Barbastella barbastellus
western barbastelle

Barbastella barbastellus is distributed over most of Europe. It is also present in the southern half of Britain as well as islands of the Mediterranean, Morocco, and the Canary Islands.

Western Barbastelles typically occupy forested upland areas. During the summer months they are found roosting in domestic dwellings and hollow trees. Their winter hibernation habitat usually consists of fissures in underground structures such as caves and mines with low ambient temperatures and dry air. (Rydell and Bogdanowicz 1997)

The Western Barbastelle is medium sized and has long black pelage with white or yellow tips. The underside of the body is somewhat paler. Fur covers parts of the uropatagium and the wings, and the tail is nearly as long as the body. It is distinguishable among other European bats by its short wide ears that face forward and connect across the brow. The female is significantly larger than the male; combined ranges of measurement are as follows: head and body, 45-60 mm; wingspan, 245-300; tail length, 36-52. (Nowak 1999, Rydell and Bogdanowicz 1997)

Barbastella barbastellus roosts in hollow trees, behind loose bark, and in the outer areas of caves, mines and cellars. It emerges from its daytime roosts before sunset and is reported to wander considerably. It typically flies low to the ground but also feeds at high altitudes during good weather. Most foraging occurs along edge habitats. Western Barbastelles hibernate from November to March, often in large clusters. They sometimes form joint clusters with Plecotus auritus. Hibernating individuals emerge approximately every two weeks.

Echolocation calls of B. barbastellus make it easily distinguishable among European bats. Rydell and Bogdanowicz (1997) describe the calls: "The pulses have a short (1-1.5ms) narrow band component in the beginning and end with a short downward frequency-sweep. The pulses are 4-5 ms long and are repeated 8-9 times per second". (Bogdanowicz 1983, Nowak 1999, Rydell and Bogdanowicz 1997, Stebbings and Griffith 1986)

Moths account for a majority of its diet (73-94% by weight in Germany and Switzerland), and there is an absence of dung beetles or other hard-bodied insects. Evidence suggests a gleaning or aerial-hawking method of hunting, with feeding usually taking place 4-5m above ground. (Rydell et al. 1996)

Western Barbastelles consume large quantities of insects which may benefit humans in the surrounding areas.

Barbastella barbastellus populations throughout Europe have been declining and it is now listed as vulnerable worldwide. It is disappearing in Western Europe due to the loss of hollow trees, habitat disruption and pollution. It is found only rarely throughout most of its habitat. (Nowak 1999, Stebbings and Griffith 1986)

Western Barbastelles presumably get their name from the Latin words "barba" and "stella," meaning star-beard and referring to the superficial star-shaped mustache apparent on the upper lip.