Lesser Horseshoe Bat

Rhinolophus hipposideros

LISTEN TO THE BAT

Introduction

The lesser horseshoe bat is one of the smallest British species, being roughly plum-sized. At rest it hangs with the wings wrapped around the body. Like the greater horseshoe bat, it has a complex nose-leaf which is related to its particular type of echolocation system. Lesser horseshoe bats feed in sheltered valleys, woodland edge, pasture and wetlands.

Head & body length:

3.5 – 4.5 cm

Forearm length:

3.5 – 4.2 cm

Wingspan:

20 – 25 cm

Weight:

5 – 9 g

Average colony size:

30 – 70

Lifespan:

up to 21 years

Colour:

Adults, pinky buff-brown, juveniles, greyish (until 1 year old)

Conservation Status

One of the UK’s rarest bat species

Roost sites

Originally in caves, now mostly in buildings

Diet

flies, small moths, lacewings, beetles, wasps and spiders

Echolocation

can be best heard at 110kHz