A distinguished member of the Rhinolophidae family, it is the largest of its kind in Europe. This species is notably recognized for the unique horseshoe-shaped skin flap around its nose, a remarkable evolutionary adaptation that enhances its echolocation capabilities. This nose-leaf acts as a precision tool, focusing ultrasonic sounds emitted by the bat, which bounce off objects and return as echoes. By interpreting these echoes, the Greater Horseshoe Bat can ‘see’ its environment in complete darkness, locating prey and navigating through its habitat with remarkable accuracy.
The fur of the Greater Horseshoe Bat is characterized by its softness and fluffiness, providing insulation against the cooler temperatures of their natural habitats. The base color of their fur is light grey, transitioning to grey-brown on the back and a contrasting grey-white on the belly. This coloration offers a degree of camouflage within the dimly lit environments they frequent. Additionally, their ears and wing membranes are a light grey-brown, consistent with the rest of their body coloration, contributing to their subtle appearance.
Diet-wise, the Greater Horseshoe Bat is an insectivore with a particular penchant for insects and moths, which constitute approximately 41% of its diet. Moths, with their nocturnal activity patterns, provide an abundant food source for these bats, matching their own nocturnal habits. Beetles, another significant component of their diet, make up about 33%. The bat’s dietary preferences underline its role in controlling insect populations, contributing to the balance of ecosystems they inhabit.
Despite their ability to fly long distances, Greater Horseshoe Bats are relatively sedentary creatures. They typically travel up to 30 km (19 miles) between their summer and winter roosts, showcasing a strong fidelity to their chosen habitats. The longest recorded travel distance for a Greater Horseshoe Bat is 180 km (110 miles), an exception rather than the norm, indicating their preference for stable, long-term roosting sites.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Belgium
Official estimate
Bhutan
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
China
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
France
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Official estimate
Greece
Hungary
India
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Kyrgyzstan
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Morocco
Nepal
Netherlands
Official estimate
North Korea
North Macedonia
Pakistan
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Syria
Tajikistan
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
United Kingdom
UzbekistanAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
