Mediterranean Long-eared Bat - Plecotus kolombatovici - Μεσογειακή Ωτονυχτερίδα - Cyprus.

See also 

All about Cyprus - Όλα για την Κύπρο

Plecotus kolombatovici Dulic, 1980 - Μεσογειακή Ωτονυχτερίδα - Kolombatovic's Long-eared Bat - Mediterranean Long-eared Bat - Cyprus

Λίστα των θηλαστικών της Κύπρου - List of mammals of Cyprus

Λίστα με τα 19 είδη νυχτερίδων της Κύπρου - List of 19 bats species of    Cyprus

Geoffroy's bat, Geoffroy’s myotis - Myotis emarginatus (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1806) - Cyprus

 See also

All about Cyprus - Όλα για την Κύπρο.

Λίστα με τα 19 είδη νυχτερίδων της Κύπρου - List of 19 bats species of Cyprus

Λίστα των θηλαστικών της Κύπρου - List of mammals of Cyprus

Τα 31 θηλαστικά της Κύπρου (Web TV) - Του Γιώργου Κωνσταντίνου - Εφημερίδα πολίτης 20/5/2018

Οι 19 νυχτερίδες της Κύπρου (Web TV) - Του Γιώργου Κωνσταντίνου - Εφημερίδα πολίτης 4/2/2018

Photos  Pomos 12/4/2023 by Demetris Kolokotronis

Below in English

Κείμενο: Γιώργος Κωνσταντίνου

Η Myotis emarginatus, γνωστή στα αγγλικά ως Geoffroy’s bat ή Geoffroy’s myotis, είναι μια μικρού έως μεσαίου μεγέθους εντομοφάγος νυχτερίδα της οικογένειας Vespertilionidae. Απαντά και στην Κύπρο, όπου αποτελεί μέρος της ιδιαίτερα πλούσιας πανίδας χειροπτέρων του νησιού.

Η επιστημονική ονομασία emarginatus αναφέρεται στη χαρακτηριστική εγκοπή που υπάρχει στο εξωτερικό χείλος κάθε αυτιού. Το γνώρισμα αυτό είναι χρήσιμο για την αναγνώριση του είδους, πρέπει όμως να εξετάζεται μαζί με τα υπόλοιπα μορφολογικά χαρακτηριστικά, καθώς αρκετά είδη του γένους Myotis μοιάζουν μεταξύ τους.

Περιγραφή και αναγνώριση

Πρόκειται για σχετικά μικρόσωμη νυχτερίδα, με μήκος πήχη περίπου 36–42 χιλιοστά, άνοιγμα φτερών γύρω στα 22–25 εκατοστά και βάρος συνήθως περίπου 7–15 γραμμάρια. Το τρίχωμά της είναι πυκνό, μακρύ και μάλλινο.

Στα ενήλικα άτομα η ράχη έχει συνήθως καστανοκόκκινες, σκουροκίτρινες ή κοκκινωπές αποχρώσεις. Οι τρίχες της ράχης είναι τρίχρωμες, με γκρίζα βάση, κιτρινωπό ή καστανό ενδιάμεσο τμήμα και κοκκινωπή κορυφή. Η κοιλιακή επιφάνεια είναι πιο ανοιχτόχρωμη, κιτρινωπή ή γκριζόλευκη. Τα νεαρά άτομα είναι συνήθως πιο σκούρα και γκρίζα, χωρίς τις έντονες κοκκινωπές αποχρώσεις των ενηλίκων.

Τα αυτιά είναι καστανά, μέτριου μήκους και παρουσιάζουν τη χαρακτηριστική εγκοπή στο εξωτερικό τους χείλος. Το πτερύγιο του αυτιού εκτείνεται λίγο πέρα από την κορυφή του τράγου, ενώ ο τράγος είναι λεπτός και μυτερός. Το ρύγχος έχει συνήθως ροζοκάστανο ή καστανό χρώμα.

Εξάπλωση στον κόσμο

Η γεωγραφική εξάπλωση του είδους εκτείνεται στη νότια και κεντρική Ευρώπη, στη βορειοδυτική Αφρική, στον Καύκασο, στη Μέση Ανατολή και σε τμήματα της δυτικής και κεντρικής Ασίας. Συναντάται από την Ιβηρική Χερσόνησο και τη βορειοδυτική Αφρική μέχρι το Αφγανιστάν και περιοχές της Κεντρικής Ασίας.

Η Κύπρος βρίσκεται μέσα στο ανατολικό μεσογειακό τμήμα της φυσικής εξάπλωσής της. Η παρουσία της έχει επιβεβαιωθεί τόσο στις ελεύθερες όσο και στις κατεχόμενες περιοχές του νησιού. Παρά ταύτα, οι διαθέσιμες καταγραφές παραμένουν περιορισμένες και δεν επιτρέπουν ακόμη την πλήρη αποτύπωση της κατανομής και του μεγέθους του κυπριακού πληθυσμού.

Ενδιαίτημα και καταφύγια

Η Myotis emarginatus προτιμά θερμές περιοχές με μωσαϊκό φυσικών και αγροτικών ενδιαιτημάτων. Αναζητά τροφή σε δασωμένες εκτάσεις, θαμνώνες, παρυφές δασών, παραποτάμια βλάστηση, ελαιώνες, οπωρώνες, λιβάδια και παραδοσιακά γεωργικά τοπία. Μπορεί επίσης να κυνηγά μέσα ή κοντά σε στάβλους και κτηνοτροφικά υποστατικά, όπου συχνά συγκεντρώνονται μύγες και άλλα έντομα.

Χρησιμοποιεί ως καταφύγια σπήλαια, εγκαταλειμμένα μεταλλεία, υπόγειες στοές, παλιά κτίρια, στέγες και άλλες σκοτεινές και σχετικά ήσυχες θέσεις. Στις θερμότερες περιοχές της εξάπλωσής της οι αναπαραγωγικές αποικίες εγκαθίστανται συχνά σε σπήλαια και άλλα υπόγεια καταφύγια.

Μπορεί να σχηματίζει μικτές αποικίες με πεταλοειδείς νυχτερίδες του γένους Rhinolophus. Η συνύπαρξη αυτή κάνει ακόμη σημαντικότερη την προστασία των σπηλαίων και των άλλων θέσεων όπου συγκεντρώνονται πολλά διαφορετικά είδη νυχτερίδων.

Συμπεριφορά και ηχοεντοπισμός

Η Geoffroy’s bat είναι νυκτόβιο είδος. Εγκαταλείπει το ημερήσιο καταφύγιό της μετά τη δύση του ήλιου και πετά συνήθως χαμηλά, κοντά στη βλάστηση. Η πτήση της είναι αργή αλλά εξαιρετικά ευέλικτη, επιτρέποντάς της να κινείται ανάμεσα σε κλαδιά, θάμνους και άλλα εμπόδια.

