Whiskered Bat - Myotis mystacinus

Description

Whiskered bat is very similar to Brandt’s bat and the two species were only separated in 1970. Identification requires careful examination by an expert.

Similar Species

Brandt’s bat

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Found in buildings, particularly older buildings with stone walls and slate roofs. It is a crevice dweller and will make use of any suitable space to roost.

When to see it

All year round. In winter whiskered bats are regularly found hibernating in caves and tunnels, almost always in small numbers.

Life History

Whiskered bats emerge within half an hour of sunset and probably remain active throughout much of the night feeding on moths, other small insects and spiders. They have a fast and fluttering flight, to a height of 20 metres, generally level with occasional swoops. They glide briefly, especially when feeding in the canopy. They frequently fly along a regular route over or alongside a hedgerow or woodland edge.

UK Status

Found throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland.

VC55 Status

Infrequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Whiskered Bat
Species group:
Mammals
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Chiroptera
Family:
Vespertilionidae
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
17/08/2017 (Robinson, David)
Last record:
17/08/2017 (Robinson, David)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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