Wildlifeof Thailand
Least Pipistrelle
Vespertilionidae
Photo: (c) Lawrence Hylton, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC-BY (May be cropped or resized)
Alionoctula tenuis
Basic stats
Habitat
Forest, farmland and settlements
Range
South and Southeast Asia to the Philippines and Timor
The least pipistrelle is one of Asia's smallest aerial insectivorous bats. Current taxonomy places it in Alionoctula after reassessment of eastern Pipistrellus, and recognizes a broad but structured complex of populations. Its tiny size alone is not diagnostic because several related species overlap (Batnames; Mammal Diversity Database).
It ranges from South Asia through southern China and Southeast Asia to the Philippines, Moluccas and Timor, from sea level to high mountains. It uses forest, farmland and settlements and roosts in small crevices in buildings or trees. Small flying insects are taken soon after dusk (regional bat literature). It is Nationally Least Concern (Thailand Red Data 2025).
Quick answers
- What habitat does the Least Pipistrelle live in?
- Forest, farmland and settlements
- Where is the Least Pipistrelle found?
- South and Southeast Asia to the Philippines and Timor