Χρησιμοποιεί υπερηχητικές κλήσεις ηχοεντοπισμού για τον προσανατολισμό και τον εντοπισμό της λείας της. Οι κλήσεις της μπορεί να είναι δύσκολο να διακριθούν αποκλειστικά με ακουστικούς ανιχνευτές από εκείνες άλλων μικρών ειδών του γένους Myotis. Για ασφαλή ταυτοποίηση χρειάζεται συνδυασμός ακουστικών δεδομένων, μορφολογικών χαρακτηριστικών και, όπου είναι απαραίτητο, γενετικής εξέτασης.

Διατροφή και τρόπος κυνηγιού

Η διατροφή της αποτελείται κυρίως από αρθρόποδα, με ιδιαίτερη προτίμηση στις αράχνες και στις μύγες. Τρέφεται επίσης με μικρές νυχτοπεταλούδες, σκαθάρια, νευρόπτερα και άλλα έντομα.

Σε αντίθεση με είδη που συλλαμβάνουν το μεγαλύτερο μέρος της λείας τους στον αέρα, η Myotis emarginatus χρησιμοποιεί συχνά την τεχνική της συλλογής από επιφάνειες. Με αργή και ελεγχόμενη πτήση εντοπίζει και αρπάζει αράχνες και έντομα από φύλλα, κλαδιά, τοίχους ή άλλες επιφάνειες. Μπορεί ακόμη να αιωρείται στιγμιαία μπροστά από τη βλάστηση πριν συλλάβει τη λεία της.

Με την κατανάλωση μεγάλου αριθμού εντόμων συμβάλλει στον φυσικό έλεγχο των πληθυσμών τους και αποτελεί σημαντικό τμήμα της λειτουργίας των νυκτερινών οικοσυστημάτων.

Αναπαραγωγή

Την άνοιξη οι θηλυκές συγκεντρώνονται σε αναπαραγωγικές αποικίες, οι οποίες μπορεί να περιλαμβάνουν από λίγες δεκάδες μέχρι αρκετές εκατοντάδες άτομα. Οι αποικίες χρειάζονται θερμά και ήσυχα καταφύγια με σταθερές συνθήκες.

Κάθε θηλυκό γεννά συνήθως ένα μικρό, από τα μέσα Ιουνίου μέχρι τις αρχές Ιουλίου. Το νεογέννητο εξαρτάται πλήρως από τη μητέρα του κατά τις πρώτες εβδομάδες της ζωής του. Τα νεαρά αρχίζουν να πετούν σε ηλικία περίπου τεσσάρων εβδομάδων και απογαλακτίζονται λίγες εβδομάδες αργότερα.

Η ενόχληση μιας αναπαραγωγικής αποικίας μπορεί να προκαλέσει πανικό, εγκατάλειψη του καταφυγίου ή πτώση των νεογνών. Για τον λόγο αυτό δεν πρέπει να εισερχόμαστε σε γνωστά καταφύγια, ιδιαίτερα κατά την περίοδο της γέννας και της ανάπτυξης των μικρών.

Χειμερινή περίοδος

Κατά τη χειμερινή περίοδο το είδος καταφεύγει σε σπήλαια, στοές, υπόγεια και άλλα προστατευμένα σημεία με κατάλληλη θερμοκρασία και υγρασία. Εκεί μειώνει σημαντικά τη δραστηριότητα και τον μεταβολισμό του, ώστε να εξοικονομεί ενέργεια όταν η διαθεσιμότητα εντόμων είναι χαμηλή.

Η αφύπνιση κατά τη χειμερία νάρκη αναγκάζει τη νυχτερίδα να καταναλώσει πολύτιμα αποθέματα λίπους. Οι επανειλημμένες ενοχλήσεις μπορεί να μειώσουν τις πιθανότητες επιβίωσής της μέχρι την άνοιξη.

Παρουσία στην Κύπρο

Η Myotis emarginatus αποτελεί επιβεβαιωμένο είδος της κυπριακής πανίδας. Επιστημονικές έρευνες για τις νυχτερίδες της Κύπρου έχουν τεκμηριώσει την παρουσία της σε διάφορες περιοχές του νησιού. Έρευνα στις κατεχόμενες περιοχές κατέγραψε το είδος σε τρεις τοποθεσίες και το ανέφερε για πρώτη φορά από το βόρειο τμήμα της Κύπρου.

Ο σχετικά μικρός αριθμός γνωστών καταγραφών δεν σημαίνει κατ’ ανάγκην ότι το είδος περιορίζεται μόνο σε αυτές τις θέσεις. Οι νυχτερίδες είναι δύσκολο να εντοπιστούν και να αναγνωριστούν, ενώ μεγάλο μέρος των πιθανών καταφυγίων και περιοχών τροφοληψίας του νησιού δεν έχει ερευνηθεί συστηματικά.

Η διατήρηση των φυσικών σπηλαίων, των παλιών μεταλλείων, των ώριμων δασικών συστάδων, της παραποτάμιας βλάστησης και του παραδοσιακού αγροτικού τοπίου είναι σημαντική για τη μακροχρόνια επιβίωσή της στην Κύπρο.

Απειλές

Οι κυριότερες απειλές για το είδος είναι:

• Η καταστροφή, η αλλοίωση ή το κλείσιμο σπηλαίων και υπόγειων καταφυγίων.
• Η ενόχληση αναπαραγωγικών αποικιών και θέσεων χειμερίας νάρκης.
• Η ανακαίνιση ή κατεδάφιση παλιών κτιρίων χωρίς προηγούμενο έλεγχο για νυχτερίδες.
• Η απώλεια δασικής, θαμνώδους και παραποτάμιας βλάστησης.
• Η εντατικοποίηση της γεωργίας και η εκτεταμένη χρήση εντομοκτόνων.
• Η μείωση των διαθέσιμων εντόμων και η πιθανή δηλητηρίαση μέσω μολυσμένης λείας.
• Ο τεχνητός φωτισμός κοντά σε καταφύγια και διαδρομές πτήσης.
• Η άμεση θανάτωση εξαιτίας φόβου, άγνοιας ή λανθασμένων αντιλήψεων.

Προστασία και κατάσταση διατήρησης

Σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο η Myotis emarginatus κατατάσσεται από τη Διεθνή Ένωση Προστασίας της Φύσης στην κατηγορία Μειωμένου Ενδιαφέροντος – Least Concern (LC). Αυτή η αξιολόγηση αφορά το σύνολο της παγκόσμιας εξάπλωσής της και δεν σημαίνει ότι κάθε τοπικός ή νησιωτικός πληθυσμός είναι ασφαλής.

Το είδος περιλαμβάνεται στα Παραρτήματα II και IV της ευρωπαϊκής Οδηγίας 92/43/ΕΟΚ για τους Οικοτόπους. Συνεπώς απαιτείται τόσο η προστασία σημαντικών ενδιαιτημάτων του μέσω του δικτύου Natura 2000 όσο και η αυστηρή προστασία των ατόμων, των αναπαραγωγικών θέσεων και των καταφυγίων του. Προστατεύεται επίσης από τη Σύμβαση της Βέρνης και τη Συμφωνία EUROBATS.

