Insectivorous bats are highly effective generalist predators, and studies have documented the presence of many agricultural pest species in their diet. Hence an attempt was made to know the role of insectivorous bats in suppression of insect pests in rice crop. During the period a survey was conducted in rice growing areas of Rangareddy district and also identified roosting sites of lesser mouse-tailed bat near these locations. A total of 18 bat pellets were collected from the roosting site and analysed by using standard protocols and images were taken by stereo micro scope. Similarly light traps were placed in rice fields and collected data in respective locations. The insect data available in the light trap was correlated with the occurrence in bat pellets. Analysis of 18 pellets resulted in to 437 prey items as bat foods. Among the 437 prey items highest prey items were recorded by Coleopteran insects (112) followed by Diptera (98), Lepidoptera (62), Orthoptera (38), Hymonoptera (35) Hemiptera (26), Homoptera (14) and unidentified with 52 prey items. The light trap data showed that the diet of the bat closely related to availability of prey in the study area. This relationship represents opportunistic hunting by bats in rice habitats as reasonably characterized by prey availability. The presence of 88% insects found in the diet of bat pellets in the present study indicates their potential in regulating insect populations in crop fields as one of the component in Integrated pest management. By providing adequate roosting sites in preserving mature tree species and creating awareness among the public would enhance the population and conservation of insectivorous bats.

Insectivorous, Bats, Paddy ecosystem, Bio-control agent, Insect pests and Survey

Supporting nearby caves and other non-crop habitat is a bat-friendly agriculture practice. Maintaining tree lines and forest patches with a variety of plants can aid in creating habitat for species that live in caves. Additionally, keeping existing dead trees in place and refraining from demolishing ancient buildings (such as barns) where bats may be roosting will assist sustain the availability of bat habitat. Installing bat houses all throughout a farm gives these kinds of bats a great environment and can generate significant maternity colonies. So it is high time to conserve the bats which are act as a potential natural biocontrol agent in suppressing the agricultural important pests in field & horticultural crops.

Vanam Sunitha, Venkateshwarlu Panjugula, Mandla Rajashekhar, Ravinder Reddy Vakiti, Aruna Sri Issai, Baja Naresh, Vasudeva Rao Vaidyula and AVLNR Rao (2022). The Lesser Mouse-tailed Bat (Rhinopoma hardwickii)– A Potential Bio Control Agent in Suppression of Insect Pests in Rice. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4a): 537-540.