Common Pipistrelle Range Map
(Europe, N Africa, W & C Asia)
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Latin Name |
Pipistrellus pipistrellus |
Conservation Status |
Least Concern |
Location
| Europe, N Africa, W & C Asia |
Colour |
Brown |
Length |
3.5 - 4.5 cm (1.5 - 2 inches) |
Tail |
3 - 3.5 cm (1.25 - 1.5 inches) |
Wingspan |
19 - 25 cm (7.5 - 9.8 inches) |
Weight |
3 - 8 g (0.1 - 0.3 oz) |
Life Expectancy |
Up to 16 Yrs |
Main Characteristics
Common Pipistrelles are a small bat that have a body length between 3.5 and 4.5 cms (1.5 - 2 inches), a tail length between 3 and 3.5 cms (1.25 - 1.5 inches), a wingspan between 19 and 25 cms (7.5 - 9.8 inches) and they weigh between 3 and 8 g (0.1 - 0.3 oz).
They are brown in colour with a paler coloured underside. Their ears, nose, wing and tail membranes are coloured dark brown. Common Pipistrelles have an echolocation call of 45 kHz and they use this to locate and hunt prey.
They are rapid and agile in flight, and they tend to fly at heights between 5 and 10 m (16 - 33 ft).
Habitat
Common Pipistrelles are found throughout Europe, north Africa, and west and central Asia. They occupy a range of habitats such as, parks, woodland, farmland, marshes and urban areas.
During the day they roost in crevices, buildings, bat boxes, cellars and trees. During the winter months, from mid November to the beginning of April, Common Pipistrelles hibernate.
Diet
Common Pipistrelles feed upon small flying insects such as moths and mosquitoes.They leave their roosts early in the evening to feed and an individual can consume up to 3,000 insects in a single night.
Breeding
Common Pipistrelles breed during August and September and males become very territorial, defending their territory and a harem of up to 10 females.
After winter hibernation, young are born in June or July. Generally in the UK only 1 offspring is produced but twins are common in central Europe. After 3 - 4 weeks the young bats are able to fly and they leave the roosts during August and September.
Predators
Predators of Common Pipistrelles include domestic cats and birds of prey.
Interesting Facts
Common Pipistrelles are the smallest species of bat found in Europe.
Similar Animals
Eastern Pipistrelle
Least Pipistrelle
Soprano Pipistrelle
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