| Common
pipistrelle |
Pipistrellus
pipistrellus |
HABITAT
& DIET: The common pipistrelle forages along edges such as tree lines,
large hedgerows and water edges. Also above ponds, occasionally tree crowns and
broadleaf woodland edges. It tends to avoid foraging in open habitat such as above
improved and unimproved grassland, arable land, and away from linear features
such as hedgerows and rivers. This bat is very general in its habitat preference.
Can be found equally in 'good' habitat such as woodland/ river edge/ parkland
and along linear features in farmland (improved grassland/ arable land). Also
found in towns and cities. Frequently follows fixed flight paths on foraging
'beats'. The diet consists of flies, midges, mosquitos, caddis flies and moths
that the bat catches on the wing. While its diet is broadly similar to that
of the soprano pipistrelle, its prey items tend to be slightly larger with tougher
bodies. Individuals may catch up to 3500 insects each night.
© Jon Russ 2001. Text refereed
by Angela Ross & Lynne Rendle.
Use of the panda device courtesy of WWF-UK © 1986 WWF, ® Registered trademark owner. Reg charity 1081247
HABITAT
& DIET: The common pipistrelle forages along edges such as tree lines,
large hedgerows and water edges. Also above ponds, occasionally tree crowns and
broadleaf woodland edges. It tends to avoid foraging in open habitat such as above
improved and unimproved grassland, arable land, and away from linear features
such as hedgerows and rivers. This bat is very general in its habitat preference.
Can be found equally in 'good' habitat such as woodland/ river edge/ parkland
and along linear features in farmland (improved grassland/ arable land). Also
found in towns and cities. Frequently follows fixed flight paths on foraging
'beats'. The diet consists of flies, midges, mosquitos, caddis flies and moths
that the bat catches on the wing. While its diet is broadly similar to that
of the soprano pipistrelle, its prey items tend to be slightly larger with tougher
bodies. Individuals may catch up to 3500 insects each night.