Bechstein´s bat (Myotis bechsteinii)

This medium-sized bat is characterized by long ears, although they are shorter than those of long-eared bats. In combination with the broad wings, these ears enable the bats to detect and glean sitting prey from leaves and stems by performing slow search and hovering flights. Spiders and harvestmen are also eaten frequently. In summer, Bechstein’s bat uses forests  more intensely than any other native bat species. 
Bechsteinfledermaus Nursery colonies, which rarely consist of more than 20 females, are established in tree holes. Animals of several nursery colonies within a given forest area are closely related and form a social unit. On average, roosts are changed every two days. Single Bechstein’s bats have also been found behind bark and in cavities as low as the base of the trunk. The foraging area of a nursery colony of 20 individuals covers at least 250 hectares consisting of multi-storeyed deciduous or mixed forest with a rather thin understorey. Only underground winter shelters are known for Bechstein’s bat.  

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