Balionycteris seimundi was described in 1921 by C. Boden Kloss. He noted it as a subspecies of spotted-winged fruit bat, with a scientific name of Balionycteris maculata seimundi. The holotype had been collected by Eibert Seimund, who became the epithet for the name seimundi. Seimmund had collected the holotype in Pahang, Malaysia.[2] Later genetic studies showed that there was a larger-than-expected genetic distance of 12% between B. m. seimundi and B. m. maculata, which was used to justify its elevation to a full species.[1][3][4]
Balionycteris seimundi is a small megabat, weighing only 10–15 g (0.35–0.53 oz). It has a forearm length of 40–45 mm (1.6–1.8 in). Its fur is blackish brown on its back and somewhat paler on its underside.[5]
Balionycteris seimundi is widely distributed in Peninsular Malaysia. Its range likely includes other countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Indonesia (Sumatra and the Riau Archipelago).[1] They roost in small groups in palm trees, termite nests, epiphytic ferns, and, occasionally, caves.[5] Its habitat includes lowland rainforests at elevations from sea level to 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level.[1]
^Khan, Faisal Ali Anwarali (2008-04-23). Diversification of Old World Bats in Malaysia: An Evolutionary and Phylogeography Hypothesis tested through the Genetic Species Concept (MSc thesis). Texas Tech University. p. 37.