Όλες οι νυχτερίδες είναι ωφέλιμα και ευαίσθητα άγρια ζώα. Δεν επιτίθενται στους ανθρώπους και πρέπει να αποφεύγεται ο χειρισμός τους χωρίς ειδικές γνώσεις και προστατευτικό εξοπλισμό. Αν εντοπιστεί αποικία σε κτίριο, η απομάκρυνση ή η σφράγιση των εισόδων δεν πρέπει να γίνεται πριν από αξιολόγηση από αρμόδιους ειδικούς.

Φωτογραφίες

Πωμός, Κύπρος, 12 Απριλίου 2023.
Φωτογραφίες: Demetris Kolokotronis

Ταξινομική κατάταξη

• Βασίλειο: Animalia – Ζώα
• Συνομοταξία: Chordata – Χορδωτά
• Ομοταξία: Mammalia – Θηλαστικά
• Τάξη: Chiroptera – Χειρόπτερα
• Οικογένεια: Vespertilionidae
• Υποοικογένεια: Myotinae
• Γένος: Myotis
• Είδος: Myotis emarginatus (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1806)
• Αγγλικές κοινές ονομασίες: Geoffroy’s bat, Geoffroy’s myotis

Πηγές

• Mammal Diversity Database – Myotis emarginatus
• UNEP/EUROBATS – Myotis emarginatus
• Οδηγία 92/43/ΕΟΚ για τη διατήρηση των φυσικών οικοτόπων και της άγριας πανίδας και χλωρίδας
• Benda, P. et al. (2007). Bat fauna of Cyprus: review of records with confirmation of six species new for the island and description of a new subspecies.
• Charalambidou, I. et al. (2018). Distribution of bats in Northern Cyprus (Chiroptera). Lynx, 49: 91–138.
• Flaquer, C. et al. (2008). Habitat selection by Geoffroy’s bats (Myotis emarginatus) in a rural Mediterranean landscape.
• Biodiversity of Cyprus – Αρχική ανάρτηση και φωτογραφικό υλικό

Geoffroy’s bat – Myotis emarginatus (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1806) – Cyprus

Text: George Konstantinou

Myotis emarginatus, commonly known as Geoffroy’s bat or Geoffroy’s myotis, is a small to medium-sized insectivorous bat belonging to the family Vespertilionidae. It also occurs in Cyprus, where it forms part of the island’s remarkably rich bat fauna.

The scientific name emarginatus refers to the characteristic notch on the outer edge of each ear. This feature is useful for identifying the species, but it must be considered together with its other morphological characteristics, as several species of the genus Myotis closely resemble one another.

Description and identification

It is a relatively small bat, with a forearm length of approximately 36–42 millimetres, a wingspan of around 22–25 centimetres and a weight generally ranging from about 7 to 15 grams. Its fur is dense, long and woolly.

In adults, the dorsal surface is usually rust-brown, ochre-brown or reddish. The dorsal hairs are tricoloured, with a grey base, a yellowish or brown middle section and a reddish tip. The ventral surface is paler, yellowish or greyish-white. Juveniles are generally darker and greyer, lacking the pronounced reddish tones of adults.

The ears are brown and of medium length, with a distinctive notch on their outer edge. The ear extends slightly beyond the tip of the tragus, while the tragus is slender and pointed. The muzzle is usually pinkish-brown or brown.

Global distribution

The species occurs across southern and central Europe, north-western Africa, the Caucasus, the Middle East and parts of western and central Asia. Its range extends from the Iberian Peninsula and north-western Africa to Afghanistan and areas of Central Asia.

Cyprus lies within the eastern Mediterranean part of its natural range. Its presence has been confirmed in both the government-controlled and occupied parts of the island. Nevertheless, the available records remain limited and do not yet provide a complete picture of the distribution or size of the Cypriot population.

Habitat and roosts

Myotis emarginatus prefers warm regions containing a mosaic of natural and agricultural habitats. It forages in woodland, scrub, forest edges, riparian vegetation, olive groves, orchards, meadows and traditional farmland. It may also hunt inside or around livestock buildings, where flies and other insects often gather.

It uses caves, abandoned mines, underground galleries, old buildings, roofs and other dark, relatively undisturbed places as roosts. In the warmer parts of its range, maternity colonies are frequently established in caves and other underground sites.

It may form mixed colonies with horseshoe bats of the genus Rhinolophus. This association makes the protection of caves and other roosts occupied by several bat species especially important.

Behaviour and echolocation

Geoffroy’s bat is nocturnal. It leaves its daytime roost after sunset and usually flies close to vegetation. Its flight is slow but highly manoeuvrable, allowing it to move among branches, shrubs and other obstacles.

It uses ultrasonic echolocation calls for navigation and prey detection. Its calls can be difficult to distinguish solely with acoustic detectors from those of other small Myotis species. Reliable identification may therefore require a combination of acoustic data, morphological characteristics and, where necessary, genetic examination.

Diet and hunting method

Its diet consists mainly of arthropods, with a particular preference for spiders and flies. It also feeds on small moths, beetles, lacewings and other insects.

Unlike species that capture most of their prey in open flight, Myotis emarginatus frequently uses a technique known as gleaning. Through slow and controlled flight, it locates and removes spiders and insects from leaves, branches, walls and other surfaces. It may also hover briefly in front of vegetation before seizing its prey.

By consuming large numbers of insects, it contributes to their natural population control and plays an important role in the functioning of nocturnal ecosystems.

Reproduction

During spring, females gather in maternity colonies that may contain from a few dozen to several hundred individuals. These colonies require warm, quiet roosts with stable conditions.

Each female usually gives birth to a single pup between mid-June and early July. The newborn is entirely dependent on its mother during the first weeks of life. Young bats begin flying at approximately four weeks of age and are weaned several weeks later.

Disturbance of a maternity colony can cause panic, abandonment of the roost or the fall of flightless pups. Known roosts should therefore not be entered, especially during the birth and juvenile-development period.

Winter period

During winter, the species shelters in caves, galleries, underground spaces and other protected places with suitable temperature and humidity. There it considerably reduces its activity and metabolism to conserve energy when insects are scarce.

Waking from hibernation forces the bat to consume valuable fat reserves. Repeated disturbance may reduce its chances of surviving until spring.

Occurrence in Cyprus

Myotis emarginatus is a confirmed member of the Cypriot fauna. Scientific surveys of the bats of Cyprus have documented its presence in different parts of the island. Research in the occupied areas recorded it at three localities and reported it for the first time from the northern part of Cyprus.

The relatively small number of known records does not necessarily mean that the species is restricted to these locations. Bats are difficult to detect and identify, while many potential roosts and foraging areas across the island have not been systematically surveyed.

The conservation of natural caves, old mines, mature woodland, riparian vegetation and traditional agricultural landscapes is important for its long-term survival in Cyprus.

Threats

The principal threats to the species include:

• Destruction, alteration or closure of caves and underground roosts.
• Disturbance of maternity colonies and hibernation sites.
• Renovation or demolition of old buildings without prior bat surveys.
• Loss of woodland, scrub and riparian vegetation.
• Agricultural intensification and extensive insecticide use.
• Reduction of available insects and possible poisoning through contaminated prey.
• Artificial lighting near roosts and flight corridors.
• Deliberate killing caused by fear, ignorance or misconceptions.

