Halcyon horseshoe bat

Halcyon horseshoe bat
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Chiroptera
Family:	Rhinolophidae
Genus:	Rhinolophus
Species:	R. alcyone
Binomial name
Rhinolophus alcyone Temminck, 1852
Halcyon Horseshoe Bat range

The halcyon horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus alcyone) is a species of

Individuals have a forearm length of 48–56 mm (1.9–2.2 in) and weigh 14–23 g (0.49–0.81 oz). It is considered medium-sized for an African horseshoe bat. The fur of its back is dark or medium brown, while its belly fur is paler. Alternately, some individuals have pale brown to orangeish-red fur.[3] The dramatic color differences correspond to eastern and western populations of the species, which may lead to a reevaluation of their taxonomic statuses.^[1]

Biology and ecology

Its diet and reproductive patterns are unknown, but four pregnant females were documented in February in Ivory Coast. While roosting it may be solitary or in small groups. It is affected by fly parasites Phthiridium inopinatum, a nycteribiid, and Raymondia allisoni, a streblid.^[3]

Range and habitat

The halcyon horseshoe bat is distributed widely throughout Central and Western Africa. It is Sub-Saharan, with the southernmost extent of its range in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Though there is a record of it from Gabon, it is possible that this is a mistaken identification of a forest horseshoe bat. Its habitat includes forests and savannas.^[1] During the day, it roosts in sheltered places like caves, hollow logs, mines, or rarely, huts.^[3]

References