Myotis mystacinus
whiskered bat

Whiskered bats, Myotis mystacinus, are found throughout the Paleartic region. Most populations occur in central Europe. They range from roughly 65° latitude in the north, to as far south as the Mediterranean. (Schober and Grimmberger, 1997)

Myotis mysticinus is found in open habitats, including parks, towns, and gardens. Schober (1997) states that it is more of a house-bat than a forest-bat. It is found at moderate elevations, between 1800 and 1923 m. (Schober and Grimmberger, 1997)

Whiskered bats are among the smallest European Myotis species. These tiny bats weigh between 4 and 8 grams. Head-body lengths range from 35 to 48 mm, and tail lengths range from 30 to 43 mm. Wingspan generally ranges from 190 to 220 mm. (Schober and Grimmberger, 1997)

A distinct indentation is located on the outside portion of the long, pointed ear. The ears are complex, having four to five horizontal folds in the inner section. The fur of these bats is long and coarse, and varies in color throughout the body. The wing membrane, muzzle, and ears are blackish brown. The dorsal fur is normally a dark, nut-brown or gray-brown. Some individuals may be light brown, but this is uncommon. The ventrum is typically dark to light gray. (Schober and Grimmberger, 1997)

The mating system of this species has not been reported. However, within the genus, polygyny appears to be common, with males forming harems of 2 to 7 females. Myotis mystacinus may be similar. (Nowak, 1999)

Mating begins in the fall and continues into the winter, at which time the animals enter their winter roost for hibernation. Whiskered bats exhibit delayed implantation of the embryo, which continues its development in the spring, as well as sperm storage. This makes it difficult to say for sure how long gestation lasts. Beginning about mid-June, the females give birth to a single young. Within the first year of life females reach sexual maturity. (Altringham, 1996; Schober and Grimmberger, 1997)

In May the females form maternity roosts that consist of 20to 70 females. Males are solitary during this time, and do not participate in parental care. Females care for the young, providing them with milk, protection, and grooming until August, at which time the maternity roosts break apart. (Schober and Grimmberger, 1997)

The average lifespan in the wild is 3.5 years. Individuals have been known to live more than 19 years. (Schober and Grimmberger, 1997)

Myotis mystacinus is mainly a social species, and is almost always found living in large groups. The exception to this sociality is that while the females occupy maternity roosts, the males are solitary. Winter roosts consisting of up to 100 individuals and are dominated by males. These bats hibernate in the winter. (Altringham, 1996; Schober and Grimmberger, 1997)

Most whiskered bats are permanent residents to the area they were born. They have been known to migrate small distances. The farthest recorded migration is 240 kilometers. (Schober and Grimmberger, 1997)

Like other members of the genus, these bats are nocturnal and crepuscular. They spend their days in a roost, then venture out to forage during the night. (Nowak, 1999)

The size of the home range for this species has not been reported. (Schober and Grimmberger, 1997)

Whiskered bats emit FM echolocation calls from 32 to 75 kHz, and send out 8 to 9, 2.5 ms signals every second. These range in distance from 5 meters up to 20 meters. It is thought that these vocalizations are used for locating food, rather than for communication. (Altringham, 1996)

Although the remainder of the communication of this species has not been reported, we can infer that they have other vocalizations which they use to communicate with conspecifics. They probably also use tactile communication, especially in the roost, where they come into close contact with other bats. As mammals, it is likely that there is some chemical or scent communcation.

Whiskered bats depart from roosts early in the evening to feed on a variety of insects. Most commonly they hunt 1.5 to 6 meters above the ground in parks, gardens, and over bodies of water. They have been known to hunt in forests on occasion. Mosquitoes, moths, small dragonflies, mayflies, and small beetles make up the majority of their diet. (Schober and Grimmberger, 1997)

There are no known predators of whiskered bats. However, owls, hawks, and falcons will take bats if given the opportunity. (Altringham, 1996)

Whiskered bats feed on a variety of flying insects, so they probably have a negative impact on insect populations. (Schober and Grimmberger, 1997)

Bats are important predators of many different types of insects, including mosquitoes, which are vectors for many infectious diseases. They are also feed on other insects that cause agricultural damage. (Altringham, 1996)

There are no known adverse affects of Myotis mystacinus on humans. Bats in general have been known to carry human diseases such as rabies, and whiskered bats in particular are associated with human dwellings. (Altringham, 1996)

Myotis mystacinus is not protected under CITES or IUCN. In western Germany, the species is listed as severly endangered. Eastern Germany and Austria have it listed as Endangered. In order to protect the remaining populations in these areas, winter and maternity roosts are being protected from human disturbance. (Schober and Grimmberger, 1997)