Natter's Bat
by Christopher Teague Photography
Myotis nattereri
Common & widespread in Britain.
Rare in Ireland, mainly nocturnal.
Also occurs in the rest of Europe.
Medium-sized species and grows to a head and body length of 1.75 to 2 inches (44 to 51 mm) with a forearm (elbow to wrist) length of 1.75 inches (44 mm).
The short, dense fur on the dorsal (upper) surface of head and body is greyish-brown while the ventral (under) surface is whitish-grey.
The ears and the wing membranes are smoky grey.
This Bat can be distinguished from other similar species by the fact that the free edge of the interfemoral membrane between the hind limbs is wrinkled and fringed with stiff, curved hairs and the calcar, a spur of cartilage that supports the membrane, is shaped like a "S".