Common Pipistrelle

Introduction

Pipistrelles are the most common and widespread of all British bat species. There are two very similar species, common and soprano pipistrelles, as well as the much rarer Nathusius’ pipistrelle. Pipistrelles are the bats that you are most likely to see, as they forage around woodlands, hedgerows, grassland and in towns and cities. They appear fast and jerky in flight as they dodge about pursuing small insects which the bats catch and eat on the wing. A single pipistrelle can consume up to 3,000 insects in one night.