| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4.3cm - 5.3cm |
| Wingspan: | 25cm - 30cm |
| Weight: | 7g - 13g |
| Average Lifespan: | up to 21 years |
The Bechstein's bat is a very rare bat that lives in woodland and roosts in old woodpecker holes or tree crevices. Like other bats, the females form 'maternity colonies' to have their pups.
About
Found almost exclusively in woodland, Bechstein's bat is one of our rarest bats. All UK bats are nocturnal, feeding on midges, moths and other flying insects that they find in the dark by using echolocation. Bechstein's bats hibernate over the winter. Mating occurs in autumn and spring, with maternity colonies forming in April and May; between 10 to 30 females gather together, but colonies can number up to 100 in some cases. Pups are born in June and July.
How to identify
The Bechstein's bat has a pink face, long ears that are clearly separated at the forehead, reddish-brown fur on its back, and a pale grey belly.
Did you know?
Bechstein’s bats have very quiet echolocation calls, so are difficult to detect. The frequency of most calls is 50kHz.