Studies on the embryology of microchiroptera Part I. Reproduction and breeding seasons in the South Indian vespertilionid bat-Scotophilus wroughtoni (Thomas)

Abstract

1. A study of the literature in the reproduction of bats reveals that there are two types of sexual phenomena exhibited by bats, some bats experiencing a definite hibernation during winter after copulation in autumn, and others where copulation is immediately followed by fertilisation and gestation in spring. The batScotophilus wroughtoni does not show any evidence of a winter "sleep" and thereby falls into the second category. 2. Scotophilus wroughtoni has a sharply defined breeding season, copulation occurring at about the middle of March and followed immediately by fertilisation and gestation. 3. The period of gestation is about 105 to 115 days. 4. The age which this bat attains, as determined by its pregnancy records, may safely be placed at about three years.