Whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus)
An ialtóg ghiobach
The whiskered bat is a small species and is easily confused with the pipistrelles when seen in the night sky. However, its flight is much steadier and direct, usually high near the tree canopy but sometimes diving to ground level. The wing beats are sometimes interrupted as the bat glides for a short distance.
In the hand, it is noticeably dark with almost black skin and dorsal fur. It scolds readily and the open mouth shows a long and thin jaw. It is very similar to Brandt’s bat.
Whiskered bats are found in woodlands, along hedgerows, treelines and parkland. In summer, the species roosts in trees, lofts, house eaves, beneath lead flashing or slates and bat boxes. They often form mixed roosts with other species so can be overlooked. In winter, they are found hibernating solitarily in caves, souterrains, bridges, mines, cellars etc.
Timber treatment, loss of adequate roost sites and bridge works are a serious threat to this species.
The species, although widely distributed, has been rarely recorded in Ireland and, because of this, its status has not been determined but it is classed as threatened in the Irish Red Data Book. It is known from several locations in the county.