Kuhl's pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii) is a species of vesper bat that occurs in large areas of North Africa, Southern Europe and West Asia. It lives in temperate forests, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, temperate grassland, rural gardens, and urban areas.[1]
Kuhl's pipistrelle was first described in 1817, under the name Vespertilio kuhlii, in a work by Heinrich Kuhl entitled Die deutschen Fledermäuse ("The bats of Germany").[2] The specific epithet was chosen by Johann Natterer, who had collected the first specimens, and commemorates Kuhl; under the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, however, Kuhl himself is regarded as the authority, as the first to report the name.[3]
The population in Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Sudan was formerly known as Pipistrellus deserti, which is now considered to be a junior synonym of Pipistrellus kuhlii.[4]
Description
Kuhl's pipistrelle's fur is dark brown to yellowish, while the wings are black or dark brown. Some individuals have a white stripe at the wing edges. It has a body length of 40–55mm (1.6–2.2in) with a 30–45mm (1.2–1.8in) long tail, and it weighs around 5–10g (0.18–0.35oz). Its wingspan is 210–230mm (8.3–9.1in).[5] It is slightly sexually dimorphic, with males larger than the females.[6]
Distribution and habitat
Kuhl's pipistrelle lives in a variety of habitats, including commonly in urban areas. It occurs from sea-level to an elevation of 2,000m (6,600ft). As it is common across a large and increasing range, it is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.[1]
Behaviour and ecology
Kuhl's pipistrelle is a generalist insectivore, with a widely varying diet depending on the individual and location.[7] In some cases, it may also feed on small amounts of fruit.[6] It feeds by catching its prey in flight by scooping them up in its wings or tail membrane.[7] It typically hunts near other Kuhl's pipistrelles.[8]
To attract females, males will emit mating calls distinct from the normal echolocation calls, often in large groups.[8]
↑ Benda, P.; Andriollo, T.; Rüdi, M. (2015). "Systematic position and taxonomy of Pipistrellus deserti (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)". Mammalia. 79 (4): 419–438. doi:10.1515/MAMMALIA-2014-0024.
↑ Wilson, D. E.; Mittermeier, R. A. (2019). "Vespertilionidae". Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Vol.9 Bats. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. pp.716–981. doi:10.5281/zenodo.6397752. ISBN978-84-16728-19-0.
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