Common Pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pipistrellus
The common pipistrelle is one of the smallest and most widespread bat species in Europe, with a wingspan of approximately 18 to 24 centimeters. Its dense fur is brown on the back and slightly lighter grey-brown on the underside, with dark ears and snout. As a distinct synanthrope, it frequently uses crevices in buildings as roosts and often hunts in gardens or near street lamps during twilight. It is known for its agile flight and its ability to consume large quantities of small insects in a single night.
Details
Identification
Small size, short and rounded tragus, dark face, short brown fur, echolocation calls around 45 kHz.
Social behavior
Highly social; forms maternity colonies of 20 to over 100 females in summer; males occupy mating territories in autumn and attract females with courtship calls.
Diet
Exclusively insectivorous; feeds on small dipterans (mosquitoes, midges), caddisflies, and small moths.
Hunting strategy
Aerial hawker; catches prey in fast, agile flight using echolocation at heights of 2-10 meters.
Overwintering
Hibernation in frost-free crevices in buildings, rock fissures, or rarely in tree hollows, often in large groups.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important predator of nocturnal insects; contributes significantly to the regulation of insect populations.
Natural predators
Owls (e.g., Tawny Owl), birds of prey (e.g., Hobby), domestic cats, beech martens.
Competitor species
Soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), Nathusius' pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii).
Ecosystem service
Biological pest control through the mass consumption of mosquitoes and insects relevant to forestry or agriculture.
Threats
Loss of roosts due to building renovation, use of pesticides, collisions with wind turbines, and light pollution.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Smallest native bat species; short tragus with a rounded tip; the last tail vertebra extends about 1 mm beyond the tail membrane; characteristic echolocation with a peak frequency around 45 kHz.
Habitat
Generalist and synanthrope; inhabits a wide range of environments from urban areas (gardens, parks) to forest edges, avenues, and riparian zones. Prefers structurally diverse landscapes.
Diet
Opportunistic insectivores; feed on small dipterans (especially chironomids), caddisflies, lacewings, and small moths.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Loss of roosts due to energy-efficient building renovations; food shortage due to pesticide use; collision risk at wind turbines; light pollution.
Population trend
Stable to slightly increasing; the species partially benefits from milder winters but suffers locally from the loss of crevice roosts.
Conservation measures
Preservation and creation of roosts on buildings; avoidance of insecticidal wood preservatives; promotion of insect biomass; consideration during wind farm planning.