Dung beetles, Hymenoptera, Cockchafers...they all are a yummy part of the diet of
the GREATER HORSESHOE BAT (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum).
"Diet and hunting
The species feeds preferentially on lepidoptera (moths), making up around 41% of the diet[13] - in particular the noctuidae species [14],Coleoptera (beetles) constitute around 33% of the diet[13], of which dung beetles are often taken[.] Aphodius rufipes is one such dung beetle forming an especially important part of its diet. Cow pats are part of its life cycle, acting as food source and habitat for the larvae. Up to 100 larvae can be found in a single cow pat. The beetle is most abundant in August when the young bats begin their first feeeding flights).[15] The remainder of the diet being Hymenoptera and Diptera.[13] Cockchafers also form an important part of its diet."
"The greater horseshoe bat is the largest bat in Europe.[5] It has a distinctive noseleaf, which has a pointed upper part and a horseshoe shaped lower part.[6] Its horseshoe noseleaf helps to focus the ultrasound it uses to 'see'. "
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rhinolophus_ferumequinum_ras.jpg |
Did you notice the pale bluish cave walls in the top image?
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Happy Blue Monday! (meme)
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Very good bat shot for today. I have never liked to be near one.
ReplyDeleteThey're not my favorites either. Happy Blue Monday, Dorin.
ReplyDeleteI had those cards when I was a kid! I like their new philatelic use!
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