BAT STATS Head-Body length - 40-52mm Wingspan - 250-280mm Weight - 6-13g Tail Length- 38-54mm

DESCRIPTION- Possibly the ugliest species of bat found in Britain is the distinctive Barbastelle bat. With its thick black ears and squashed face it is instantly recognizable. It is a medium sized bat, with fur that is long and silky, and almost black in colour. The hairs of the dorsal side are long and black, but tipped with yellow-white, which gives the bat a glazed or a frosted appearance. The undersides are dark grey. The naked parts of the face, as well as the wing membranes are grey to black in colour. The ears are short and broad with a stiffening fold at the front. Unusually the ears meet between, which is normally only seen in the long eared bats. The snout is short and flattened giving the Barbastelle a 'pug' like appearance. The wings are broad with pointed tips, giving it a slow but manoeuvrable flight. The Barbastelle is rarely detected in flight using bat detectors because it produces only very quiet echolocation calls, which are emitted through the mouth.

DISTRIBUTION- Although the Barbastelle has a wide distribution and is found throughout much of Europe, it appears to be relatively uncommon and localised throughout its range. In Britain it is relatively rare and is only found in the South of England and Wales.

HABITAT- The Barbastelle's preferred habitat is open woodland. They seem to like river valleys in particular, and are often seen hunting over water. Buildings, hollow trees and nest boxes are used as summer roosts. During the winter months they hibernate in cellars, caves and in tunnels. During hibernation they either hang freely from the ceiling in large cluster, or they squeeze into narrow cracks singly. They are able to tolerate temperatures below freezing while hibernating.

BREEDING- Mating occurs in autumn and winter. The females form nursery roosts in April, and a single young is born in June or July. Nursery roosts usually contain 10-20 females, but can contain over 100 on occasion.

FEEDING- It preys mainly on small insects such as flies, moths and beetles, which it plucks off foliage, or catches over water.

BEHAVIOUR- Often emerges before sunset to feed. In summer sexes segregate, the females forming nursery roosts, the males living separately. They hibernate between October and April.

LIFESPAN- up to 23 years