Taphozous perforatus

The Egyptian tomb bat (Taphozous perforatus) is a species of sac-winged bat in the family Emballonuridae. It is a medium- to large-sized microbat with a mass of approximately 30 g (1.1 oz). It is an aerial insectivore, foraging in open space. Based on individuals captured in Ethiopia, it is thought to feed predominantly on Lepidoptera, but is also known to feed on Isoptera, Coleoptera and Orthoptera. Its total body length is 64.8–80 mm (2.55–3.15 in), with different subspecies varying in size.Its forearms are 60.2–65.3 mm (2.37–2.57 in) long.Its ears are 15–23 mm (0.59–0.91 in) long. Mammals of Africa follows Mammal Species of the World in recognizing four subspecies. An analysis of the bat's feces done by J. Rydell and D. W. Yalden in 1997 in Ethiopia deduced its diet is mostly moths (57%). Other prey includes: termites (14%), beetles (10%), katydids and crickets (8%), bugs (3%), lacewings (2%), ants (1%), and flies (1%). Juvenile bats (pups) and lactating females have been encountered in July.Parturition, or giving birth, likely occurs in late May and early June.They are polyestrous, capable of becoming pregnant multiple times a year.Pregnancies can occur in quick succession, with one female identified that was simultaneously lactating and pregnant. Michel Anciaux de Faveaux reports the following fleas, bat-flies, ticks, and mites have been found as ectoparasites on this species: Based on a study of Egyptian specimens, A. E. Yaseen and colleagues report its chromosome number is 2n = 42 and its autosomal fundamental number is 64. An isolate of the MERS-CoV from the first patient identified was found in an Egyptian tomb bat near the victim's home in Saudi Arabia. The isolate, found in a fecal pellet from the bat, was found to be a 100% match with the London victim.