Framed Lesser Asiatic Yellow Bat
Scotophilus kuhlii, commonly known as the Lesser Asiatic Yellow Bat or Asiatic Lesser Yellow House Bat, is a species of vesper bat found across a wide swath of Asia. This adaptable creature is a common sight in both rural and urban environments, often coexisting with human populations.
With a conservation status of "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, Scotophilus kuhlii is not considered to be under any significant threat. This is largely due to its widespread distribution and ability to thrive in a variety of habitats.
Physical Characteristics
The Lesser Asiatic Yellow Bat is a medium-sized bat with a head and body length of approximately 7 centimeters (about 2.75 inches) and a forearm length of around 5 centimeters (about 2 inches). Its fur is short, dense, and soft, with a distinctive coloration. The dorsal (upper) side of its body is typically a yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, while its ventral (under) side is a paler shade of brown or yellowish-white. The wings are generally dark brown.
Habitat and Distribution
This species boasts an extensive geographic range, from Pakistan and India eastward through Southeast Asia, including countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Scotophilus kuhlii is highly adaptable, roosting in a variety of locations. In natural settings, they can be found in hollow trees, under the bark of trees, and in the crowns of palms. However, they have also successfully adapted to human-modified landscapes and frequently establish colonies in buildings, including in the attics and eaves of houses.
Diet and Foraging Behavior
The Lesser Asiatic Yellow Bat is an insectivore, primarily feeding on a diet of flying insects. Their prey includes beetles, moths, termites, and other nocturnal insects. They are known to be early foragers, emerging in the early evening to hunt. They are agile flyers and can often be seen foraging for insects around streetlights and in open areas.
Reproduction
Details on the reproductive biology of Scotophilus kuhlii are not extensively documented, but like other vesper bats, they give birth to live young. They typically have one or two pups per litter.