor energetics are related to the interaction between body mass and climate in bats of the family Vespertilionidae.

Torpor is an adaptive strategy allowing heterothermic animals to cope with energy limitations. In birds and mammals, intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as body mass and ambient temperature, are the main variables influencing torpor use. Speakman and Thomas (2003) proposed a theoretical model of the relationship between the metabolic rate during torpor and the ambient temperature. Nevertheless, no empirical attempts have been made to assess the model predictions under different climates. Using open-flow respirometry, we evaluated the ambient temperature at which bats entered torpor and when torpid metabolic rate reached its minimum, the reduction in metabolic rate below basal values, and minimum torpid metabolic rate in 11 bat species of the family Vespertilionidae with different body mass from warm and cold climates. We included data on the minimum torpid metabolic rate of five species we retrieved from the literature. We tested the effects using mixed-effect phylogenetic models. All models showed a significant interaction between body mass and climate. Smaller bats went into torpor and reached minimum torpid metabolic rates at warmer temperatures, showed a higher reduction in the metabolic rate below basal values, and presented lower torpid metabolic rates than larger ones. The slopes of the models were different for bats from different climates. These results are likely explained by differences in body mass and the metabolic rate of bats, which may favor larger bats expressing torpor in colder sites and smaller bats in the warmer ones. Further studies to assess torpor use in bats of different climates are proposed.

Polychromophilus (Haemosporida: Plasmodiidae): A review of association with bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) and the first record in the Neotropical bat, Myotis albescens (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) from Colombia

Some species within the family Plasmodiidae (Haemosporida) have been extensively studied due to their implications for human health. However, for other haemosporidians that infect wild animals the knowledge is limited. Species within the genus Polychromophilus have thus far been documented exclusively as hemoparasites of bats. Records of Polychromophilus are primarily from Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia, with limited information available for the Americas. Here, we assessed the state of knowledge on Polychromophilus species infecting bats worldwide and searched for the presence of Polychromophilus in blood samples of neotropical bats from Colombia. We found a total of 65 records of Polychromophilus in 46 bat species belonging to the families Emballonuridae, Hipposideridae, Miniopteridae, Rhinolophidae, Rhinonycteridae, and Vespertilionidae worldwide, except for Antarctica. In the Americas, records of the genus Polychromophilus are exclusively from Vespertilionidae bats in Brazil, Colombia, the United States, and Panama. The morphological and molecular analyses of blood from 125 bats, belonging to 39 species and captured in seven localities within the departments of Arauca and Caldas (Colombia), confirmed the presence of Polychromophilus deanei in a silver-tipped myotis, Myotis albescens (Vespertilionidae). This finding represents the first morphological and molecular confirmation of P. deanei in the Americas. Additionally, it expands the knowledge on the diversity and distribution of Polychromophilus in Neotropical bats.

Exploring Biodiversity and Food Webs in Sulfur Cave in the Vromoner Canyon on the Greek–Albanian Border

Sulfidic caves support diverse and abundant subterranean communities, including numerous endemic species and complex food webs, though the full extent of species diversity and resource utilization in these ecosystems remains largely unexplored. This paper presents the results of biological surveys conducted from 2023 to 2024 in Sulfur Cave, located in the Vromoner Canyon on the Greek–Albanian border, focusing on microbial, vertebrate, and invertebrate communities and investigating the structure of the subterranean food web. The microbial communities from the different biofilms are dominated by chemosynthetic sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms, specifically filamentous bacteria such as Thiotrix and Beggiatoa. Two species of fish, an eel (Anguilla sp.) and a Cyprinid (Alburnoides sp.), and six bat species from three families (Rhinolophidae, Miniopteridae, and Vespertilionidae) were documented. The invertebrate fauna includes five aquatic species, 25 terrestrial species, and four amphibiotic species. Among these, eight species are endemic, and seven species exhibit troglomorphic traits. Stable isotope analysis showed light carbon and nitrogen values for the terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, suggesting that subterranean communities rely on food produced in situ by chemoautotrophic microorganisms. Our results identified cave areas of significant biological relevance and provided reference data to inform conservation actions aimed at preserving the biodiversity of this sulfidic cave.

