Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Daubenton's Bat
Scientific Name:
Myotis daubentoni
Weight:
7 - 12g
Lifespan:
Up to 22 years recorded Description
The fur on the upper-parts of the Daubenton bat is grey/dark brown and on the under-parts silvery grey. The face is pinkish-brown and the wing and tail membranes are dark brown. Large furry feet assist with hunting its prey.
Distribution
The Daubenton bat is found throughout the British Isles.
Habitat
Close to water and the wooded environment it likes for cover. The Daubenton will find a home in rocks or masonry.
Predators
Not strictly a predator, man can influence the survival of all bats by maintaining/destroying their habitat.
Reproduction
Just one baby per year usually born in June or July.
Status
The Daubenton is not thought to be an endangered species.
Did You Know?
Young bats can fly within 3 weeks of birth. The Daubenton bat may be seen during daylight hours as it skims over ponds or lakes. The Daubenton hibernates from September to April.
Droppings Description
As a result of this species wet diet (feeding on water bourne insects, normally skimming low over the waters surface) it's droppings tend to be much wetter than other bats. This often results in a "mush" from which individual are hard to distinguish. Although distinctive in itself, accumulations of the droppings of other species can also deteriorate to a similar state in certain conditions.