Bechstein's bat
Myotis bechsteinii
Bechstein's bat is a medium-sized Myotis species characterized by its exceptionally large ears, which extend well beyond the snout when folded forward. Its fur is light brown to reddish-brown on the dorsal side and light grey to whitish on the ventral side. It is considered an indicator species for near-natural, old-growth deciduous forests with a high density of tree cavities. This species is a typical gleaner, picking prey items directly from foliage and other surfaces.
Details
Identification
Very large ears (21-26 mm), tragus nearly half the ear length and lanceolate in shape, forearm 39-47 mm, 38 teeth.
Social behavior
Forms maternity colonies of 10-50 females; exhibits a complex 'fission-fusion' social system with almost daily roost switching.
Diet
Insectivorous; feeds on beetles, moths, flies, and spiders, often gleaned directly from leaves or the ground.
Hunting strategy
Substrate gleaning and slow, maneuverable flight within dense forest interiors; uses echolocation and acoustic signals from prey.
Overwintering
Hibernation in underground sites such as caves, mines, or deep tree hollows with high humidity and stable temperatures.
Ecology
Ecological role
Predator of forest insects; contributes to the regulation of insect populations in forest ecosystems.
Natural predators
Owls (e.g., Tawny Owl), martens, domestic cats (at roost sites), occasionally birds of prey.
Competitor species
Other Myotis species (e.g., Natterer's bat) regarding roosting sites and hunting habitats.
Ecosystem service
Biological pest control in forested areas through predation of forestry-relevant insects.
Threats
Loss of old-growth deciduous forests, lack of suitable tree hollows, habitat fragmentation, and the use of insecticides in forestry.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Characterized by extremely long ears (22-26 mm) which, when folded forward, extend about 1 cm beyond the tip of the snout. The tragus is long, narrow, and lanceolate.
Habitat
Primary inhabitant of old, structurally rich deciduous and mixed forests (especially oak and beech) with high amounts of standing deadwood and natural cavities. Considered an indicator species for near-natural old-growth forests.