The genome sequence of the endemic Mexican common mustached Bat, Pteronotus mexicanus. Miller, 1902 [Mormoopidae; Pteronotus]

We describe here the first characterization of the genome of the bat Pteronotus mexicanus, an endemic species of Mexico, as part of the Mexican Bat Genome Project which focuses on the characterization and assembly of the genomes of endemic bats in Mexico. The genome was assembled from a liver tissue sample of an adult male from Jalisco, Mexico provided by the Texas Tech University Museum tissue collection. The assembled genome size was 1.9 Gb. The assembly of the genome was fitted in a framework of 110,533 scaffolds and 1,659,535 contigs. The ecological importance of bats such as P. mexicanus, and their diverse ecological roles, underscores the value of having complete genomes in addressing information gaps and facing challenges regarding their function in ecosystems and their conservation.

Unraveling genomic features and phylogenomics through the analysis of three Mexican endemic Myotis genomes.

Genomic resource development for non-model organisms is rapidly progressing, seeking to uncover molecular mechanisms and evolutionary adaptations enabling thriving in diverse environments. Limited genomic data for bat species hinder insights into their evolutionary processes, particularly within the diverse Myotis genus of the Vespertilionidae family. In Mexico, 15 Myotis species exist, with three-M. vivesi, M. findleyi, and M. planiceps-being endemic and of conservation concern. We obtained samples of Myotis vivesi, M. findleyi, and M. planiceps for genomic analysis. Each of three genomic DNA was extracted, sequenced, and assembled. The scaffolding was carried out utilizing the M. yumanensis genome via a genome-referenced approach within the ntJoin program. GapCloser was employed to fill gaps. Repeat elements were characterized, and gene prediction was done via ab initio and homology methods with MAKER pipeline. Functional annotation involved InterproScan, BLASTp, and KEGG. Non-coding RNAs were annotated with INFERNAL, and tRNAscan-SE. Orthologous genes were clustered using Orthofinder, and a phylogenomic tree was reconstructed using IQ-TREE. We present genome assemblies of these endemic species using Illumina NovaSeq 6000, each exceeding 2.0 Gb, with over 90% representing single-copy genes according to BUSCO analyses. Transposable elements, including LINEs and SINEs, constitute over 30% of each genome. Helitrons, consistent with Vespertilionids, were identified. Values around 20,000 genes from each of the three assemblies were derived from gene annotation and their correlation with specific functions. Comparative analysis of orthologs among eight Myotis species revealed 20,820 groups, with 4,789 being single copy orthogroups. Non-coding RNA elements were annotated. Phylogenomic tree analysis supported evolutionary chiropterans' relationships. These resources contribute significantly to understanding gene evolution, diversification patterns, and aiding conservation efforts for these endangered bat species.

Detection and validation of common noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula) with a pulse radar and acoustic monitoring in the proximity of an onshore wind turbine.

This paper presents the results of bats detected with marine radar and their validation with acoustic detectors in the vicinity of a wind turbine with a hub height of 120 m. Bat detectors are widely used by researchers, even though the common acoustic detectors can cover only a relatively small volume. In contrast, radar technology can overcome this shortcoming by offering a large detection volume, fully covering the rotor-swept areas of modern wind turbines. Our study focused on the common noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula). The measurement setup consisted of a portable X-band pulse radar with a modified radar antenna, a clutter shielding fence, and an acoustic bat detector installed in the wind turbine's nacelle. The radar's detection range was evaluated using an analytical simulation model. We developed a methodology based on a strict set of criteria for selecting suitable radar data, acoustic data and identified bat tracks. By applying this methodology, the study data was limited to time intervals with an average duration of 48 s, which is equal to approximately 20 radar images. For these time intervals, 323 bat tracks were identified. The most common bat speed was extracted to be between 9 and 10 m/s, matching the values found in the literature. Of the 323 identified bat tracks passed within 80 m of the acoustic detector, 32% had the potential to be associated with bat calls due to their timing, directionality, and distance to the acoustic bat detector. The remaining 68% passed within the studied radar detection volume but out of the detection volume of the acoustic bat detector. A comparison of recorded radar echoes with the expected simulated values indicated that the in-flight radar cross-section of recorded common noctule bats was mostly between 1.0 and 5.0 cm2, which is consistent with the values found in the literature for similar sized wildlife.

Southern Africa's Great Escarpment as an amphitheater of climate-driven diversification and a buffer against future climate change in bats.

