Peters, 1866
Blasius' Horseshoe bat
External characters (Table 34)
This is one of the largest species in the pusillus group. The length of the forearm in extralimital specimens from Iran averages 47.8 mm (43-50 mm). There is a distinct decrease in the length of the metacarpals from the fifth to the third and the third metacarpal is considerably shorter (82.9%, 80.1-86.7%) than the combined lengths of its respective phalanges. The second phalanx of the fourth finger is relatively long; the first phalanx averages about 60% of its length; in R. pusillus and R. lepidus it is usually about 80%. In the noseleaf, the superior connecting process of the sella rises to a high and acute point (Fig. 73); in consequence, the anterior border of the sella exceeds that of R. lepidus and R. pusillus in length. The lancet is bluntly pointed; its sides near the apex are nearly parallel and it is widened at the base. The pelage colour in extralimital specimens is typically mottled buffy brown interspersed with very pale patches on the back (Rbl1); the belly is almost white.
Cranial characters
The skull with an average condylo-canine length of 16.5 mm (16.0-17.0 mm) exceeds in overall size that of R. lepidus . The rostrum is relatively small and delicate and the braincase is bulbous.
Dentition
Upper toothrow length (C-M3) averages 6.4 mm (6.0-7.6 mm). The first upper premolar (PM2) lies within the toothrow. The second lower premolar (pm3) is situated in, or in the outer part of, the toothrow. The first (pm2) and third (pm4) premolars are not in contact.
Variation
The specimen from Pakistan is provisionally referred to R. b. meyeroemi (Corbet and Hill, 1992).