Sociality influences thermoregulation and roost switching in a forest bat using ephemeral roosts.

摘要: In summer, many temperate bat species use daytime torpor, but breeding females do so less to avoid interferences with reproduction. forest-roosting bats, deep tree cavities buffer roost microclimate from abrupt temperature oscillations and facilitate thermoregulation. Forest bats also switch roosts frequently, thermally suitable may be limiting. We tested how barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus), often roosting beneath flaking bark in snags, thermoregulate successfully despite the unstable of their preferred cavities. assessed thermoregulation patterns trees a beech forest central Italy. Although all used were more normothermic. Cavities poorly insulated, social probably overcomes this problem. A model incorporating presence mates group size explained better than others based, respectively, on location structural characteristics cavities, weather, or sex, reproductive body condition. Homeothermy was recorded for subjects, including nonreproductive females: This ensures availability warm environment nonvolant juveniles. represent lifesaver loose bark, very exposed predators, because homeothermic react quickly case emergency. found that maintain cohesion when switching roosts: accelerate occupation at end night, securing stable newly occupied cavity. Overall, both roost-switching satisfactorily as adaptations structurally labile environment.