Bat bugs (Cimex pipistrelli, Heteroptera) and roost switching in bats

BARTONIČKA, Tomáš. Bat bugs (Cimex pipistrelli, Heteroptera) and roost switching in bats. Berichte der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft der Oberlausitz. Naturforschende Gesellschaft der Oberlau, 2007, vol. 15, No 1, p. 29-36. ISSN 0941-0627.

Basic information

• Original name: Bat bugs (Cimex pipistrelli, Heteroptera) and roost switching in bats
• Name in Czech: Štěnice (Cimex pipistrelli, Heteroptera) a střídání úkrytů netopýry
• Authors: BARTONIČKA, Tomáš (203 Czech Republic, guarantor).
• Edition: Berichte der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft der Oberlausitz, Naturforschende Gesellschaft der Oberlau, 2007, 0941-0627.

Other information

• Original language: English
• Type of outcome: Article in a journal
• Field of Study: 10600 1.6 Biological sciences
• Country of publisher: Spain
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• RIV identification code: RIV/00216224:14310/07:00020101
• Organization unit: Faculty of Science
• Keywords in English: bats bugs roost switching
• Tags: bats bugs roost switching
• Tags: Reviewed

Abstract

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

Abstract (in Czech)

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Links

• GP206/07/P098, research and development project: Name: Parazitace štěnicemi (Cimicidae): možná příčina střídání úkrytů netopýry

Investor: Czech Science Foundation, Parasitation by bed bugs (Cimicidae): a possible cause of roost switching by bats

• MSM0021622416, plan (intention): Name: Diverzita biotických společenstev a populací: kauzální analýza variability v prostoru a čase

Investor: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the CR, Diversity of Biotic Communities and Populations: Causal Analysis of variation in space and time