Daubenton's bat
Myotis daubentonii
Daubenton's bat is a small to medium-sized bat species that is strictly associated with aquatic habitats. It prefers hunting at low altitudes of just a few centimeters above the surface of lakes and slow-flowing rivers. Using its unusually large feet, it gaffs insects directly from the water surface or just above it. During the summer, it typically inhabits tree hollows in forests near water, while it spends the winter hibernating in humid underground sites.
Details
Identification
Large feet with long bristles, reddish-brown dorsal fur, silvery-grey underside, short and blunt tragus.
Social behavior
Forms maternity colonies of 20-50 females in summer; males often live solitarily or in small bachelor groups.
Diet
Mainly aquatic insects such as non-biting midges, caddisflies, and small moths.
Hunting strategy
Trawling flight just above the water surface; insects are scooped from the water using feet or the uropatagium.
Overwintering
Hibernation in frost-free, humid caves, cellars, or mines at temperatures between 3 and 8 degrees Celsius.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important predator of insects near water bodies; contributes to the regulation of mosquito and midge populations.
Natural predators
Owls (e.g., Tawny Owl), domestic cats, martens, and occasionally birds of prey.
Competitor species
Pond bat (Myotis dasycneme), Natterer's bat (Myotis nattereri).
Ecosystem service
Biological pest control by consuming large quantities of mosquitoes and other insects.
Threats
Loss of tree hollows due to forestry, loss of roosts during building renovations, pesticide use, and light pollution.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Particularly striking are the disproportionately large feet (longer than half the tibia length) with strong bristles, used for catching insects from the water surface. The tragus is short and blunt, about half the length of the ear.
Habitat
Strongly associated with water bodies (lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers). Prefers hunting over open water surfaces. Maternity colonies are usually located in deciduous and mixed forests rich in tree hollows near water.
Diet
Insects, primarily non-biting midges (Chironomidae), caddisflies, and other water-associated dipterans. Occasionally small fish or water striders.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Loss of roosts due to renovation of bridges and buildings, logging (loss of hollow trees), water pollution, and insecticide use.
Population trend
Stable to slightly increasing in Central Europe; one of the most common Myotis species.
Conservation measures
Protection of old-growth forest stands, preservation of riparian hollow trees, bat-friendly bridge renovation, avoidance of pesticides near water bodies.