BARBASTELLE BAT 



It differs from the Long-Eared in having much smaller 



ears, and as it is likely to interest those who take note of 



other anatomical differences, it may be stated that the 



Barbastelle has thirty-four instead of thirty-six teeth. 



It is, however, by means of an examination of the 



peculiar head that sure identity may be made, the 



abruptly truncated muzzle being set off by a groove, 



which proceeds up each side as far as the nostrils. The 



latter are situate in a hairless depression on the upper 



part of the muzzle. In addition to these peculiarities, the 



presence of black hair on the puffed-out cheeks, and the 



broad ears, which are almost as long as the head, add to 



the curious facial appearance of this interesting species 



The fur is brownish-black, with light tips. It is worthy 



of mention that a white variety of the Barbastelle has 



been recorded, as, so far as we are aware, albino Bats 



are of very rare occurrence. 



The flight is slow and even laborious, so much so, 



indeed, that it is easier to watch this species than any 



other flying mammal our country shelters. It possesses 



the habit of wandering about, having an unrestricted 



hunting-ground. It may be likened in this respect to 



the Mistle Thrush, which is one of the nomads of British 



bird life. In consequence, one may never be surprised at 



meeting with the Barbastelle in any likely retreat, though 



its comparative rarity is such that it may be counted a 



red-letter day when it is discovered. It belongs, like 



Natterer's Bat, to the genus VespertiUo. It comes from its 



diurnal hiding place earlier in the evening than the Long- 



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