Bat bugs (Cimex pipistrelli, Heteroptera) and roost switching in bats
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2007 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Berichte der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft der Oberlausitz |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Zoology |
| Keywords | bats bugs roost switching |
| Description | The objectives of the presented study is to extend the knowledge about roosting strategies of bats and interaction of bats with roost ectoparasites, bat bugs of group Cimex pipistrelli. Results of the previous project have shown frequent movements between different shelters in P. pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus. This study was focussed on potential causality of the bat movements and the dynamics in numbers of the bat bugs. Furthermore, the level of comfort behaviour (grooming) in adult females was assessed. Behavioural patterns was recorded by a digital camera in experimental volary. Experimental sessions were held in the volary equipped with two bat boxes and under standard microclimatic. The level of autogrooming correlated positively with the number of bat bugs using in the boxes during experimental sessions. Females of bats were not stressed by presence of bugs but were stressed by the puncture of bat bugs after which they usually left the roost. Bat bugs did not be able to suck on bats during the daily torpor because of low body temperature. Only huge densities of the roost parasites and contemporary high roost temperature, which limite bats go into torpor and decrease their body temperature, could be the reason to switch roosts. Bat bugs, bats, roost switching |
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