Scientific name:  Nyctalus leisleri

Size:  Wingspan approx 330mm

Distribution:  Rare.  It's stronghold is in Northern Ireland, but populations can be found in England, southern Scotland and north Wales

Months seen:  April to October

Echolocation Frequency: 20 - 30 kHz

Habitat:  Roosts in trees and buildings

Food:  Beetles, moths and flies

Special features:  Leisler's bat is sometimes called the 'lesser noctule', or the 'hairy-armed bat' on account of the long, shaggy hair around the shoulders, which is like a miniature lion's mane.

Leisler's bats look similar to Serotine bats but can be distinguised by the forearm length which is shorter than the Serotine's.  Leisler's bats also have a darker coloured face and tragus is short and rounded - a bit like a mushroom.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Bat Section
• What is Echolocation?
• What does a bat sound like?
• What is a tragus?
• UK Safari Mammal Section
• UK Safari News