Schreibers’s Long-fingered Bat

Identification

Schreibers's long-fingered bat, also known as the common bent-wing bat, is an insectivorous species named after Carl Franz Anton Ritter von Schreibers. The species is recognized by its distinctive bent-wing appearance, which gives it its common name. With 11 recognized subspecies distributed across multiple continents, this bat shows considerable variation across its vast range, though specific morphological details distinguishing it from related species are best confirmed through expert examination.

Range & Habitat

This species has dispersed from subtropical origins to establish populations throughout the southern Palearctic, Ethiopic, Oriental, and Australian regions. In Europe, it inhabits the southern half of the continent from Iberia to the Caucasus, with the largest populations concentrated in the warmer Mediterranean area. The bat's range extends across an impressive array of countries spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, from Portugal and Spain in the west to the Philippines and Solomon Islands in the east, and from North Africa to Australia in the south.

Schreibers's long-fingered bats are highly colonial, establishing major roosts in large caves and mines, though they also utilize tunnels, ruins, and other man-made structures. Within these sites, they exhibit a remarkable adaptation: they cluster in "bell-shaped" hollows that trap body heat, raising roost temperatures above the surrounding cave environment. This behavior significantly reduces energy loss during their characteristically long torpor periods, the longest recorded lasting approximately 12 days.

Behaviour & Diet

These bats are insectivorous and form massive colonies ranging from a few dozen to several million individuals. They are highly migratory, moving multiple times annually in response to weather conditions in their roosting areas. The longest recorded migration spans 833 kilometers, demonstrating their considerable mobility and adaptation to seasonal changes.

A distinctive behavioral feature is their use of small openings to access their roosting hollows, which provides enhanced security from large predators during vulnerable hibernation periods. This selective occupation of sheltered microhabitats reflects their vulnerability when in torpor.

Best Time & Places to See It

The Mediterranean region offers the best opportunities to encounter this species, as it supports the largest European populations. Major roost sites in caves and mines throughout southern Europe—particularly in countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and the Balkans—are prime locations. However, the bat's increasing range expansion, evidenced by its recent establishment in Poland in 2018, suggests that northern European locations may yield sightings in future years. Timing visits during active migration periods or emergence times at known cave roosts increases encounter probability.

Photography Tips

Photographing Schreibers's long-fingered bats requires patience and respect for their roosting sites. Early evening emergence from caves provides optimal opportunities to capture flight behavior. Use fast shutter speeds and high ISO settings to freeze rapid wing movements. Approach roosts cautiously and avoid flash photography, which can disturb colonies. Remote camera traps positioned near cave entrances may capture natural behavior without disturbance. Always obtain necessary permits and follow local regulations protecting these vulnerable populations.