Serotine Bat

Facts
Scientific Name: 
Eptesicus serotinus
Weight : 
14-33g
Life Span: 
The maximum recorded age was 19 years.
Information
Description : 

The Serotine bat is one of the largest bats found in the UK. It has long fur that is dark to smoky brown on the back and yellowish brown on the underside. Its triangular shaped ears and nose are both black and its wing membranes are a dark brown to black in colour. The Serotine bat has broad wings and in flight can be identified by its slow flapping and highly manoeuvrable flight pattern. The Serotine bat will also be seen to glide at times while in flight.

Distribution : 

If an imaginary line was drawn across the UK between South Wales and the Wash, the Serotine bat would be found south of this line and although common in areas such as Sussex and Dorset, it is rarely found in Wales.

Habitat : 

Although the Serotine bat's primary habitat is lowland areas close to human habitation, it can be found in open country, woodland, parkland and hedgerows. During the summer the Serotine bat will roost in buildings and it is believed that they will also hibernate between October and March/April in the same location. Some Serotine bats have been found hibernating in caves, old mines and cellars but this is now believed to be a rare occurrence. In fact due to the way in which the Serotine bat has adapted to man made roosting sites, it is now rarely found in what would be a natural habitat.

Predators : 

Although not a direct threat from a predator, Serotine bats are vulnerable to the loss of roost sites, due to building works and any change or loss of habitat that results in the reduction in the availability of its prey. Pesticides are also a threat to the Serotine bat due to not only the detrimental impact they can have on its insect prey population but also due to the potential contamination of prey with fatal toxins. Insecticides and toxic timber treatments are also recognised as a threat to the Serotine bat.

Reproduction : 

Very little is known of the Serotine Bats mating behaviour but it is known that it commences during the autumn with fertilisation being delayed until the following spring. Females form maternity roosts of between 10 and 50 bats from the beginning of May and a single offspring, known as a pup, is born usually in early July. The pup is capable of flight at about 3 weeks of age and is independent at around 5 weeks of age.

Status : 

Serotine Bats are not listed as Threatened. Fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended, and by the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations (1994). An agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe (EUROBATS) under the auspices of the Bonn Convention, also known as the Convention on Migratory species (CMS) is in force, and all European bats are listed under Appendix II of the CMS.

Did You Know?: 

If the maternity roost is disturbed during the first few days of a pups life, the mother will move the pup to a new site. Serotine Bats are one of the first to emerge in the evening. During the summer period male Serotine bats tend to be solitary but do also occur in small groups.

Droppings Images :