Diet composition of Myotis myotis (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in western Poland: results of fecal analyses

Authors: AGNIESZKA GRACLIK, OSKAR WASIELEWSKI

Abstract: The diet of greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis) was investigated by analysis of 900 droppings taken from 8 different bat colonies in western Poland. Three taxonomic orders (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Diptera) and representatives of 2 other groups of arthropods (Chilopoda: Lithobiidae and Arachnida: Araneae) were identified in the droppings. Coleoptera was the most abundant prey found in fecal samples in all seasons. Study sites differed significantly in the composition of prey, which probably reflects the local foraging conditions for M. myotis.

Keywords: Myotis myotis, diet, fecal analysis, Chiroptera

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