Indexer
The common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipstrellus) is the smallest and commonest bat found in the United Kingdom.
The pipstrelle weighs between 3 and 10 grams and has a wingspan of 15-25 cms.
The body is covered in brown fur. They have large black ears and narrow wings that are actually membranes stretched between elongated fingers. Strong claws on the feet enable them to hang upside down when roosting.
During summer months, pipistrelles can often be seen swooping and diving in a characteristically jerky flight during the late evening over gardens as they feed on flying insects such as moths. A single bat can eat as many as 3,000 insects in one night.
Pipistrelles roost in buildings, being able to squeeze through narrow gaps to find dry and sheltered spots.
Female pipistrelles give birth in Autumn. In the UK it is usual for them to raise only one young, but twin births are more common in continental Europe.
I live in a small condo building and we were having one of our periodic meetings on a back porch when a bat flew through. I was the only one who didn’t freak out. I pointed out that they live in our chimney which didn’t do much to calm their nerves.
Yes – I can appreciate the freaking out! But bats do no harm to anything bigger than a moth – apart from any mess they might create, of course!
You got 3 out of 10 right!
I used to see bats at night but not in a long time. Cool facts about this one.
It can be a bit spooky when they swoop close to you and you’re not expecting it!
Indeed, they are very scary to see up close.