Pelage patterns and crypsis in roosting bats: <i>Taphozous mauritianus</i> and <i>Epomophorus</i> species

Abstract

The grizzled dorsal pelage of Taphozous mauritianus (Emballonuridae) contributes to the camouflage of these bats when they are roosting on natural surfaces. The white ear spots of Epomophorus spp. (Pteropodidae) represent disruptive patterns contributing to the cryptic appearance of these bats when they are roosting in foliage.

Keywords

• crypsis, disruptive patterns, Taphozous, Epomophorus.