Do all UK bats hang upside down

[charlie10kbirds]

Hi All

Does anyone know whether Pipistrelle Bats 'hang' from a suitable surface just after coming out of their day-time roosts and before flying off to feed (at dusk), or would that be indicative of Lesser Horseshoe Bat? I can only find information that Lesser Horseshoes hang while roosting, but not what any bat species do just after emerging while they're - to all intents and purposes - waking up properly and getting a better idea of local conditions.

Thankyou

Charlie


Charlie Moores
10,000 Birds: Birding, blogging, conservation, and commentary

[thunder]

Most of the Pipistrelles I've seen emerging pelt off into the wild blue yonder, but what they do shortly after, I have no idea. I suspect they don't 'hang-up' soon after emergence, and I suspect most British bats don't either. However, I have heard of Lesser Horsehoes doing this briefly when they are roosting in a complex of buildings, and I think probably Greater Horseshoes do as well. I think it is simply because these two species are the most likely to use complex roosts, and thus have the chance to hang up close to their daytime position. They also seem to spend more time flying around close to the roost immediately post emergence. Pipistrelles, as I have said, seem usually to zoom off as fast as they can go!

Horseshoe bats always hang when roosting. Other species will hang, but Pipistrelles like to roost in confined spaces, such as between roofing felt and tiles, and are often lying at an angle, on a surface, but still holding on with their feet.

henrya

[ViperaBerus]

The ligaments in bats feet are arranged in such a way that the weight of the bat causes the feet to grip and close automatically, so reducing the need for the bats to physically grip all the time and reducing muscle strain.

Horseshoes like to hang free with their bodies not touching any other surface, whereas most other species tend to hang onto a verticle surface with their dorsal surface in contact with that surface. Although they can be horizontal too if their are crevices that allow it. Pipestrelles just bolt off, although will probably have a night roost somewhere close to the feeding grounds.

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by charlie10kbirds

Hi All

Does anyone know whether Pipistrelle Bats 'hang' from a suitable surface just after coming out of their day-time roosts and before flying off to feed (at dusk), or would that be indicative of Lesser Horseshoe Bat? I can only find information that Lesser Horseshoes hang while roosting, but not what any bat species do just after emerging while they're - to all intents and purposes - waking up properly and getting a better idea of local conditions.

Thankyou

Charlie


Charlie Moores
10,000 Birds: Birding, blogging, conservation, and commentary

I have seen Greater (about the size of a small pear) and Lesser (about the size of a large plum) hanging at feeding spots before flying off to a hunting area again both these bats mainly use passive listening to locate prey.
I was shown a dead Pipistrelle hanging by its locked feet but most other bats
I have seen seem to land on trees or walls head up and just cling until they take flight again

[charlie10kbirds]

Many thanks for the answers. After reading them I was so unsure what I'd seen that I thought I ought to go back and check and they were indeed Lesser Horseshoe Bats. The behaviour does seem to be typical for the species as they were doing exactly the same thing as before. Very exciting, and thanks again.

Charlie

[PMG]

Originally Posted by charlie10kbirds

Many thanks for the answers. After reading them I was so unsure what I'd seen that I thought I ought to go back and check and they were indeed Lesser Horseshoe Bats. The behaviour does seem to be typical for the species as they were doing exactly the same thing as before. Very exciting, and thanks again.

Charlie

Is the place where you have seen the lesser horseshoes already known to the local bat group people? It might be worth a check with them - google to find the nearest group to your location or nearest the location of the bats. If this is a new roost you have discovered I'm sure the local bat group would like this information as horseshoe bats are not common and are fully protected from disturbance - if the bat group is aware of their location!

Pauline

[teknomage]

The pipistrelles that live under our eaves fly off as soon as they emerge in the evening and I've often seen them swoop & catch an insect almost immediately after emerging.

The odd few that make it indoors in the summer (and some do, every year - I think they must follow insects in through the open windows) are usually found clinging to the wallpaper in a head up position, although there was one that flew in through an open window one evening, flew around the room for a bit, then hung upside down from the curtain rail opposite the TV, apparently watching Inspector Morse with us. It departed through the same open window during the first advert break!

We've also discovered one crouched on the floor of the living room, and one poor thing down the toilet one morning (we fished it out thinking it had drowned and were pleased to discover it had survived the soaking and recovered well - we put it in a dark shed to recover and saw it crawl out from between the slates of the roof that evening and fly away.)

tekno.mage

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by charlie10kbirds

Many thanks for the answers. After reading them I was so unsure what I'd seen that I thought I ought to go back and check and they were indeed Lesser Horseshoe Bats. The behaviour does seem to be typical for the species as they were doing exactly the same thing as before. Very exciting, and thanks again.

Charlie

On a slightly sour note, you are aware of the legal protection of all British bats and especially roosts with regard to disturbing them or photographing without a licence particularlyat this time of the year. Best involve the local bat group for advice or Bat Conservation Trust

[PMG]

Originally Posted by teknomage

.....although there was one that flew in through an open window one evening, flew around the room for a bit, then hung upside down from the curtain rail opposite the TV, apparently watching Inspector Morse with us. It departed through the same open window during the first advert break!

tekno.mage

...... and heard muttering oh no not another Morse repeat

Seriously I am envious - I would love to share my life with bats in this way (and badgers and foxes) and in fact any other furry or feathered critter! To go slightly off topic (sorry) my idea of heaven would be bats in the eaves and the house; martins under the eaves; swallows in the utility room; badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and deer in the garden; any and all birds visiting the birdtable ........ mothing every night ........ and ....... and ......... sigh .......

Pauline

[Mr Mag00]

I have seen them wait on trees and walls too, head up. have only ever seen them upside down in my loft tight in corners.

on a slightly different note, i cannot remember where, they are beliveed to alweays fly left when leaving a roost, i observed a local roost a number of times this summer and i have to agree thay all did fly left.