Epstesicus serotinus - Serotine Bat

Taxonomy

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalis

Order: Chiroptera

Family: Vespertilionidae

Serotine Bats are fairly common in the south-east of England; they are also occasional sightings in the West-country but this species is rarely if ever seen in Wales.

This is one of Britain's largest bat species, having a wingspan of typically 37cm and weighing up to 35gm. Its lifespan is known to be up to 19 years. Serotine bats have large ears and their flight is characterised by slow, looping glides and steep dives to seize their prey.

Habitat and flight

Serotine Bats are sometimes seen in towns but their preferred hunting grounds are along woodland edges and over scrubby grassland. They emerge early in the evening and fly low to catch moths, beetles and other largish insects.

Roosts

Summer colonies of a dozen to fifty serotine bats have been found in the lofts of houses and other buildings, and that is usually where they hibernate.