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International Journal of
Entomology Research
ARCHIVES
VOL. 9, ISSUE 9 (2024)
Seasonal variations in feeding ecology of Megaderma lyra bats in Udaipur region of southern Rajasthan
Authors
Dr. Rekha Salvi, Dr. Shashi Parmar
Abstract

The present study investigates the seasonal dietary composition of Megaderma lyra in the Udaipur region of southern Rajasthan. Fecal samples were collected weekly from beneath bat roosts over one year (2008–2009) at 12 different sites. Prey remains were identified through morphological analysis of these samples, combined with examining culled parts found beneath feeding roosts. Microphotographs were used to confirm the identification of insect parts from the fecal pellets, with insect prey classified up to the order level based on authenticated literature.

Results indicate that the Indian false vampire bat predominantly feeds on insects from the orders Coleoptera, Orthoptera, and Hemiptera. Analysis of guano revealed undigested insect remains, such as body sclerites, claws, elytra, leg segments, and various other body parts from these orders. In Coleoptera, remains included claws, elytra, tarsal segments, and tibia-tarsi, while Orthoptera remains consisted of legs, wings, and damaged maxillae. Hemiptera fragments included antennal segments. These findings suggest that Megaderma lyra exhibits a preference for these insect orders across different seasons in the study area.
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Pages:126-129
How to cite this article:
Dr. Rekha Salvi, Dr. Shashi Parmar "Seasonal variations in feeding ecology of <i>Megaderma lyra</i> bats in Udaipur region of southern Rajasthan". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 9, Issue 9, 2024, Pages 126-129
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