Hosting 1460 plant and 126 vertebrate endemic species, the Great Escarpment (hereafter, Escarpment) forms a semi-circular "amphitheater" of mountains girdling southern Africa from arid west to temperate east. Since arid and temperate biota are usually studied separately, earlier studies overlooked the biogeographical importance of the Escarpment as a whole. Bats disperse more widely than other mammalian taxa, with related species and intraspecific lineages occupying both arid and temperate highlands of the Escarpment, providing an excellent model to address this knowledge gap. We investigated patterns of speciation and micro-endemism from modeled past, present, and future distributions in six clades of southern African bats from three families (Rhinolophidae, Cistugidae, and Vespertilionidae) having different crown ages (Pleistocene to Miocene) and biome affiliations (temperate to arid). We estimated mtDNA relaxed clock dates of key divergence events across the six clades in relation both to biogeographical features and patterns of phenotypic variation in crania, bacula and echolocation calls. In horseshoe bats (Rhinolophidae), both the western and eastern "arms" of the Escarpment have facilitated dispersals from the Afrotropics into southern Africa. Pleistocene and pre-Pleistocene "species pumps" and temperate refugia explained observed patterns of speciation, intraspecific divergence and, in two cases, mtDNA introgression. The Maloti-Drakensberg is a center of micro-endemism for bats, housing three newly described or undescribed species. Vicariance across biogeographic barriers gave rise to 29 micro-endemic species and intraspecific lineages whose distributions were congruent with those identified in other phytogeographic and zoogeographic studies. Although Köppen-Geiger climate models predict a widespread replacement of current temperate ecosystems in southern Africa by tropical or arid ecosystems by 2070-2100, future climate Maxent models for 13 bat species (all but one of those analyzed above) showed minimal range changes in temperate species from the eastern Escarpment by 2070, possibly due to the buffering effect of mountains to climate change.

Heterogenous effects of bat declines from white‐nose syndrome on arthropods

AbstractIn North America, white‐nose syndrome (WNS) has caused precipitous declines in hibernating bat populations, raising the question of whether the rapid loss of arthropodivorous bats may affect the abundance of their prey. During the summers of 2015–2018 (1 year after the arrival of WNS in Wisconsin, USA), we performed intensive arthropod black‐light trapping, ultrasonic acoustic monitoring, and emergence counts at 10 little brown (Myotis lucifugus) and big brown (Eptesicus fuscus) bat maternity roosts with paired control sites. For little brown bats, which are severely affected by WNS, roost counts declined by 95% over the four‐year period, compared to a 38% decline in big brown bat roost counts. Total arthropod abundance decreased by 49%, although decreases among common little brown bat prey were less severe. Our natural predator exclusion experiment supports existing evidence that bats can have measurable trophic impacts on arthropod communities, primarily via top‐down effects on common prey.

Nation-wide surveillance of ticks (Acari: Argasidae) on bats (Chiroptera) in Singapore

Bats and ticks are important sources of zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, understanding the diversity, distribution, and ecology of both groups is crucial for public health preparedness. Soft ticks (Argasidae) are a major group of ectoparasites commonly associated with bats. The multi-host life cycle of many argasids make them important vectors of pathogens. Over nine years (2011–2020), surveillance was undertaken to identify the ticks associated with common bats in Singapore. During this period, the bat tick Ornithodoros batuensis was detected within populations of two cave roosting bat species: Eonycteris spelaea and Penthetor lucasi. We examined the relationship between bat species, roosting behaviour, and probability of O. batuensis infestation. We also estimated the relationship between bat life history variables (body condition index, sex, and age) on the probability of infestation and tick count. This represents the first detection of O. batuensis and the genus Ornithodoros within Singapore. We also provide evidence of the continued persistence of Argas pusillus in Singapore with the second local record.

