British Bats
| BAT STATS Head-Body Length- 40-60mm Weight- 8-10g Wingspan- 250-350mm Tail Length- 35-55mm |
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DESCRIPTION- The Grey Long Eared Bat is so similar to the Brown Long Eared Bat that it was only in 1960 that it was recognized that the two species were different. It is similar in appearance and in behaviour to its close relative, although it is more likely to have a slightly greyer coat colour. However this cannot be relied upon to differentiate between the two species. Competition between the two species seems to rarely occur, as they are not normally found living together in the same areas. The Grey Long Eared Bat is a medium sized bat with dark grey or brown fur. The face being darker. Ears are large with over 20 transverse folds. The tragus is large. Its flight is similar to the brown long eared bats.
HABITAT- The Grey Long Eared Bat is a woodland living species, but hunts in much less densely wooded areas than the Brown Long Eared Bat. It is also happy in cultivated areas. Its preference for warmth means it commonly roosts in people's homes. Winter roosts are in caves or tunnels. During hibernation it prefers temperatures of 2 to 9 centigrade.
LIFESPAN- usually 7 to 8 years.
DISTRIBUTION- In Britain it is only found in the Southwest, mainly within the counties of Devon, Hampshire and Dorset. It is not as common as the Brown Long Eared bat, but numbers may be increasing. In continental Europe it is more common and has a wide distribution, although it is nor found in northern parts.
BREEDING- Mating occurs in autumn. Young are born in nursery roosts containing between 10 and 30 females in June. Similar to the Brown Long Eared Bat.
BEHAVIOUR- It emerges fairly late to hunt. Hibernates September to March.