One of the 29 bats on WAnimals
Mammals · Chiroptera · Vespertilionidae
Bechstein's Bat
Myotis bechsteinii
Near Threatened
It could become threatened in the near future if current threats go unchecked.
Bechstein's bat is one of the most demanding woodland species in Europe: it needs mature deciduous forest with plenty of old trees and woodpecker holes in which to establish its breeding colonies. It has notably long ears and hunts in slow flight among the vegetation, often taking insects resting on leaves rather than in the air. In Spain it is present along the northern strip and in a few mountain enclaves, always in small populations.
Weight
7 g – 14 g
Size
4.5 cm – 5.5 cm
Life expectancy
21 years
