British Bats
Bechstein's Bat Myotis bechsteini
| BAT STATS Head-Body Length- 4.3-5.5cm Weight- 7-13g Wingspan- 25-30 cm Tail Length- 3.4-4.4cm |
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DESCRIPTION- Most noticeable about the Bechstein's Bat are its large ears which can be more than 25mm long. Its ears are the longest of any European species with the exception of the long-eared bats. The ears are a shiny brown and in shape are broad and rounded with 9 transverse folds along their outer edges. The tragus is long and pointed. Apart from its ears the Bechstein's Bat is a fairly typical Myotis species of bat. The fur is long and a reddish-brown colour along the back, while the belly is paler. The wing membranes are grey. The long narrow muzzle is bare with a dark pink colour. The calcar is straight and reaches half way along the tail membrane.
DISTRIBUTION- The Bechstein's Bat is extremely rare in Britain, only occurring in and around Dorset. In Europe it has a widespread distribution and can be found from the Mediterranean northwards to southern Scandinavia. Despite this large range it is however, uncommon and highly localised, making it a rare species throughout the continent.
HABITAT- Damp deciduous and mixed woodland is the preferred habitat of the Bechstein's Bat. It has a preference for woodlands that have a variety of different layers and storeys. The summer roosts are in hollow or rotten trees, although it has been known to use bird and bat boxes. It will frequently change roosting site. It normally hibernates in caves, tunnels and mines.
BEHAVIOUR- The Bechstein's Bat hunts moths and other small insects at height of about 1 to 15 metres from the ground. It will frequently glean prey from vegetation. Its flight is rather slow and fluttering. The Bechstein's Bat is rather elusive and little is known about it. It hunts only in good weather, when it will leave the roosts about 30 minutes after sunset. They hibernate at temperatures of 3 to 7 centigrade from October to March.
BREEDING- Mating takes place in autumn and winter. Nursery colonies with 10 to 30 females are established in April and May. The young are born in June or July and are independent by the end of August. The juveniles are lighter in colour than the adults.
LIFESPAN- maximum of 21 years.