Effects of tag mass on the physiology and behaviour of common noctule bats

BackgroundExternal tags, such as transmitters and loggers, are often used to study bat movements. However, physiological and behavioural effects on bats carrying tags have rarely been investigated, and recommendations on the maximum acceptable tag mass are rather based on rules of thumb than on rigorous scientific assessment.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive three-step assessment of the potential physiological and behavioural effects of tagging bats, using common noctules Nyctalus noctula as a model. First, we examined seasonal changes in body mass. Second, we predicted and then measured potential changes in flight metabolic rate in a wind tunnel. Third, we conducted a meta-analysis of published data to assess effects of different tag masses on the weight and behaviour of bats.ResultsIndividual body mass of common noctules varied seasonally by 7.0 ± 2.6 g (range: 0.5–11.5 g). Aerodynamic theory predicted a 26% increase in flight metabolic rate for a common noctule equipped with a 3.8 g tag, equating to 14% of body mass. In a wind tunnel experiment, we could not confirm the predicted increase for tagged bats. Our meta-analysis revealed a weak correlation between tag mass and emergence time and flight duration in wild bats. Interestingly, relative tag mass (3–19% of bat body mass) was not related to body mass loss, but bats lost more body mass the longer tags were attached. Notably, relatively heavy bats lost more mass than conspecifics with a more average body mass index.ConclusionBecause heavy tags (> 3 g) were generally used for shorter periods of time than lighter tags (~ 1 g), the long-term effects of heavy tags on bats cannot be assessed at this time. Furthermore, the effects of disturbance and resource distribution in the landscape cannot be separated from those of tagging. We recommend that tags weighing 5–10% of a bat’s mass should only be applied for a few days. For longer studies, tags weighing less than 5% of a bat's body mass should be used. To avoid adverse effects on bats, researchers should target individuals with average, rather than peak, body mass indices.

Effect of Fungi Presence on Wing Morphometry and Flight Behaviour in the Common Pipistrelle Bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)

Effect of Fungi Presence on Wing Morphometry and Flight Behaviour in the Common Pipistrelle Bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)

Hibernating vesper bats are a weak source for biomonitoring of coronaviruses

BackgroundOur study explores the role of bats as reservoirs of coronaviruses. MethodsWe conducted virological screening of bats hibernating in military bunkers at the Natura 2000 site “Nietoperek” in Western Poland collecting oral and anal swab samples from 138 bats across six species to apply a combination of pan-coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2 specific PCR assays. ResultsOnly one anal swab tested positive for coronavirus. No SARS-CoV-2 was detected in any of the samples. The low prevalence of coronavirus in the studied colony contrasts with higher rates found in other regions and may be influenced by hibernation. ConclusionsHibernating bats may show a low prevalence of coronavirus, potentially due to the hibernation process itself. This finding indicates that hibernating bats may not be the most optimal subjects for screening zoonotic pathogens. However, biomonitoring of bats for emerging and reemerging diseases is recommended for comprehensive epidemiological insights.

Comparative mitochondrial genomics of endemic Mexican vesper yellow bats genus Rhogeessa (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) and insights into internal relationships in the family Vespertilionidae

In the species-rich family Vespertilionidae, vesper yellow bats in the genus Rhogeessa include eleven species, three of them endemic to Mexico. These insectivorous bats provide important ecosystem services, including pest control. Even though some aspects of their biology are well- known, only a few genomic resources are available for these species, which limits our understanding of their biology. In this study, we assembled and annotated the mitochondrial genome of four species: R. aenea, R. genowaysi, R. mira, and R. parvula. We generated a phylomitogenomic hypothesis based on translated protein-coding genes for a total of 52 species in the family Vespertilionidae and examined the phylogenetic position of the genus Rhogeessa and species within the family. The AT-rich mitogenomes of R. aenea, R. genowaysi, R. mira, and R. parvula are 16,763, 16,781, 16,807, and 16,794 pb in length, respectively. Each studied mitogenome encodes 13 Protein Coding Genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes, and contains a putative control region (CR). All tRNAs exhibit a ‘cloverleaf’ secondary structure, except tRNA-Serine-1 that lacked the DHU arm in all studied mitogenomes. Selective pressure analyses indicated that all protein-coding genes are exposed to purifying selection. The phylomitogenomic analysis supported the monophyletic status of the family Vespertilionidae, confirmed the placement of Rhogeessa within the tribe Antrozoini, and clarified phylogenetic relationships within and among subfamilies and tribes in this family. Our results indicate that phylomitogenomics are useful to explore the evolutionary history of vesper bats. The assembly and comprehensive analysis of mitochondrial genomes offer the potential to generate molecular references and resources beneficial for genetic analyses aimed at understanding the ecology and evolution of these remarkable bats.