Mammals
Daubenton's Bat
Myotis daubentonii · also called water bat
Just above the dark surface of a quiet river at dusk, Daubenton’s bat skims along in a line, its large feet trailing, dipping to scoop up a mayfly.
Overview
Daubenton’s bat, Myotis daubentonii, is a Least Concern bat of rivers, lakes, and waterside woodland across Europe and northern Asia. Its low flight over water, large feet, and visible dusk hunting make it one of the best-known and easiest-to-watch bats in the Old World.
The bat that fishes for insects
Few bats are as closely tied to water as this one, which hunts almost entirely by skimming just above the surface.
Status
Least Concern, widespread across a large range.
Daubenton's Bat: common questions
Why is Daubenton's bat called the water bat?
It flies low and level just above lakes and rivers and catches insects from the surface.
How does Daubenton's bat catch insects?
It uses its large feet and tail membrane to scoop insects from the water surface in flight.
Where does Daubenton's bat roost?
It roosts in tree holes, bridges, caves, and tunnels, often near water.
Where is Daubenton's bat found?
It lives in waterside woodland across much of Europe and northern Asia as far east as Japan.