Mammals
Barbastelle
Barbastella barbastellus · also called western barbastelle, barbastelle bat
Slipping between the trunks of an old wood at night, a barbastelle follows a moth with the quietest of calls, a pug-faced bat that hunts almost without being heard.
Overview
The barbastelle, Barbastella barbastellus, is a Near Threatened bat of old woodland across Europe, parts of North Africa, and the Caucasus region. Its flat face, stealthy echolocation, and moth diet make it one of the most unusual and specialised bats in Europe.
A bat that whispers
Many moths can hear the calls of hunting bats and dodge them, but the barbastelle’s very quiet calls give its prey little warning.
Status
Near Threatened, with a decreasing population tied to the loss of old woodland.
Barbastelle: common questions
Why is the barbastelle a stealthy hunter?
It uses calls much quieter than those of most bats, which helps it avoid alerting moths that can hear bat calls.
What does the barbastelle eat?
It eats mainly moths, which it catches in flight.
Where does the barbastelle roost?
It roosts in cracks and under loose bark of trees, moving between roosts often.
Where is the barbastelle found?
It lives in old woodland across Europe, parts of North Africa, and the Caucasus region.