Mammals
Painted Bat
Kerivoula picta · also called painted woolly bat
Tucked alone among dried leaves, a painted bat’s vivid orange-and-black colouring does double duty, making it one of the most strikingly beautiful bats alive while also helping it disappear convincingly into the foliage around it.
Overview
The painted bat, Kerivoula picta, is native to forest and grassland habitat across parts of South and Southeast Asia. Its vivid orange-and-black colouring, leaf-like camouflage, and preference for solitary or small-group roosting make it one of the most visually striking bats found anywhere in the world.
Beauty with a practical purpose
Unlike many animals where bright colour signals danger or attracts mates, the painted bat’s vivid pattern appears to serve primarily as camouflage, breaking up its outline among the dried leaves and flowers where it spends its daylight hours.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable forest and grassland habitat throughout South and Southeast Asia.
Painted Bat: common questions
Why is the painted bat so brightly coloured?
Its vivid orange-and-black colouring is thought to help it blend in among dried leaves or certain flowers when roosting among foliage, turning a striking appearance into effective camouflage.
Does the painted bat live in large colonies?
No, it typically roosts alone or in small groups within foliage, unlike many bat species that form large colonies.
What does the painted bat eat?
It is a carnivore that catches flying insects, especially moths, while in flight.
Where is the painted bat found?
It is native to forest and grassland habitat across parts of South and Southeast Asia.