Bechstein’s Bat

Myotis bechsteinii

LISTEN TO THE BAT

Introduction

Bechstein’s is one of the UK’s rarest bats, found almost exclusively in woodland habitat. The destruction of ancient mature forests along with intensive woodland management practices has led to a decline in its numbers.

Head & body length:

4.3 – 5.3 cm

Forearm length:

3.8 – 4.7 cm

Wingspan:

25 – 30 cm

Weight:

7 – 13 g

Average colony size:

10 – 30

Lifespan:

21 year maximum

Colour:

Pale to reddish brown fur, greyish underneath. Pink face.


Conservation Status

One of the UK’s rarest mammals.

Roost sites

deciduous woodland

Diet

grasshoppers, nut weevils, moths, other types of fly

Echolocation

best heard at 50khz