Oriental Serotine

The Oriental serotine, Cnephaeus pachyomus, was formerly classified as a subspecies of the serotine Eptesicus serotinus, which remains its probable closest relative. A genetic study published in 2013 found enough divergence to support treating the Oriental form as a separate species. Four subspecies are recognized in the general account. These taxonomic points help explain why older references may place the same bat under Eptesicus pachyomus rather than the name used in this guide (Wikipedia, general species account).

Across its Asian range, the Oriental serotine occurs from Iran and Pakistan through India to China, Taiwan, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Its recorded habitats span semi-desert, steppe and tropical forest. During the day it shelters in shaded sites, including cracks in rocks and buildings and, less often, cave entrances. Roosts may hold a solitary bat or a small group. The available general account identifies butterflies and moths as prey (Wikipedia, general species account).