Identification:
These bats are small in size. Body length is 40-50 mm, tail length is approximately 30-40 mm, forearm length is 39-44 mm, ear length is 10-14 mm, foot length is 9-9.5 mm, skull length is 26-26.5 mm, mandible length is 10-10.4 mm, and the zygomatic arch width is about 7.3-7.7 mm. The anterior premolars are half the height of the posterior premolars. The molar teeth in the jaw meet at the front. The posterior nasal leaf has three distinct lobes, with a deep groove separating the central lobe from the peripheral lobes. The lobes on the upper edge of the posterior nasal leaf are broad, almost touching each other. The anterior part of the nose is level with the eye sockets.
Biology and Ecology:
This species typically inhabits caves and tunnels, roosting in small groups, approximately 30 cm apart. They usually leave their roosts to forage at dawn and dusk. They fly quickly and at high speeds to catch insects (beetles, flies) during the rainy season.
Distribution:
These bats are found throughout Southeast Asia, from Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam to Malaysia, the Philippines, and Borneo. In Vietnam, this species is found in Lai Chau (Muong Muon), Lao Cai (Sapa), Ninh Binh (Cuc Phuong), Hoa Binh (Chi Ne), and Quang Binh.
Value:
This is a rare species with scientific, aesthetic, and ecological value, as it helps control insect pests in nature.