Found throughout the British Iles the UK population of the Natterers bat is of international importance although it is generally a scare and poorly know about species. Mating mainly occurs in the autumn but has been observed throughout all the winter months with a single youngster being born at the end of the following June or early July.
- Length 40 – 50mm
- Wingspan 245 – 300mm
- Light brown on black with white underneath and a bare pink face
- Stiff bristle like hairs along the edge of its tail membrane
Image via Wikipedia
In the Garden
Conversion of barns should be avoided as Natterers bats use old timber buildings as nesting sites along with other old large buildings such as castles, manor houses and church’s, they are also known to roost underneath bridges and one colony has been observed rooting in an stone garden wall! Colonies in houses are rare but has been known.
Natterers bats feed on flies including midges, small wasps, spiders, lace wings, caddis flies and beetles.
Interesting facts
Its old name is ‘Red armed bat’ and results from its very pink limbs!
They are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and it is illegal to harm or disturb them