is this bat poorly ?

[Lemars]

[Lemars]

sorry - more haste, less speed. I hope this will do Nightshade. You were just in the nick of time there - I was about to dispose of................

We have an imminent thunderstorm, so the flies have gone to ground and I was in such a rush to get that posted before the internet goes pop, that I only sent the pic. Sorry.
I'd much appreciate an id now though.

C

Here's hoping it holds off until you're able to tell me (if you can)

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Its a Serotine, however its head is covered in fly eggs Is it actually alive?

[Lemars]

Thank you Doghound - I hadn't realised you were so sure.

It must have died just before I found it, so if those are fly eggs, I can only think they were laid shortly before it actually died or very soon afterwards. Horrid things didn't waste much time (sorry if you really love flies).

I'm going to look up a Seratine bat now - as long as the internet and the thunderstorm will allow.

C

[Dogghound]

Also with reference to the big brown bat this is a North American species so is unlikely to occur in France. Serotines are quite abundant in France.

[Lemars]

I was getting a little ahead of myself, but knew someone would soon put me right. I'd only done a quick look because I'd hoped someone could do an id before I buried it. You're quite right - I'd not checked location - but it was the closest I could find before destroying the evidence.

Thank you Doghound. Seems you know your stuff. I'm rather hoping we have a few more round and about - the eaves of the house are just over the place the bat spent the day, so perhaps I'll keep an eye out there at dusk - just in case.
Thank you for your help.

C

[The Woodman]

Agreed, it's a Serotine. Your images were most helpful with ID - the forearm length in particular.