Protection and conservation status

At the global level, Myotis emarginatus is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as Least Concern (LC). This assessment concerns its entire global range and does not mean that every local or island population is secure.

The species is included in Annexes II and IV of the European Union Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. Its important habitats must therefore be protected through the Natura 2000 network, while its individuals, breeding sites and roosts are subject to strict protection. It is also protected under the Bern Convention and the EUROBATS Agreement.

All bats are beneficial and sensitive wild animals. They do not attack people, and they should not be handled without specialist knowledge and suitable protective equipment. When a colony is discovered in a building, its entrances should not be blocked and the animals should not be removed before the situation has been assessed by qualified specialists.

Photographs

Pomos, Cyprus, 12 April 2023.
Photographs: Demetris Kolokotronis

Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Chiroptera
• Family: Vespertilionidae
• Subfamily: Myotinae
• Genus: Myotis
• Species: Myotis emarginatus (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1806)
• Common names: Geoffroy’s bat, Geoffroy’s myotis

Sources

• Mammal Diversity Database – Myotis emarginatus
• UNEP/EUROBATS – Myotis emarginatus
• Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora
• Benda, P. et al. (2007). Bat fauna of Cyprus: review of records with confirmation of six species new for the island and description of a new subspecies.
• Charalambidou, I. et al. (2018). Distribution of bats in Northern Cyprus (Chiroptera). Lynx, 49: 91–138.
• Flaquer, C. et al. (2008). Habitat selection by Geoffroy’s bats (Myotis emarginatus) in a rural Mediterranean landscape.
• Biodiversity of Cyprus – Original post and photographic material

Ένας διαφορετικός σπάνιος Νυχτοπάππαρος (Φρουτονυχτερίδα) με λευκοπάθεια (Albinism Egyptian fruit bat )

See also

All about Cyprus - Όλα για την Κύπρο

Λίστα με τα 19 είδη νυχτερίδων της Κύπρου - List of 19 bats species of Cyprus

Λίστα των θηλαστικών της Κύπρου - List of mammals of Cyprus

Ο κυπριακός Νυχτοπάππαρος στα όρια του αφανισμού (Web TV) - Του Γιώργου Κωνσταντίνου - Εφημερίδα πολίτης 17/12/2017

Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) (Geoffroy, 1810) Νυχτοπάππαρος - Φρουτονυχτερίδα - Cyprus

Τα 31 θηλαστικά της Κύπρου (Web TV) - Του Γιώργου Κωνσταντίνου - Εφημερίδα πολίτης 20/5/2018

Οι 19 νυχτερίδες της Κύπρου (Web TV) - Του Γιώργου Κωνσταντίνου - Εφημερίδα πολίτης 4/2/2018

Below in English

Τον albino σπάνιο Νυχτοπάππαρο τον βρήκα το 2006 στο χωριό Κλήρου σε ένα περιβόλι πιασμένο σε παράνομα δίχτυα παγιδεύσεις πουλιών. Ευτυχώς ήταν ζωντανός αλλά τραυματισμένος. Τον έβγαλα με πολλή κόπο από τα δίχτυα και τον μετάφερα σπίτι μου όπου τον περίθαλψα για μια βδομάδα και μετά τον αφίσα ελεύθερο. Θυμάμαι μου είχε κάνει μεγάλη εντύπωση το πόσο φιλικό ζώο ήταν αφού από την πρώτη μέρα έτρωγε τα φρούτα από το χέρι μου σαν να γνωριζόμαστε χρόνια.

Έστειλα την φωτογραφία του σε Τσέχους ερευνητές οι οποίοι μελετούν εδώ και πολλά χρόνια το είδος αυτό, και έμειναν έκπληκτοι. Μου είπαν ότι τα τελευταία χρόνια επισκέφθηκαν όλες τις χώρες που υπάρχει το είδος αυτό καταμετρώντας τους πληθυσμούς τους και ότι ποτέ δεν είδαν άτομο του είδους αυτού με λευκοπάθεια.

Ίσως να ήταν ο μοναδικός σε ολόκληρο τον πλανήτη.

Ο αλμπινισμός, ή αλλιώς αλφισμός, αναφέρεται στην αδυναμία του σώματος να παραγάγει μελανίνη. Η μελανίνη είναι το βασικό στοιχείο που επηρεάζει το χρώμα του δέρματος, των ματιών και των μαλλιών, με αποτέλεσμα την μερική ή ολική απώλεια της μελάγχρωσης. Τα ζώα με αλμπινισμό παρουσιάζουν κοινά χαρακτηριστικά με τους ανθρώπους με αλμπινισμό, όπως ανοιχτόχρωμο τρίχωμα και κόκκινο χρώμα ματιών.

Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) (Geoffroy, 1810) Νυχτοπάππαρος - Φρουτονυχτερίδα

Κείμενο, φωτογραφίες, 13/11/2006 του Γιώργου Κωνσταντίνου

I found this rare albino Egyptian fruit bat in 2006, in an orchard in the village of Klirou, trapped in illegal bird-catching nets. Fortunately, it was alive, although injured. With considerable difficulty, I freed it from the nets and took it home, where I cared for it for a week before releasing it back into the wild.

I remember being greatly impressed by how friendly it was. From the very first day, it ate fruit from my hand as though we had known each other for years.

I sent a photograph of the bat to Czech researchers who had been studying this species for many years, and they were astonished. They told me that, during the preceding years, they had visited every country in which the species occurs to survey its populations, but they had never seen an individual of this species with leucism.

Perhaps it was the only one of its kind on the entire planet.

Albinism, also known as achromia, refers to the body’s inability to produce melanin. Melanin is the principal pigment influencing the colour of the skin, eyes and hair, and its absence results in a partial or complete loss of pigmentation. Animals with albinism display characteristics similar to those seen in humans with the condition, including pale fur and red eyes.

Soprano pipistrelle - Pipistrellus pygmaeus cyprius - Cyprus

Savi's pipistrelle - Hypsugo savii - Cyprus

Plecotus kolombatovici Dulic, 1980 - Μεσογειακή Ωτονυχτερίδα - Kolombatovic's Long-eared Bat - Mediterranean Long-eared Bat - Cyprus

Family: Vespertilionidae

Taxonomic Notes: Originally described as a subspecies of Plecotus austriacus, but clearly distinct; see Mayer and von Helversen (2001) for genetics and Tvrtkovic et al. (2005) for morphology.

Range Description: Plecotus kolombatovici is a Mediterranean endemic with its distribution fragmented into three parts: southern regions of the Balkans and Asia Minor (Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and probably into Israel, Palestine and Jordan), northeast Libya (Cyrenaica) and northwest Africa from Morocco to northwest Libya, it was found in Malta and Pantellaria (Spitzenberger et al. 2006). It occurs from sea level to higher altitudes in the Rif and Atlas mountains.

