Overview

The common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) is a small vesper bat familiar in many human-altered landscapes. It is one of the most frequently encountered bat species in parts of Europe and is noted for its adaptability to urban and rural environments. The species is insectivorous, active at dusk and through the night, and commonly uses buildings and tree cavities for roosting. For a general species summary see common pipistrelle.

Key characteristics

  • Size and appearance: body length typically about 3.5–4.5 cm with a wingspan around 19–25 cm; fur is usually brown and ears are short.
  • Flight and foraging: agile, relatively fast flight close to vegetation and around streetlights where flying insects congregate.
  • Roosting: uses tree holes, crevices and man-made structures such as lofts, roof spaces and bat boxes.
  • Echolocation: emits ultrasonic pulses used for navigation and hunting; see echolocation for details.

Distribution and habitat

The common pipistrelle has a broad range that extends through much of Europe, into parts of North Africa and southwestern Asia, and there are reports that its range may reach into Korea. It is especially familiar in the British Isles, where it is among the most common bats. Habitats include mixed and deciduous woodland, farmland, hedgerows, parkland and urban areas; the species tolerates a variety of landscapes as long as roosting sites and insect prey are available.

Behavior, diet and ecology

Common pipistrelles feed on small flying insects such as midges, flies, mosquitoes and small moths, typically catching prey on the wing. They are crepuscular and nocturnal, emerging at dusk to forage until shortly before dawn. Social organization varies with season: in summer females may form maternity colonies in warm roosts to raise young, while males are often more solitary or form small bachelor groups.

Taxonomy, research and conservation

Historically treated as a single species, the common pipistrelle was split in 1999 from the soprano pipistrelle primarily on the basis of distinct echolocation frequencies: the common pipistrelle typically uses calls around 45 kHz, whereas the soprano pipistrelle uses calls near 55 kHz. Subsequent studies have found additional differences in habitat use and diet between the two. Information about habitat differences can be found at habitat resources. The common pipistrelle is generally widespread and locally common, though local populations can be affected by roost loss, building refurbishment and changes in insect prey availability. Many countries protect bats and their roosts by law and promote mitigation measures such as installing bat boxes or retaining suitable roost sites.

Human interactions and notable facts

Pipistrelles are among the bat species most likely to be encountered in towns and villages because they readily exploit small gaps in buildings and attics for roosts. Their presence can benefit people by reducing populations of nuisance insects. For regional overviews and monitoring advice see resources for Europe, North Africa and Asia, or regional summaries such as those covering the British Isles. Ecologists and volunteers often record pipistrelle activity using bat detectors tuned to the species' call frequencies and by surveying known roost sites.