Pipistrellus pipistrellus; The Common Pipistrelle
The frequency of the pipistrelle's echolocation runs from 45 - 70 kHz. At the top of the range, 70 kHz, a series of clicks can be heard compared to 45 kHz which is commonly described as 'wet' slaps or drips.
The pipistrelle Bat is the most common and widespread of all the UK bat species. Emerging from their roosts 20 minutes after sunset, the pipistrelle will fly anywhere between 2 - 10m above ground level searching for flying invertebrates, in particular small flies, midges and mosquitoes, which they catch on the wing by a method called ‘aerial hawking’. They can consume up to 3,000 insects a night.
During the summer months the maternity colonies are formed providing a secure environment for females to give birth to a single 'pup' during June and early July. The young are unable to fly for the first 4 weeks and unable to forage for themselves till six weeks of age. The male bats will either roost in solitude or in small groups until the mating season which runs from July to September. During the mating season the males will defend their individual territory making ‘song flights’ around the roost to attract females. Their roosts can range from crevices in farm buildings to tree holes and bat boxes.
The pipistrelle Bat is the most common and widespread of all the UK bat species. Emerging from their roosts 20 minutes after sunset, the pipistrelle will fly anywhere between 2 - 10m above ground level searching for flying invertebrates, in particular small flies, midges and mosquitoes, which they catch on the wing by a method called ‘aerial hawking’. They can consume up to 3,000 insects a night.
During the summer months the maternity colonies are formed providing a secure environment for females to give birth to a single 'pup' during June and early July. The young are unable to fly for the first 4 weeks and unable to forage for themselves till six weeks of age. The male bats will either roost in solitude or in small groups until the mating season which runs from July to September. During the mating season the males will defend their individual territory making ‘song flights’ around the roost to attract females. Their roosts can range from crevices in farm buildings to tree holes and bat boxes.