Countries occurrence: Albania; Algeria; Croatia; Cyprus; Greece (Kriti); Italy; Lebanon; Libya; Malta; Morocco; Serbia (Serbia); Tunisia; Turkey

Upper elevation limit (metres): 3000

Population: Little is known about population size and trends in this species, although it is regarded as relatively common in North Africa. In Europe, the total population is estimated at fewer than 10,000 mature individuals, and it is suspected that the population may be declining. Summer colonies usually number 10-30 females, although a breeding colony of 120 females was found in a building in Croatia (F. Spitzenberger pers. comm. 2006). Winter clusters are smaller (10 individuals), and the species is often solitary at this time of year (S. Aulagnier pers. comm. 2007). It was thought that European, African and southwest Asian populations were isolated from each other, but range extensions as a result of recent records indicate that they might not be as isolated as was previously thought.

Current Population Trend: Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology: It forages in a variety of open and semi-closed habitats, mainly steppe but also agricultural landscapes in both lowland and mountain areas. It often forages over small water bodies. It feeds predominantly on moths, but also takes beetles and flies. Summer roosts are primarily rocky cavities, but also dark areas of old monuments, ruins, caverns and buildings. Winter roosts are located in buildings, mines, caves, wells, and trees.

Major Threat(s): Pesticides and roost disturbance have a negative impact on the species, but are not thought to be causing significant population declines at the global level. However, in Europe, where this species is largely restricted to coastal areas, disturbance of roost sites by tourists may be a major threat.
Photos at Palaichori 20/5/2016, by Michael Hadjiconstantis. 

See also

Λίστα με τα 19 είδη νυχτερίδων της Κύπρου - List of 19 bats species of Cyprus

Λίστα των θηλαστικών της Κύπρου - List of mammals of Cyprus

Τα 31 θηλαστικά της Κύπρου (Web TV) - Του Γιώργου Κωνσταντίνου - Εφημερίδα πολίτης 20/5/2018

Οι 19 νυχτερίδες της Κύπρου (Web TV) - Του Γιώργου Κωνσταντίνου - Εφημερίδα πολίτης 4/2/2018

Photos atAnaliontas 14/5/2023, by George Konstantinou. 

Nycteribiidae - Bat fly - Penicillidia (Penicillidia) dufourii - Cyprus

See also

Λίστα με τα 19 είδη νυχτερίδων της Κύπρου - List of 19 bats species of Cyprus

Παρασιτική μύγα που ζει σε νυχτερίδες

Nycteribiidae of the true fly superfamily Hippoboscoidea are known as "bat flies", together with their close relatives the Streblidae. As the latter do not seem to be a monophyletic group, it is conceivable to unite all bat flies in a single family.

They are flattened, spiderlike flies without eyes or wings, and are seldom encountered by general collectors, as they almost never leave the bodies of their hosts. Both males and females take blood meals, thus they qualify as real parasites. Most species are highly host-specific. The family is primarily found in the Old World tropics; a few of the 274 known species occur in the Neotropics and in Europe. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Photos Pomos 9/6/2013 by George Konstantinou

Diptera Pupipara from bats of two large eastern Mediterranean islands, Crete and Cyprus

Martin ŠEVČÍK^1,*, Petr BENDA^2,3, Radek Kris LUČAN³

1

Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra,

SK-949 74 Nitra, Slovakia

2

Department of Zoology, National Museum, CZ-115 79 Prague 1, Czech Republic 3

Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, CZ-128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic

Received: 15.12.2011              Accepted: 19.09.2012             Published Online: 24.12.2012              Printed: 21.01.2013

Abstract: This paper presents a review of records of bat flies (families Nycteribiidae and Streblidae) from Crete and Cyprus, based on new findings and published data. Seven species representing 4 genera belonging to the family Nycteribiidae and 1 species from the family Streblidae from 5 bat species in Crete are reported, and 7 Nycteribiidae species (4 genera) and 1 Streblidae species from 9 bat species in Cyprus are reported. The bat flies Nycteribia latreillii (Leach, 1817), Basilia mongolensis nudior Hůrka 1972, Penicillidia conspicua Speiser, 1900, P. dufourii Westwood, 1835, and Brachytarsina flavipennis Macquart, 1851 are reported from Crete for the first time, and Phthiridium integrum (Theodor and Moscona, 1954), P. dufourii, and B. flavipennis are reported from Cyprus for the first time. Key words: Nycteribiidae, Streblidae, first records, distribution, hosts

1. Introduction

The family Nycteribiidae Samouelle, 1819 comprises the dipterans parasitising on bats of all zoogeographical regions. According to the checklist by Graciolli and Dick (2008), more than 270 species occur in the world. Seventeen species (5 genera) are known from the western Palaearctic (Theodor, 1967; Hůrka and Soós, 1986a), and 14 species (5 genera) of them occur in the Mediterranean area (Hůrka, 1964; Theodor, 1967).

No detailed information on Nycteribiidae has been available from Crete, except for several records of 3 species reported by Theodor (1967) and Kock (1974, 1989): Nycteribia pedicularia Latreille, 1805 (collected from Myotis capaccinii (Bonaparte, 1837)), Nycteribia schmidlii Schiner, 1853 (from M. capaccinii and Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817)), and Phthiridium biarticulatum Hermann, 1804 (from Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774)). A similar situation holds for the nycteribiid fauna of Cyprus: only scarce data have been available from this island, including records of 5 species, Nycteribia pedicularia (from M. capaccinii), N. schmidlii (from Rhinolophus euryale Blasius, 1853), Phthiridium biarticulatum (from R. euryale), Basilia daganiae Theodor and Moscona, 1954 (from Pipistrellus kuhlii (Kuhl, 1817)), and Penicilidia conspicua Speiser, 1900 (from M. schreibersii) (Bequaert, 1953; Theodor, 1956, 1967; Kock, 1974, 1984, 1989).

* Correspondence: martin.sevcik@hotmail.sk

The family Streblidae Kolenati, 1863 is represented by 4 species of 3 genera in the Mediterranean (Jobling, 1939; Hůrka and Soós, 1986b). Just one species, Brachytarsina flavipennis Macquart, 1851, occurs in Europe (Hůrka, 1972). So far, no record of this species has been available either from Crete or from Cyprus.

2. Materials and methods

In October 2005, July and October 2006, and May and June 2008, bats were collected from Crete and Cyprus in the course of research trips (Benda et al., 2007, 2009). Mist nets were installed according to standard procedures (Kunz and Kurta, 1988) in front of water, and bats were also captured in their roosts (caves, mines). Each captured host was placed into a separate cloth bag and labelled. Hosts were inspected for bat flies, ectoparasites living in the fur of the body, which were collected with entomological tweezers and preserved in 75% ethanol. Samples for a species of host were stored in an Eppendorf tube. The age and sexual status (adult male (♂ ad), adult female (♀ ad), subadult female (♀ sad)) of the host is given for most samples, with the exception of the period of October 2010, when only the number and species of host were registered. All bat flies were observed freely under a magnifying glass, and keys were used for the determination and comparison of parasitic species: Theodor and Moscona (1954), Theodor (1967, 1975), and Hůrka (1972). Voucher specimens of the parasites are deposited in the collection of the first author (cMŠ). The taxa are arranged alphabetically. The information for each species appears in the following format: synonyms available from the respective islands; published data; new material examined (number and developmental stage of specimens, locality, date, number of collection, age/number of host).

