Javanese long-fingered bat
# Javanese long-fingered bat

The Javanese long-fingered bat (Miniopterus blepotis) is a species of bat from the Miniopterus genus native to Indonesia. A common misconception was that Miniopterus blepotis belonged to the M. schreibersii subspecies. M. blepotis was recognized as a distinct species after the Schreibersii complex was divided. This is backed up by New Guinean mtDNA sequence data that is ascribed to M. blepotis. Whether it is a complex made up of multiple species is unknown.

It's hindleg measures 6–10 mm (0.24–0.39 in) and it's ear measures 1–14 mm (0.039–0.551 in). Although forearm length is typically shorter, it falls within the Western bent-winged bat's range. In relation to the length of its forearm, it has a correspondingly smaller tibia.

## Taxonomy

Miniopterus, a widespread genus of bats in Africa, southern Eurasia, and Australia, was first recorded from Madagascar by George Edward Dobson, who mentioned the larger Miniopterus schreibersii and the smaller M. scotinus (currently M. natalensis) in his 1878 catalog of the bats in the British Museum.

## Description

In New Guinea, the dorsal fur has two colors—dark black-brown bases and light red-brown or medium brown points. It has a head-to-body length of 46–63 mm (1.8–2.5 in), a 39–62.5 mm (1.54–2.46 in) tail and an average weight of 8–17 g (0.28–0.60 oz). The tragus is short, blunt, and slightly bent forward. The ears are also short.

## Distribution and ecology

It ranges across Borneo, Malay Peninsula, New Guinea, Lesser Sunda and some nearby Islands. It inhabits dry, secondary and wet forests in elevations of up to 2,900 m (9,500 ft). Although it prefers caves, it can also be found in mines or tunnels. Species of Miniopterus such as the little long-fingered bat (M. australis) and the large long-fingered bat are frequently seen in colonies alongside Javanese long-fingered bats. It seeks aerial prey above the canopy of the forest in its quick, direct flight.

