Nyctalus leisleri Kuhl, 1817
Vespertilionidae

Description

Medium-sized bat, with a total length (head and body) between 48 and 70 mm and a wingspan from 260 to 340 mm. The forearm measures 37-47 mm and the tail 35-48 mm. It weighs between 11 and 20 g. The coat is generally dense and bicoloured, dark at the base, while the tips are reddish brown. The wing membranes, as well as the ears and skin, are dark brown. The size of the ears is relatively small in this species compared to others of the same genus, and they measure between 12 and 16 mm. Females are usually slightly larger than males. It feeds on insects, especially Diptera, Lepidoptera and Coleoptera.

It is considered a strictly forest species as it occurs most often in forests, but it can also be found in other habitats, from sea level to 2000 m of altitude.

For shelter or breeding, it mainly uses holes in old or dead trees of forest environments, but it can also use building holes or nest boxes.

It can be found sporadically occupying edible dormouse nest boxes during autumn, where solitary males or mating harems (one male with several females) take refuge.

Distribution