3. Results and discussion

In total, 6 species representing 4 genera belonging to the family Nycteribiidae and 1 species of the family Streblidae were collected from Crete, and 4 species of 2 genera of the family Nycteribiidae and 1 species of Streblidae were collected from Cyprus.

3.1. Family Nycteribiidae (Samouelle 1819)

3.1.1. Subfamily Nycteribiinae Samouelle, 1819, sensu Maa 1965

3.1.1.1. Nycteribia (Nycteribia) latreillii (Leach, 1817) Crete. New material examined: 1♂, 1♀, Lefkogeia, at Venetian bridge ca. 3 km E of Kato Preveli Monastery, 30 May 2008 (cMŠ 3962-3963, leg. P. Benda and V. Hanák) from 2♀♀ ad Myotis blythii.

Remarks: Until Theodor (1954a), the species was reported in Europe under various names, as the proper name was erroneously used for N. kolenati Theodor and Moscona, 1954. The distribution of N. latreillii corresponds to the ranges of its primary host species, Myotis myotis (Borkhausen, 1797), M. blythii (Tomes, 1857), and M. punicus Felten, 1977, i.e. almost all of continental Europe (northern limit of 51°N–52°N), the Maghreb, the Middle East, and Central Asia (Hůrka, 1964; Theodor, 1967). In addition, it can also occur on other species of the genus Myotis Kaup, 1829, Miniopterus Bonaparte, 1837, and Rhinolophus Lacépède, 1799, as well as on other cavedwelling bats (see Theodor, 1967). Our findings represent the first evidence of this species from Crete. Although we did not find this bat fly in Cyprus, its occurrence is to be expected due the presence of one of the principal host species, M. blythii (Benda et al., 2007).

3.1.1.2. Nycteribia (Nycteribia) pedicularia Latreille, 1805 Crete. Published records: Kock (1974): Piskokefalo at Sitia (host Myotis capaccinii).

Cyprus. Published records: Kock (1974): Kyrenia (host Myotis capaccinii).

Remarks: Nycteribia pedicularia has frequently been confused with N. latreillii and/or N. kolenati Theodor and Moscona, 1954. N. pedicularia is distributed in south-eastern Europe, and the northern limit of its range probably reaches the Alps and southern Carpathians (Hůrka, 1962). In the broader scale of the western Palaearctic, its distribution range encompasses Turkey, Palestine, Iran, Tunisia, and Algeria (Theodor and Moscona, 1954; Theodor, 1967). However, the record from Cyprus is doubtful, as the occurrence of the host species as well as the record itself is in doubt (see Benda et al., 2007). Host species of this bat fly are cave-dwelling bats of the genera Myotis, Miniopterus, and Rhinolophus (Theodor and Moscona, 1954).

3.1.1.3. Nycteribia (Listropoda) s. schmidlii Schiner, 1853

Crete. Published records: Theodor (1967): Limnea (host Miniopterus schreibersii). - Kock (1974): Canea = Chaniá (host Miniopterus schreibersii), Piskokefalo bei Sitia (host Myotis capaccinii).

New material examined: 2♂♂, 1♀, Dramia, Petres river bridge, 6 October 2006 (cMŠ 3400, leg. P. Benda and V. Hanák) from 1♀ ad Myotis capaccinii; 5♂♂, 9♀♀, Argyroupoli, Mouselas river, 3 June 2008 (cMŠ 3973-3974, leg. P. Benda and V. Hanák) from 2♀♀ ad Myotis capaccinii; 3♂♂, 3♀♀, Omalos Plateau, Tzani cave, 1 October 2006 (cMŠ 3360-3375, leg. P. Benda and V. Hanák) from collection 13♂♂ ad and 2♀♀ sad Miniopterus schreibersii.

Cyprus. Published records: Theodor (1967): site

unspecified (host Rhinolophus euryale).

Remarks: The distribution of the western subspecies N. s. schmidlii corresponds to the distributional range of its principal host bat, Miniopterus schreibersii, viz. central and southern Europe, the Middle East, Afghanistan, and North Africa.

3.1.1.4. Phthiridium biarticulatum Hermann, 1804 Synonym: Stylidia biarticulata Hermann, 1804: Theodor (1967: 127).

Crete. Published records: Theodor (1967): Gonia = Mount Gonias (host Rhinolophus ferrumequinum). - Kock (1989): Rethimnon (host Rhinolophus ferrumequinum).

New material examined: 1♂, Kolymvari, mine above village, 9 October 2006 (cMŠ 3426, leg. P. Benda and V. Hanák) from 1♂ ad Rhinolophus ferrumequinum; 2♀♀, Omalos Plateau, Tzani cave, 1 October 2006 (cMŠ 3377-3378, leg. P. Benda and V. Hanák) from 2♂♂ ad Rhinolophus ferrumequinum.

Cyprus. Published records: Theodor (1967): site

undefined (host Rhinolophus euryale).

New material examined: 1♀, Kakopetria, Troodos Forest, abandoned mine 5 km to SW, upper gallery, 13 October 2005 (cMŠ c07, leg. R.K. Lučan) from Rhinolophus ferrumequinum individual of unknown sex and age; 1♂, Afendrika, ruins of Panagia Chrysiotissa church and Asomatos church, 17 October 2005 (cMŠ c02, leg. R.K. Lučan) from 1♂ ad Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774); 3♂♂, 6♀♀, Kakopetria, Troodos Forest, abandoned mine 5 km to SW, upper gallery, 27 July 2006

(cMŠ 3335, 3336, leg. P. Benda) from 1♀ ad and 1♀ sad Rhinolophus blasii (Peters, 1866).

Remarks: This cave-dwelling bat fly lives on representatives of the genus Rhinolophus. Its distribution range is circum-Mediterranean and reaches Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan (Hůrka, 1964). While Rhinolophus ferrumequinum is the most frequent host of this bat fly (Hůrka, 1964), other (mostly cave-dwelling) bats, e.g., Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis myotis and M. blythii, are less-parasitised hosts (Hůrka, 1964).

3.1.1.5. Phthiridium integrum (Theodor and Moscona, 1954)

Cyprus. New material examined: 3♀♀, Kantara, Kantara castle ruins 3 km to NE, 25 July 2006 (cMŠ 3328, leg. P. Benda) from 1♂ ad Eptesicus anatolicus.

Remarks: This species was described by Speiser (1901) and redescribed by Karaman (1939) based on a record from Egypt. Findings are known from host species of the genera Taphozous Geoffroy, 1818, Rhinolophus and Hipposideros Gray, 1831 from the Middle East: Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen (Sanborn and Hoogstraal, 1953; Theodor and Moscona, 1954; Theodor, 1976; Kock and Nader, 1979; Amr and Qumsiyeh, 1993). This species is reported here for the first time from Cyprus and from a new host, Eptesicus anatolicus Felten, 1971.

