A Painted Bat in flight. This is a rarely seen speccies that is widespread throughout much of Southeast Asia. In Thailand these bats roost in the dried tips of dyiing banana leaves, living in mated pairs, often with a single pup. Their color blends well with the leaves in which they roost, but the purpose for the striking, butterfly-like wing pattern is unknown. When disturbed into flying from roosts during the day, they exhibit a butterfly-like flight, hence their alternate name, Butterfy Bat. Average adult body length is about 4 cm, and weight is approximately 4.5 gms. These bats feed on small, flying insects. ©Merlin Tuttle, All Rights Reserved. Photo may not be used without written permission.
A Painted Bat in flight. This is a rarely seen speccies that is widespread throughout much of Southeast Asia. In Thailand these bats roost in the dried tips of dyiing banana leaves, living in mated pairs, often with a single pup. Their color blends well with the leaves in which they roost, but the purpose for the striking, butterfly-like wing pattern is unknown. When disturbed into flying from roosts during the day, they exhibit a butterfly-like flight, hence their alternate name, Butterfy Bat. Average adult body length is about 4 cm, and weight is approximately 4.5 gms. These bats feed on small, flying insects. ©Merlin Tuttle, All Rights Reserved. Photo may not be used without written permission.