The common pipistrelle is the UK's smallest and most common bat species.
The common pipistrelle can eat 3,000 insects in one night.
Common pipistrelle facts
Scientific name: Pipistrellus pipistrellus
Family: Vespertilionidae
Diet: Aquatic invertebrates, including flies, midges, mayflies and caddisflies
Predators: Birds of prey (owls in particular) and domestic cats
Size: 3.5-4.5cm with a 20-24cm wingspan
Weight: 4-8g (this equates to the same as a 20p piece)
Lifespan: 4-5 years
Common pipistrelle bats and our canals
Common pipistrelles are one of three pipistrelle bat species. They live off a diet of small aquatic flies and midges, which is a key reason they're often spotted by canals and rivers. They also hunt for food in other habitats such as woodlands and hedgerows, in both suburban and urban areas.
These tiny mammals roost in a variety of small, dark crevices, including those found in trees, bridges, buildings, and even external wall cavities of houses. Often found along canals are WWII pillboxes, and with some appropriate modifications from our ecologists and volunteers, these also prove to be highly popular roosting sites.
As their name suggests, common pipistrelle bats have a good (albeit declining) population and are widespread across the UK. They are strictly protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it is illegal to hurt, kill or capture them, or disturb their roosting areas.
Whether you're by a canal in the city or countryside, you'll have a good chance of spotting one with our top tips
What do common pipistrelle bats look like?
The common pipistrelle has dark, golden brown fur, which is slightly paler on its underside. Around its face is a dark outline which resembles a mask.
Its cousin, the soprano pipistrelle, is very similar in appearance - meaning these two can often be confused with one another.
What do common pipistrelle bats eat?
Common pipistrelles eat small invertebrates, which they forage for shortly after dusk. Despite their size, they can easily consume over 3,000 insects in one hunt.
Common pipistrelles fly rapidly and erratically when hunting.
How do common pipistrelle bats hunt?
Around 20 minutes after sunset, common pipistrelle bats emerge from their roosts in search of food. Using echolocation, they emit high-frequency sound waves that bounce off flying insects, enabling them to track the precise distance, speed and size of their prey in the dark.
Their fast, erratic flying style helps common pipistrelles consume thousands of bugs in a night, as they are able to twist and turn quickly, and catch agile invertebrates.
Like most bats, common pipistrelles eat on the wing, rather than take any catches back to a perch or roost.
When do common pipistrelle bats breed?
Mating starts between September and October, but can continue through the winter during hibernation. In spring, the female ovulates and fertilisation occurs. She gives birth to one pup, usually around June or July. Pups can fly at around three weeks, and become fully independent between weeks six and eight.
While you can see bats on most of our waterways, here are the best places
Do common pipistrelle bats hibernate?
Yes. Common pipistrelles will hibernate from November to April, when air temperatures drop and insect numbers decrease. However, they are known to wake and fly in search of food on warmer days throughout the winter months.
Threats to common pipistrelle bats
A reduction in suitable habitats, the use of pesticidies and human disturbance are considered threats to these mammals.