3.1.1.6. Basilia (Basilia) daganiae Theodor and Moscona, 1954

Cyprus. Published records: Bequaert (1953): Limassol (host Pipistrellus kuhlii). - Theodor (1956): Limassol, (host Pipistrellus kuhlii), site undefined, leg. Lilford (without host). - Theodor (1967): site undefined, leg. Lilford (host Pipistrellus kuhlii). - Kock (1974): Larnaka (host Pipistrellus kuhlii).

Remarks: The distribution range of this species from the “bathybothyra group” covers the whole eastern Mediterranean: Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Palestine (Theodor and Moscona, 1954; Lewis and Harrison, 1962; Hůrka and Soós, 1986a; Benda et al., 2010). Its occurrence outside the eastern Mediterranean region is not excluded, considering the much broader distribution of its main host Pipistrellus kuhlii. B. daganiae has also been recorded from other species of the genus Pipistrellus: P. pipistrellus (Schreber, 1774) from Jordan (Benda et al., 2010).

3.1.1.7. Basilia (Basilia) mongolensis nudior Hůrka, 1972 Crete. New material examined: 2♀♀, Meskla, above creek, 5 October 2006 (cMŠ 3393, leg. P. Benda and V.

Hanák) from 1♂ ad Myotis aurascens; 1♂, 1♀, Katholiko monastery, Agiou Ioanni cave, 27 May 2008 (cMŠ 3958, leg. P. Benda) from 1♀ ad Myotis aurascens.

Remarks: This subspecies from the “bathybothyra group” was described by Hůrka (1972) from the host Plecotus austriacus Fischer, 1829. The full expansion of this subspecies is unknown, and we expect it to be in the same area distribution as the host Myotis nattereri (Kuhl, 1817). Its occurrence on other arboreal host species is not excluded, but it occurs mostly in the “mystacinus group”, viz. M. alcathoe von Helversen and Heller, 2001 (Heddergott, 2009), and in our records from M. aurascens Kusjakin, 1935. Previous records are from Croatia, Greece (Hůrka, 1972), Bulgaria (Hůrka, 1984), Austria (Kock, 1984), Turkey (Aktaş and Hasbenli, 1994; Hasbenli, 1997), and Germany (Heddergott, 2009).

3.1.1.8. Penicillidia (Neopenicillidia) conspicua Speiser, 1901

Crete. New material examined: 3♂♂, 3♀♀, Omalos Plateau, Tzani cave, 1 October 2006 (cMŠ 3360-3375, leg. P. Benda and V. Hanák) from collection 13♂♂ ad and 2♀♀ sad Miniopterus schreibersii; 2♀♀, Milatos, Milatou cave, 7 October 2006 (cMŠ 3422-3425, leg. P. Benda and V. Hanák) from collection 1♀ ad and 3♀♀ sad Miniopterus schreibersii.

Cyprus. Published records: Kock (1989): Emba, Paphos Distr. (host Miniopterus schreibersii).

New material examined: 1♂, 1♀, Neo Horio, Smigies Trail, ca. 3 km to NW, abandoned chromite mine system ‘Magnesia Mine’, 12 October 2005 (cMŠ c03, c04, leg. R.K. Lučan) from 2 Miniopterus schreibersii individuals of unknown sex and age.

Remarks: Penicillidia conspicua is a species bound to its principal host, Miniopterus schreibersii, and its distribution range corresponds to the occurrence of this bat (Hůrka, 1964). Within this range, it has frequently been found also on Myotis myotis and other cave-dwelling bat species (Hůrka, 1964). This parasite species is reported from Crete for the first time here.

3.1.1.9. Penicillidia (Penicillidia) dufourii Westwood, 1835 Crete. New material examined: 2♂♂, 3♀♀, Lefkogeia, at Venetian bridge ca. 3 km E of Kato Preveli Monastery, 30 May 2008 (cMŠ 3962-3963, leg. P. Benda and V. Hanák) from 2♀♀ ad Myotis blythii; 1♂, 1♀, Dramia, Petres river bridge, 6 October 2006 (cMŠ 3400, leg. P. Benda and V. Hanák) from 1♀ ad Myotis capaccinii; 2♂♂, 2♀♀, Argyroupoli, Mouselas river, 3 June 2008 (cMŠ 39733974, leg. P. Benda and V. Hanák) from 2♀♀ ad Myotis capaccinii.

Cyprus. New material examined: 2♀♀, Kakopetria, Troodos Forest, abandoned mine 4 km to SW, lower gallery, 15 October 2005 (cMŠ c05, leg. R.K. Lučan) from 1♂ ad Myotis blythii; 1♂, Kakopetria, Troodos Forest, abandoned mine 5 km to SW, upper gallery, 13 October 2005 (cMŠ c06, leg. R.K. Lučan) from Myotis nattereri individual of unknown sex and age.

Remarks: The subspecies P. d. dufourii is distributed over continental Europe, North Africa, and south-western Asia to the western Himalayas and eastern Kazakhstan. Myotis myotis and M. blythii are the main hosts of this species, but it can also be found on Miniopterus schreibersii, though much more rarely. This parasite species is recorded here for the first time from Crete and Cyprus.

3.2. Family Streblidae Kolenati, 1863

3.2.1. Subfamily Brachytarsininae (Speiser, 1900)

3.2.1.1. Brachytarsina (Brachytarsina) flavipennis Macquart, 1851

Crete. New material examined: 1♂, Patsos, Agiou Antoniou cave, 3 October 2006 (cMŠ 3388, leg. P. Benda and V. Hanák) from 1♀ sad Rhinolophus ferrumequinum; 2♀♀, Katholiko monastery, Agiou Ioanni cave, 27 May 2008 (cMŠ 3958, leg. P. Benda) from 1♀ ad Myotis aurascens.

Cyprus. New material examined: 1♀, Kakopetria, Troodos Forest, abandoned mine 5 km to SW, upper gallery, 13 October 2005 (cMŠ 08, leg. R.K. Lučan) from Rhinolophus ferrumequinum individual of unknown sex and age; 1♂, 2♀♀, Kakopetria, Troodos Forest, abandoned mine 5 km to SW, upper gallery, 27 July 2006 (cMŠ 3336, leg. P. Benda) from 1♀ sad Rhinolophus blasii.

Remarks: B. flavipennis is the only streblid species occurring in the Mediterranean portion of the Palaearctic. This species has a circum-Mediterranean distribution range, and in Europe it reaches the latitude of 40°N–43° N, roughly corresponding to the areas of mean January temperatures of 8 to 10 °C (Jobling, 1951; Hůrka, 1972).

Jobling (1934, 1939) indicated the occurrence of this species in Cyprus and Theodor’s record (1954b) is uncertain, since a direct finding has not been reported. This bat fly is recorded here from both large islands for the first time.

