Wildlifeof Sri Lanka
Indian Roundleaf Bat
Bats
Photo: Pieter Prins · CC BY-SA 4.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Hipposideros lankadiva
Basic stats
Diet
Large, hard-bodied, slow-flying insects, especially scarab beetles
Habitat
Roosts in caves, tunnels, temple structures, old forts and underground chambers
Litter size
1
Size
Forearm about 83.5mm
Weight
About 59g
The Indian roundleaf bat, Hipposideros lankadiva, is large for a leaf-nosed bat, with a forearm of about 83.5 mm and a weight of about 59 g. Its fur is yellowish-brown, darker on the head and shoulders. It occurs across the Indian subcontinent, including throughout Sri Lanka, and in parts of Myanmar (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is gregarious, roosting in groups of 50 to several thousand in caves, abandoned tunnels, temples, old forts and chambers under dams and buildings. It feeds mainly on beetles, especially scarabs, and other large slow-flying insects, and has a single young a year. Disturbance of roosts and collection for food are named threats (Wikipedia, general species account). Nationally Vulnerable (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).
Quick answers
- What does the Indian Roundleaf Bat eat?
- Large, hard-bodied, slow-flying insects, especially scarab beetles
- What habitat does the Indian Roundleaf Bat live in?
- Roosts in caves, tunnels, temple structures, old forts and underground chambers
- What is the litter size of the Indian Roundleaf Bat?
- 1
- How big is the Indian Roundleaf Bat?
- Forearm about 83.5mm
- How much does the Indian Roundleaf Bat weigh?
- About 59g