Soprano pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pygmaeus
The soprano pipistrelle is one of the smallest bat species in Europe and a specialized inhabitant of riparian forests and wetlands. It was only recognized as a distinct species from the common pipistrelle in the late 1990s, primarily due to its significantly higher echolocation frequency of around 55 kHz. Its fur is reddish-brown to dark brown, and it shows a strong ecological dependence on aquatic food resources.
Details
Identification
Terminal call frequency around 55 kHz; reddish-brown fur; yellowish-orange coloration of the penis in adult males; small ears with a short, rounded tragus.
Social behavior
Highly social; forms large maternity colonies often containing 250 or more females; males establish mating territories in late summer.
Diet
Specialized insectivore; feeds primarily on small dipterans such as mosquitoes and midges, which are hunted over water.
Hunting strategy
Aerial hawking with fast, agile flight, usually at low altitudes over water surfaces or along forest edges.
Overwintering
Hibernation in crevice roosts in buildings, tree hollows, or rock fissures from November to March.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important predator of aquatic-associated flying insects; serves as prey for owls and birds of prey.
Natural predators
Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, domestic cat, Hobby, Sparrowhawk.
Competitor species
Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii).
Ecosystem service
Biological pest control through the mass consumption of mosquitoes.
Threats
Loss of roosts due to energy-efficient building renovations, use of insecticides, loss of riparian forest structures.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Primary feature is echolocation with a peak frequency around 55 kHz. Morphologically characterized by wing venation (cell between radius and 5th finger) and the distinct orange-yellow coloration of the penis in males during autumn.
Habitat
Strongly associated with water-rich habitats. Prefers riparian forests, shoreline vegetation of rivers and lakes, parks with water bodies, and moist deciduous mixed forests.