Known as the ‘water bat’, Daubenton’s bat often roosts in trees near canals and rivers.
Daubenton's bat was named after the 18th century French naturalist Louis-Jean-Marie Daubenton.
Daubenton's bat facts
Scientific name: Myotis daubentonii
Family: Vespertilionidae
Diet: Aquatic invertebrates, including flies, midges, mayflies and caddisflies
Predators: Birds of prey and domestic cats
Size: 4.5-5.5cm with a 24-27cm wingspan
Weight: 7-12g
Lifespan: 4-5 years
Daubenton's bats and our canals
Its 'water bat' moniker derives from its preferred roosting spots near water, including trees, bridges, buildings and tunnels. This is due to the bat's favoured diet of small flies and midges, which are often found hovering just above the surface of a water body - like a canal or river.
Daubenton's bats are fairly common, and widespread across the UK. They are strictly protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it is illegal to hurt, kill or capture them, or disturb their roosting areas.
Daubenton’s bats have short ears with fluffy brown fur, a pale grey underside, and a pink face.
Distinctive by its large feet, this bat measures around 4.5cm with a 25cm wingspan.
What do Daubenton's bats eat?
The Daubenton's bat eats small invertebrates, which it forages for at dawn or dusk.
Daubenton's bats weigh about the same as robins.
How do Daubenton's bats hunt?
Hovering low across the surface of the water, the Daubenton's bat uses its feet and tail to scoop up tasty morsels.
Like most bats, it tends to eat on the wing, rather than take any catches back to a perch or roost.
When do Daubenton's 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.
Yes. From October onwards, Daubenton's bats become less active, before entering full hibernation by December.
They tend to hibernate alone or in small, tight groups, tucking themselves into deep rock cracks or hanging loose on the walls of underground roosts. When spring arrives, they rouse again, ready to hunt for bugs.
Threats to Daubenton's bats
There are no major threats to the Daubenton's bat population, which isn't thought to be in serious decline.
Changes to the UK's landscape, namely the removal of canalside trees, could be considered a threat to suitable roosting options.
