Barbastella barbastellus - Barbastelle Bat

Barbastelle bats are quite rare, but they are found in small numbers throughout most of Wales. These bats are of medium size, having a head-and-body length of 4 cm to 5.5 cm and weighing between 6 and 13 gm.

A distinguishing feature of this species is its very broad ears and blunt pug-like face.

Habitat and flight

You may see Barbastelle bats along wooded river valleys in Wales, where they fly low to take insects. They often emerge before dark.

Roosts

In summer Barbastelle bats are sometimes found roosting in hollow trees and in buildings, but little is known about the location of their maternity colonies.

Although the winter roosting sites of Barbastelle bats are also something of a mystery, they have been found in cold underground sites, where they generally hang free. Barbastelles have also been found occasionally in winter roosts among tree roots. |

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