Nyctalus leisleri; Leisler's Bat
A rare bat in England, with only one known location in Cheshire from the period 2000 - 2007, though there is the possibility of confusion with the noctule as their calls can be similar. It is similar to its larger relative the noctule (Nyctalus noctula), though it has longer bi-coloured fur (dark roots and red/brown tips, with the appearance of a 'mane') and they sometimes roost together although colonies are very mobile, often occupying areas for just days at a time, though they use trees less than noctules. The primary component of their diet is flies (Diptera), but also beetles (Coleoptera) and moths (Lepidoptera). According to 'The Mammals of Cheshire', Leisler's bats may be present wherever noctules are found and this seems to be the case around the Reaseheath lake.