In conclusion, the combination of our new data with previously published information has resulted in an increase in the total number of species of the Nycteribiidae family on Crete from 3 to 7 species, and from 5 to 7 species on Cyprus. In addition to the above discussion, we may expect other species from this family (genera Nycteribia Latreille, 1796, Basilia Miranda-Ribeiro, 1903, and Eucampsipoda Kolenati, 1857) on the individual islands. Nycteribia (Acrocholidia) vexata Westwood, 1835 is a species with a relation to the extension of the principal hosts Myotis myotis and M. blythii (as N. latreilii), whereas the second host was confirmed on the island of Crete (Benda et al., 2008). The principal host of Basilia nana Theodor, 1954, in Middle Eastern countries is M. nattereri (Turkey - Aktaş and Hasbenli, 1994; Hasbenli, 1997; Jordan - Amr and Qumsiyeh, 1993; Benda et al., 2010), and on this basis we can expect this parasitic species to confirm this host from Cyprus (Benda et al., 2007). In addition, on the same island there probably occurs the parasitic species of the host Rousettus aegyptiacus (Geoffroy, 1810), viz. Eucampsipoda aegyptia (Macquart, 1851). The occurrence of this species on island has already been considered by Theodor (1952, 1954a, 1955; see also Kock and Nader, 1979). This host species has been confirmed on Cyprus by several authors (summary in Benda et al., 2011).

The fauna of Streblidae is represented by a single species, which was confirmed for the first time on both islands.

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grants from the Czech Science Foundation (#206/09/0888), the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic (#DKRVO 00023272), and the University Grant Agency of the Constantine of Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovakia (VII/36/2011).

Appendix Appendix I. Gazetteer.

Only the originally recorded sites are mentioned.

Crete. Prefecture of Chania: Argyroupoli [Αργυρούπολη], Mouselas river, old building, 35°19′N, 24°20′E, 105 m a.

s. l.; - Katholiko Monastery [Μονή Καθολικού], Agiou Ioanni cave, 35°35′N, 24°09′E, 80 m a. s. l.; - Kolymvari [Κολυμβάρι], mine, 35°33′N, 23°46′E, 44 m a. s. l.; - Meskla [Μεσκλά], creek, 35°24′N, 23°57′E, 206 m a. s. l.; - Omalos Plateau [Οροπέδιο Ομαλού], Tzani cave, 35°21′N, 23°54′E, 1025 m a. s. l.; Prefecture of Rethymno: Dramia [Δράμια], Petre river bridge, 35°21′N, 24°21′E, 2 m a. s. l. - Lefkogeia [Λευκόγεια], Venetian bridge ca. 3 km E of Kato Preveli Monastery, 35°10′N, 24°28′E, 45 m a. s. l.; - Patsos [Πατσός], Agiou Antoniou cave, 35°15′N, 24°34′E, 200 m a. s. l.; Prefecture of Lasithi: Milatos [Μίλατος], Milatou cave, 35°18′N, 25°35′E, 129 m a. s. l.

Cyprus. Northern Cyprus: Afendrika (= Panagia Afentrika [Παναγια Αφεντρικα]), ruins, İskele District, 35°39′N, 34°26′E, ca. 25 m a. s. l.; - Kantara (= Kantara [Κανταρα]), Kantara castle ruins 3 km to NE, İskele District, 35°24′N, 33°55′E, ca. 625 m a. s. l.; - Southern Cyprus: Kakopetria [Κακοπετρια], Troodos Forest, mine 5 km to SW (upper gallery), Lefkosia District, 34°57′N, 32°52′E, ca. 1665 m a. s. l.; - Kakopetria [Κακοπετρια], Troodos Forest, mine 4 km to SW (lower gallery), Lefkosia District, 34°58′N, 32°52′E, ca. 1305 m a. s. l.; - Neo Horio [Νεο Χωριο], Smigies Trail ca. 3 km to NW, abandoned chromite mine system ‘Magnesia Mine’, Akamas Peninsula, Pafos District, 35°03′N, 32°20′E, ca. 305 m a. s. l.

Country / Family / Subfamily / Genus / Species Country: CRETE Family: NYCTERIBIIDAE Samouelle, 1819 Subfamily: Nycteribiinae Samouelle, 1819 Genus: Nycteribia Latreille, 1796	Species of host
Nycteribia latreilii (Leach, 1817)*	Myotis blythii (Tomes, 1857)**
Nycteribia pedicularia Latreille, 1805	Myotis capaccinii (Bonaparte, 1837)
Nycteribia schmidlii schmidlii Schiner, 1853 Genus: Phthiridium Hermann, 1804	Myotis capaccinii (Bonaparte, 1837) Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817)
Phthiridium biarticulatum Hermann, 1804 Genus: Basilia Miranda-Ribeiro, 1903	Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774)
Basilia mongolensis nudior Hůrka, 1972* Genus: Penicillidia Kolenati, 1863	Myotis aurascens Kusjakin, 1935**
Penicillidia conspicua Speiser, 1901*	Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817)**
Penicillidia dufourii Westwood, 1835* Family: STREBLIDAE Kolenati, 1683 Subfamily: Brachytarsininae (Speiser, 1900) Genus: Brachytarsina Macquart, 1851	Myotis blythii (Tomes, 1857)** Myotis capaccinii (Bonaparte, 1837)**
Brachytarsina flavipennis Macquart, 1851* Country: CYPRUS Family: NYCTERIBIIDAE Samouelle, 1819 Subfamily: Nycteribiinae Samouelle, 1819 Genus: Nycteribia Latreille, 1796	Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774)** Myotis aurascens Kusjakin, 1935**
Nycteribia pedicularia Latreille, 1805	Myotis capaccinii (Bonaparte, 1837)
Nycteribia schmidlii schmidlii Schiner, 1853 Genus: Phthiridium Hermann, 1804	Rhinolophus euryale Blasius, 1853
Phthiridium biarticulatum Hermann, 1804	Rhinolophus blasii Peters, 1867** Rhinolophus euryale Blasius, 1853 Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774)**
Phthiridium integrum (Theodor and Moscona, 1954)* Genus: Basilia Miranda-Ribeiro, 1903	Eptesicus anatolicus Felten, 1971**
Basilia daganiae Theodor and Moscona, 1954 Genus: Penicillidia Kolenati, 1863	Pipistrellus kuhlii (Kuhl, 1817)
Penicillidia conspicua Speiser, 1901	Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817)
Penicillidia dufourii Westwood, 1835* Family: STREBLIDAE Kolenati, 1683 Subfamily: Brachytarsininae (Speiser, 1900) Genus: Brachytarsina Macquart, 1851	Myotis blythii (Tomes, 1857)** Myotis nattereri (Kuhl, 1817)**
Brachytarsina flavipennis Macquart, 1851*	Rhinolophus blasii Peters, 1867**
	Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774)**

Appendix II. Checklist of Nycteribiidae and Streblidae with their hosts from the islands of Crete and Cyprus. Checklist of 7 species, with 4 genera of  bat flies Nycteribiidae and 1 species of Streblidae known from Crete and the same number of species and genera from

both parasitic families documented from Cyprus, based on both literature data and new records obtained during recent field studies. The first record of the parasite (*) and the first record from the host (**) of the respective island are indicated.

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