Mammal · GBIF taxon 2432564
Particoloured Bat
Vespertilio murinusAlso known as Parti-coloured Bat, Rearmouse, Frosted Bat
Particoloured bats are easily recognized by their striking fur, featuring dark brown roots with pale, silver-frosted tips that create a glittering metallic appearance. During late autumn, males display unique courtship rituals, uttering high-pitched chirps audible to human ears while performing display flights around tall buildings and cliffs. These wide-ranging bats travel remarkable distances between summer breeding colonies and winter roosts across temperate Eurasia.
NocturnalMigratoryInsectivorous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Moths
- Mosquitoes
- Caddisflies
Predators
- Barn Owls
- Peregrine Falcons
- Domestic Cats
ThreatsWind turbine collisions, roost site destruction, and pesticide reduction of prey
HabitatsTemperate forests, open steppes, rocky cliffs, and urban areas
Life span12–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderChiroptera
- FamilyVespertilionidae
- GenusVespertilio
- SpeciesVespertilio murinus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can bite defensively and carry bat lyssaviruses; avoid handling grounded or roosting individuals.
- Why it is dangerous
- Can transmit rabies-related lyssaviruses through saliva and possesses sharp teeth capable of breaking human skin.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Medium-sized bat with distinctive silver-tipped dark brown dorsal fur and white underparts.
- What to do
- Do not touch barehanded; if found indoors or grounded, isolate the animal and contact bat rescue professionals.
Responsible observation
- Evening Observing: Look near streetlights or open water bodies at dusk where bats gather to hunt flying insects.
- Courtship Listening: Listen around high urban structures in late autumn for the distinctive metallic calls of displaying males.
- Grounded Bats: Never touch a grounded bat with bare hands; contact a local wildlife rehabilitate group.
Co-Occurring Species Mnolf / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Competitor (c) Konstantin Grebennikov, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Konstantin Grebennikov · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
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Moonlight Marvels
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