Thermal preference of Schreiber's long-fingered (Miniopterus schreiberisii) and Cape horseshoe (Rhinolophus capensis) bats.

Thermal preference in a temperature gradient was investigated in Schreibers' long-fingered (Miniopterus schreibersii) and Cape horseshoe (Rhinolophus capensis) bats in relation to their roost temperatures. Both species selected a wide range of temperatures but R. capensis selected a narrower range and most frequently selected temperatures were 2-3 degrees C lower than M. schreibersii. There was some evidence of seasonal changes in temperature preference in M. schreibersii but not in R. capensis. However, euthermic bats of both species consistently selected higher temperatures than those that entered torpor. Roost temperatures were within the range selected for torpor in the laboratory but euthermic bats selected higher temperatures in the laboratory than those available to them in their roost. M. schreibersii has a wide geographical distribution and appears able to adapt its temperature preferences to those prevailing in available roosts. R. capensis is endemic to the Cape Province, South Africa, but its thermal preferences do not appear to be a factor limiting its distribution.