Craseonycteris

Craseonycteris thonglongyai, commonly known as the bumblebee bat or honey bat, is the world’s smallest mammal. Native to Thailand, this species is found primarily in limestone caves within the western region of the country, particularly in the provinces of Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi. It belongs to the family Craseonycteridae, which is distinct from other bat families and contains only this single species.

The bumblebee bat is characterized by its diminutive size, with adults measuring approximately 3.1 to 3.9 centimeters (1.2 to 1.5 inches) in length and weighing around 2 to 2.6 grams (0.07 to 0.09 ounces). Its fur is soft and dark brown, and its wings are broad and adapted for slow, maneuverable flight. Unlike many bats, it lacks echolocation and relies heavily on vision and scent to navigate and forage.

This species is insectivorous, feeding primarily on small insects such as mosquitoes, moths, and beetles, which it captures using its tongue. Its diet is supplemented by occasional nectar and pollen, making it one of the few bat species known to exhibit some level of frugivory or nectarivory. The bumblebee bat plays a role in pollination, though its impact is less significant compared to larger nectar-feeding bats.

Craseonycteris thonglongyai is nocturnal and roosts in caves during the day, emerging at dusk to forage. It is highly social, often found in large colonies numbering in the hundreds or thousands. The species is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss, cave disturbances, and potential impacts from climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its cave habitats and raising awareness about its ecological importance.

Research on the bumblebee bat remains limited, but studies suggest it may possess unique physiological adaptations, such as a high metabolic rate relative to its size, which supports its active lifestyle. Further investigation is needed to fully understand its behavior, ecology, and conservation needs.