| Greater mouse-eared bat | Bechstein’s bat | Predicted effect on parasite population genetic structure | Reference |
---|---|---|---|---|
 | Myotis myotis | Myotis bechsteinii |  |  |
Social organization | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Colony size | Large (50–2000) | Small (10–50) | Larger colonies lead to less genetic drift | [17] |
Female natal philopatry | High; but occasional exchange of individuals between colonies | Very high; almost no exchange of individuals between colonies | Lower philopatry leads to more parasite transmission | |
Roost fidelity | High; one site (building/cave) throughout summer | Very low; frequent roost switching (tree cavities) and fission-fusion dynamics | Fission-fusion dynamics may increase genetic drift because colonies split into subgroups | |
Hibernation | Free-hanging; solitary or clustered | In crevices (mostly solitary) | Solitary roosting reduces parasite transmission | [17] |
Mating system | Temporary harems (extensive contact) and/or swarming (little contact) | Swarming (little contact) | Temporary harems increase parasite transmission |