Diet

They eat insects, small vertebrates; small mammals (even other bats) and fish.

Habitat

They live in cracks in attics and behind boards or tar paper on exterior walls. Some individuals also take up residence in tree cavities and cages in summer. The bat winters in various types of underground caves, sandstone caves. Also settles in small root cellars.

Important and interesting facts

Bats are the only mammals that can fly. Active at dusk, at night.

The northern bat is very common throughout Latvia, all year round. It is a medium-sized bat. It is distinguished from other species by the colour of its skin and fur. The membrane of skin (called the patagium), ears and muzzle are black. Dorsal hairs are dark brown or black with golden tips (strongly bicoloured), ventral side is dirty yellow or yellow-grey. Ears rather short, ear-cornea short, broad, slightly inclined forwards. The wing membrane attached to the base of the outer toe of the foot. Tail extends 3-4 mm beyond the membrane. Avoids tight spaces, e.g., does not hunt in tree canopy.

They form colonies of up to 80 females; males live singly. Bats can live more than 30 years and can fly at speeds of 60 miles per hour (or more!).

Bats can find their food in total darkness.

Bats can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes an hour.

Baby bats are called pups!

Information sources: latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia

Photo: redzet.eu