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Alcathoe bat

The Alcathoe bat was 'discovered' in the UK in 2010 when it was confirmed as a separate species to the very similar whiskered and Brandt's bats. Little is known about its range and habits, but it can be found in wooded areas.

Scientific name

Myotis alcathoe

When to see

April to October

Species information

Statistics

Length: approx. 4cm

Wingspan: approx. 20cm

Weight: 3.3-5.5g

Average lifespan: unknown
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. European Protected Species under Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive.

Habitats

About

The Alcathoe bat is very similar to the whiskered and brandt's bats. It was only confirmed as a separate species in Europe in 2001 after genetic analysis. It was then 'discovered' in the UK in 2010, but is thought to have been here much longer. All UK bats are nocturnal, feeding on midges, moths and other flying insects that they find in the dark by using echolocation. Little is known about the habits of this bat at present, but, like its close relatives, it is found in woodland and near water.

How to identify

The Alcathoe bat has reddish-brown fur and short brown ears. It is very similar to the whiskered and Brandt's bats.

Distribution

Found at sites in both the north and south of England, although little information is available on range and numbers.

Did you know?

The Alcathoe bat was only described in 2001 following genetic and echolocation analysis, so little is known about it. As a result, it is classified as 'Data Deficient' on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.