Hairy-winged Bat

The hairy-winged bat is a robust vespertilionid with dense reddish-brown fur extending onto parts of the wing membrane, giving the species its English name. It has a broad head, strong teeth and short wide wings suited to manoeuvring in forest. It is the sole recognized species in Harpiocephalus (Mammal Diversity Database; regional bat field guide).

It ranges from South Asia through southern China and mainland Southeast Asia into the Sunda region. Forest records suggest it hunts beetles and other comparatively hard-bodied insects, while individuals roost in trees or concealed vegetation rather than forming prominent cave colonies. Much species-specific reproduction remains undocumented (regional bat field guide; forest survey studies). It is Nationally Vulnerable (Thailand Red Data 2025).