Mouse-eared Bat

About the Mouse-eared Bat

The greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) is a European species of bat in the family Vespertilionidae. Myotis myotis is a large bat with a long, broad muzzle and big, long ears. The body's dorsal side is brown to reddish-brown, while the ventral side is dirty white or beige. The tragus forms half of the ear, with a small black tip in most individuals. Wing membranes are brownish in colour. The Greater mouse-eared bat is relatively large for a member of the genus Myotis, weighing up to 45 grams (1.6 oz) and measuring 8 to 9 cm from head to tail (a little larger than a house mouse, Mus musculus), making it one of the largest European bats. It has a 40 cm wingspan, with a forearm length of 6 cm, and a 4 to 5 cm long tail. Greater mouse-eared bat are exceptionally long-lived for their size, and can have lifespans of more than 35 years.

The greater mouse-eared bat can be found throughout Europe, with populations in most European countries except Ireland, Denmark, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is also found on many Mediterranean islands, such as Sicily, Malta, and the Gymnesian Islands. In the Middle East, Myotis myotis... Wikipedia →