Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bat
Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bat is a small bat species native to southern Africa. Recognized for its distinctive wing glands and variable fur coloration, this bat inhabits diverse environments ranging from dry savannas to mountainous regions. Despite facing habitat loss, it currently holds a conservation status of Least Concern.
Meet Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bat
Classification
Cistugo lesueuri, commonly known as Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bat, is a diminutive bat species with a head-body length ranging from 44 to 55 mm and a tail length of approximately 43 to 45 mm. The forearm measures between 33 and 38.4 mm, and individuals weigh between 5.5 to 7.9 grams.
This species exhibits a variable dorsal pelage, ranging from yellowish-orange and yellowish-brown to pale brown or reddish-brown, with dark brown or blackish hair bases. The ventral side is lighter, presenting pale brown to whitish tones. Notably, the wing membranes typically bear one to two visible glands, a characteristic feature of the species.
Morphologically, it closely resembles the Angolan Wing-gland Bat (Cistugo seabrae), though C. lesueuri tends to be slightly larger with darker and denser fur. The bat’s tragus is elongated and pointed, and it possesses two small upper premolars that are often not visible when viewed laterally. The lower molars are myotodont, similar to those in the genus Myotis.
Where Does Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bat Live?
Biogeographic Realm: Afrotropic
Continents: Africa
Subcontinents: Southern Africa
Countries: South Africa, Lesotho
Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bat is endemic to parts of South Africa and Lesotho. It predominantly inhabits the Fynbos, Karoo, and Thicket biomes, often in proximity to water sources and primarily in mountainous terrains above 1,500 meters elevation.
The species has been recorded at elevations up to 2,420 meters in the high plateaus of Lesotho, residing in wet alpine meadows interspersed with numerous small lakes. Dominant habitats include Afromontane, Highveld, and South-West Cape biotic zones.
What Do Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bats Eat?
Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bats are insectivorous, primarily feeding on various insects. Fecal analyses from the Northern Cape Province in South Africa indicated that dipterans (flies) constituted about half of the volume of consumed prey, with hemipterans (true bugs) also abundant, comprising approximately one-third of the diet.
The diet also includes smaller proportions of hymenopterans (wasps and bees), small beetles, caddisflies, and mayflies, suggesting a preference for riverine hunting habitats. Their echolocation and wing morphology classify them as typical clutter-edge foragers, hunting close to vegetation.
However, in the highlands of Lesotho, where grasslands are almost devoid of trees, their hunting strategies might be flexible, also encompassing more open aerial feeding.
What Eats Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bats? – Predators & Natural Enemies
Specific natural predators of Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bat have not been extensively documented. However, like other small bat species, they are likely susceptible to predation by birds of prey, such as owls, and terrestrial predators, including small carnivores and snakes.
Additionally, their remains may be scavenged by various opportunistic feeders. Further research is needed to identify specific predators and understand the predation pressures faced by this species.
Behavior & Lifestyle
Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bat is nocturnal, with activity commencing early after sunset. During the day, individuals roost in crevices of cliffs or large rocks, forming mixed-sex colonies of up to 40 individuals. When captured in nets, they are reportedly quiet and docile.
Their echolocation calls are characteristic of low-duty cycle echolocating bats, featuring a strongly frequency-modulated (FM) initial component terminating with a short constant frequency (CF) component. Recorded call parameters include a peak frequency of approximately 46.5 kHz, a bandwidth of around 45.8 kHz, and a duration of about 2.9 milliseconds.
These bats are adapted to forage in cluttered environments, hunting close to vegetation, although they may also employ more open aerial feeding strategies in certain habitats.
How Do Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bats Reproduce?
Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bats typically give birth to a single offspring, although instances of twins have been recorded. Pregnant females have been observed in October and December, suggesting a breeding season during these months. Scrotal males have been noted in mid-February, indicating a possible extended reproductive period.
Specific details regarding gestation length, parental care, and early life stages remain undocumented, highlighting the need for further research to fully understand the reproductive biology of this species.
Are Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bats Endangered? – Conservation Status & Threats
Le Sueur’s Wing-gland Bat is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not presently at high risk of extinction. However, localized threats such as habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and climate change may impact its populations over time. The loss of natural roosting sites, particularly in rocky outcrops and cliffs, poses a significant concern.
While no major conservation programs are specifically targeting this species, the protection of its natural habitats within national parks and reserves in South Africa and Lesotho helps safeguard its populations. Further studies on its population trends and ecological requirements are needed to ensure its long-term survival.
