BAT STATS Head-Body Length- 62-82mm Weight- 17-35g Wingspan- 310-380mm Tail Length-4.6-6.0mm

DESCRIPTION- The Serotine Bat is a large and strongly built bat, being almost as large as the Greater Mouse Eared Bat. Its wingspan is about the same size as that of a blackbird, its wings being broad and rounded in shape. This gives it a correspondingly slow flight speed. The dorsal side of its body is a dark brown colour, with the tips of the fur sometimes being yellowish, which gives the coat a golden sheen. The undersides are a paler yellow-brown. The ears and nose are black, while the wing membranes are dark brown. The ears are short but triangular with a long pointed tragus. The tip of the tail extends well beyond the end of the tail membrane for 5 to 8 mm.

HABITAT- The Serotine is found in areas with open pastures, open woodland, meadows, and parkland. It is comfortable living around man and his dwellings. They frequently make their nursery and summer roosts within attics, or other roof spaces. During winter they hibernate mostly in buildings, but will occasionally use caves. It prefers conditions of 2 to 4 centigrade with low humidity within its hibernacula.

DISTRIBUTION- As with other large bats the Serotine prefers milder climates. It is most common in central and southern Europe. It also occurs further north in lesser numbers, and is found as far north as Denmark, Southern Sweden and Southern England. In Britain it is not particularly common, its distribution being localised and patchy. It is most numbers in the southeast.

LIFESPAN- maximum 19 years.

BREEDING- Mating takes place in August to October. Nursery colonies are started in April with 10 to 50 females, usually within buildings. A single youngster weighing 5 grams is born in June or July. It doubles its weight within two week's of being born. The young are weaned and become independent at 6 to 7 week's of age.

BEHAVIOUR- Normally emerges 15 to 20 minutes after sunset. They often hunt just below the treetops at heights of between 0 and 15 meter's. They hunt for longer periods as the summer progresses. Hibernation takes place between November and April.