Western Barbastelle

Identification

The western barbastelle is a medium-sized bat unmistakable for its distinctive pug-shaped nose and broad ears joined across the head by skin. The ears are covered in gingery-brown fur on their rear surface, and the triangular tragus (inner ear structure) is broad at the base with a nearly parallel tip. Head and body length ranges from 40 to 55 mm, with a wingspan of 26 to 29 cm and body mass of 6 to 13 g, making it a relatively small European bat.

Range & Habitat

This species is found across Europe from Portugal to Azerbaijan and from Sweden to the Canary Islands, where an endemic subspecies inhabits Tenerife and La Gomera. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form distributed from western Europe to the Caucasus (with isolated populations in Morocco), and B. b. guanchae endemic to the Canary Islands. Barbastelles roost in tree splits, behind loose bark, rock crevices, and human buildings, showing a strong preference for mature deciduous forests, particularly beech woodland. They migrate to underground sites—caves, basements, mines, and bunkers—for winter hibernation and are notably resistant to cold conditions.

Behaviour & Diet

Barbastelles are specialist hunters with one of the narrowest diets among European bats, feeding almost exclusively on moths (approximately 99% of prey by volume), supplemented occasionally by flies. They hunt as aerial-hawking bats, but unusually forage just above the forest canopy rather than in open airspace. Individual bats may travel up to 20 km per night while foraging, with non-reproductive females ranging farther than reproductive ones. They use two echolocation call types: type 1 at 30–38 kHz (peak energy 33 kHz) and type 2 at 29–47 kHz (peak energy 38 kHz).

Mating occurs at the end of summer, sometimes continuing into early spring. Females give birth to one or two young in May–June, nursing them for up to six weeks. Their narrow dietary specialization likely contributes to their current rarity across most of their range, making them vulnerable to declines in moth populations.

Best Time & Places to See It

Barbastelles are rare and typically declining throughout their range. Spring and summer offer the best opportunities, particularly in mature deciduous forests and beech woodlands such as those in Belgium's Sonian Forest, central Italy, and Switzerland. The Canary Islands subspecies is found only in Tenerife and La Gomera. Late summer is the period to observe mating behavior. Their preference for foraging above forest canopy rather than in open spaces makes them a challenging species to encounter, though their distinctive echolocation calls can aid detection in suitable habitat.

Photography Tips

Photographing barbastelles requires patience and knowledge of their preferred forest habitats. Night vision or thermal imaging equipment is essential, along with acoustic monitoring to locate feeding areas above the canopy. Set up near mature beech or other native deciduous trees where they are known to roost. The distinctive facial features—the pug-like nose and joined broad ears—make for compelling portraits if a hand-held or roosting individual can be approached. Capture their characteristic silhouette in flight against the night sky to showcase their relatively compact wingspan. Slow-motion video of their aerial-hawking technique just above the forest canopy demonstrates their unique hunting behavior.