Bat ID please.

Gaza · #1 (**permalink**) 24-02-2010, 08:58 PM

Hi guys.

This Bat flew and landed on the ledge of a window. I only had my phone / camera, but got a half decent photo of it, before it flew on to the roof, and crawled into a gap between the roof tiles.

Can someone tell me what type of Bat, it is please ?

sunnydale · #2 (**permalink**) 24-02-2010, 09:15 PM

Not right good with Bats - but looks like a Pipistrelle to me.

Wait for the experts though!

sunnydale · #3 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 07:36 AM

Can anyone confirm??

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 07:55 AM

Yes this is a Common Pipistrelle.

canis.rufus · #5 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 08:04 AM

Hiya,

Looks like a Pipistrelle to me. It's hard to differentiate the Pip's without having the bat in the hand, but I'd probably guess at Common based on the dark face and apparent shape of the nose - but that is somewhat subjective from a photograph (smell is normally one of the easiest ways to tell them apart).

Cheers - Toby.

Dogghound · #6 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 08:22 AM

In Nathusius' pipistrelle the fur on the back is almost always longer and shaggier than on a common, the fur under the body is usually paler this can be quite distinctive in difference compared to common which does have slightely paler fur but not this clear. Also the tragus tends to have a more distinctly rounded blunt tip, this is usually curved forward often curled. In common this is less rounded and not curved forward.

Soprano pipistrelle have a pale face (which this one doesnt have) and a more pointed upturned nose, also the ear is more elongate and less rounded. (ruling this species out).

canis.rufus · #7 (**permalink**) 25-02-2010, 02:53 PM

Fair enough, I do tend to be quite conservative in identifications particularly without seeing the bat in person. We tend to use the "cell" pattern in the wing membrane, although there is still potential for intraspecific variation and it's best to use as many characters as possible.

To the OP, forgot to say earlier as I had to run to a lecture; but in case you haven't it would be worth letting your local bat group know - if possible. Roost records are always very important, and it is slightly more interesting being this early in the year.

Cheers - Toby.