Myotis daubentonii (Kuhl, 1817)

Species Classification

Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii) is a small to medium-sized bat species.

Fur Coloration

It has fluffy fur that is brownish-grey on the back and silvery-grey on the underside; juveniles have darker fur than adult individuals.

Facial Features

This species has reddish-pink faces and noses, with bare skin around the eyes.

Agitated Behavior

When agitated, Daubenton's bats hold their ears at right angles.

Wing and Membrane Appearance

Their wings and tail membrane are dark brown.

Adult Size and Weight

Adults of this species typically reach a body length of 45 to 55 mm, have an average wingspan between 240 and 275 mm, and weigh 7 to 15 g.

Geographic Range

Daubenton's bat ranges across Ireland, Europe, and extends as far east as Japan and Korea.

General Habitat

It mainly inhabits woodlands, and usually selects roosts located close to water sources such as rivers or canals.

Summer Colony Roost Sites

Summer colonies form in caves, tunnels, cellars, mines, and under bridges, and all of these colony sites are positioned near water.

Hibernation Period and Locations

Daubenton's bat hibernates in these same types of locations between September and late March or April.