Identification:
This bat species is small in size. Body length is 38 mm, tail length approximately 14 mm, forearm length 37-41 mm, ear length 19-22 mm, foot length 8.2-9.2 mm, skull length 17.5-18.2 mm, and mandible length 6.3-6.8 mm. The connection lobe extends beyond the height of the sella. The lower margin of the median nasal leaf is expanded along the border of the sella. The sella is broad with parallel edges and covered with long, dense hairs on its anterior surface. The anterior nasal leaf covers the upper lip. The fur is short and not smooth.
Biology and Ecology:
This species typically inhabits caves and tunnels, often coexisting with the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus luctus (Blandford, 1888)). They typically emerge from their roosts to forage at dawn and dusk. They fly quickly and at high speeds to capture insects (beetles, dipterans) during the rainy season.
Distribution:
These bats are found throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Borneo. In Vietnam, they have been found in Lào Cai and Nam Hà.
Value:
This is a rare species with value for scientific research, aesthetic appreciation, and the control of harmful insects in nature.