Myotis punicus (Felten, Spitzenberger & Storch, 1977)
Vespertilionidae

Data defficient

Description

Very similar to the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) and the lesser mouse-eared bat (Myotis blythii), its forearm measures between 54 and 64 mm, and it can weigh between 19 and 25 g. The ears are somewhat longer than those of the lesser mouse-eared bat, measuring between 26 and 29 mm. Unlike the greater mouse-eared bat, the tragus never has a dark-coloured tip. The dorsal fur is light brown with whitish tips, and the belly is lighter.

Distribution

In Europe, its distribution is limited to the islands of Sardinia, Corsica, Malta, Gozo, and Pantelleria. It is mainly found in Northwest Africa, in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Northwestern Libya.

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Roosts and phenology

Individual animals can be found in all types of underground shelters such as caves, tunnels, ruins, roofs, and cracks under bridges. Mating usually occurs in August, and like the greater mouse-eared bat, males defend individual holes within caves, attracting up to four females. Breeding shelters are exclusively in caves, with up to 1,000 females in a colony. It is often found associated with other cave-dwelling species such as horseshoe bats (Rhinolophidae family), the Schreiber's bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii), or the long-fingered bat (Myotis capaccinii). In Algeria, births occur between late March and late April, while in Morocco, they occur in mid-May.

It is believed to be an essentially sedentary species. A ringed male in Malta was recaptured on the island of Gozo, 22 km away. In contrast, the 12 km-wide Strait of Bonifacio appears to prevent genetic exchange between the populations of Corsica and Sardinia.

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Habitat and diet

It's a species that frequents open habitats such as fields, grasslands, and agricultural areas. It is rarely found in forest margins. In the southern part of its distribution, it is also found in semi-desert areas.

It primarily feeds on orthopterans (grasshoppers and crickets), beetles, and moths. Seasonally, hemipterans, cicadas, and spiders may be an important part of its diet. In Algeria, dipterans and lepidopterans have also been described as part of its diet. It usually hunts in areas with low vegetation or heavily grazed areas, with a low flight (less than 2 m above the ground). Prey is captured directly from the ground or in flight when they perch. Hunting areas in Corsica are typically about 10-15 km from the roost.