ExploreMammals

Brown Big-eared Bat

Plecotus auritus

The Brown Big-eared Bat is a small bat with big ears! They use their ears to hear tiny sounds and find food like insects. These bats are very quiet and love to hang out in dark places.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Brown Big-eared Bat has strikingly large, translucent brown ears that are nearly as long as its body. Its fur is soft and light brown on its back, fading to a paler greyish-brown underneath. This bat is easily recognized by these enormous ears and a small, pug-like nose.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderChiropteraFamilyVespertilionidaeGenusPlecotus
Brown Big-eared Bat
furry trait badgesocial trait badgeaerial trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Brown Big-eared Bat

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Brown Big-eared Bats can hibernate for months, saving energy by lowering body temperature!

Despite their size, some Brown Big-eared Bats have lived for over 30 years!

Their wing membranes are so thin you can almost see through them!

They tuck their huge ears under a flap when resting, keeping them safe!

Special abilities

Ability

Ultrasonic Radar

Brown Big-eared Bats 'see' in the dark using echolocation, sending high-pitched calls and listening to the echoes.

Ability

Whisper Listener

This bat has incredibly large ears that help it hear the quietest rustles of insects, even without echolocation.

Ability

Stealthy Soarer

Brown Big-eared Bats have soft, velvety wings that allow them to fly almost silently, surprising their insect prey.

Measurements & details

Length
4.2-5.3 cm
Wingspan
23-28.5 cm
Weight
0.005-0.012 kg
Lifespan
5-30 years
Top Speed
30 km/h
Litter Size
1
Gestation
40-60 days

Diet & Feeding

This bat is an insect-eating expert, gobbling up moths and spiders in the dark!

Age differences: Pups drink mother's milk, then switch to catching insects as they grow.

Primary Foods

  • moths
  • earwigs
  • beetles
  • spiders

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a bat, watch quietly from a distance. They are shy and like to be left alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Brown Big-eared Bat?

4.2-5.3 cm

What is Brown Big-eared Bat's wingspan?

23-28.5 cm

How much does Brown Big-eared Bat weigh?

0.005-0.012 kg

How long does Brown Big-eared Bat live?

5-30 years

How fast can Brown Big-eared Bat move?

30 km/h

What does Brown Big-eared Bat eat?

This bat is an insect-eating expert, gobbling up moths and spiders in the dark!

Where is Brown Big-eared Bat usually found?

Forests

How does Brown Big-eared Bat hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Mammals