Wasserfledermaus
Myotis daubentoniiTrend
1996 - 2017
2017 - 2019
2019
2019 - 2020
2020 - 2024
Numbers
Based on a total of 11734 visits from 39 sources in 987 sites.
Wasserfledermaus
Myotis daubentoniiWasserfledermaus
The Daubenton's bat is a small to medium sized bat that has noticeably large feet with bristles. It is often seen hunting along bodies of water just above the water surface.
habitat description
Forest and watery lowlands, males up to high altitudes. Foraging over smaller ponds, calm water surfaces of rivers, more rarely on rapids, also over meadows, along forest aisles and paths.
quarters
Buildings, tunnels, bridges, tree cavities, nest boxes. Usually located in forests within 3 km of water bodies. Roosts are changed frequently. Nursery colony associations of up to 150 individuals. Hibernating from September/October to March/April in underground tunnels, caves, cellars, wells, rock crevices or rubble with high humidity.
reproduction
Mating August to October. Young born in second half of June. Capable of flight after 25 days. Probably become sexually mature in the year of birth.
size
- Head-torso length: 42 - 54 mm.
- Forearm length: 35 - 41 mm
- Wingspan 230 - 280 mm
weight
8-15 g
color/fur
Dense, short coat, dark gray at base. Upper side / hair tips grayish, underside grayish white. Face flesh colored to reddish brown.
ear shape
- Short
- Are laid to the side at right angles when disturbed.
- Tragus about half as long as ear, slightly blunted above.
wing shape
broad
flight
Quick, agile. Whirring wing beat. Circles directly over water surfaces, while pond bats tend to fly in a straight line. Preys in flight on small crepuscular and nocturnal insects over water with tail flight skin or feet.
ultrasonic calls
Nearly linear frequency modulation with start frequencies of 55 - 95 kHz and end frequencies at 25 - 40 kHz. Main frequency at 40 - 47 kHz, but difficult to detect due to strong modulation. Relatively regular calls in contrast to the more irregular and lower calling pond bats, overlapping with their calls however from 38 - 41 kHz. Calls easily confused with Fringed and Greater and Lesser Bearded Bats.
endangerment
Regional population declines detectable, affected by tree cutting and house rehabilitation.
IUCN (2020): Least Concern
Red List of Germany (2020): Least Concern
© Marcus Fritze
© Florian Gloza Rausch
© Marcus Fritze
© Marcus Fritze
© Florian Gloza Rausch
© Marcus Fritze
