THE SEROTINE 



Genus Vesperugo. 



THE SEROTINE. 



Vesperugo serotinus, Blasius. 

 Plate 4. 



This large species, which approaches and sometimes equals the Noctule 

 or Great Bat in size, measures in expanse of wings from about 12 to \\\ 

 inches. The ears are broad with rounded tips, the outer margin terminating 

 in a lobe near the corner of the mouth. 



The tragus is larger than in the Noctule and Pipistrelle and ends in a 

 rounded tip. The face, except for a few hairs arising from the glands, is 

 bare. 



Compared with the Noctule, the wing is broader, the calcarial lobe very 

 small, and the tip of the tail projects noticeably beyond the interfemoral 

 membrane. 



There are thirty-two teeth. 



The fur on the back is a rich dark brown in colour and silky in texture, 

 the under parts being paler and greyer. 



Of all our Bats, the Serotine appears to have the greatest geographical 

 range, being widely spread over Europe, Asia, Africa and America, and also 

 distinguished in this respect that it is the only species indigenous to both 

 Hemispheres. 



In the British Islands it is rare except in a few favoured districts in the 

 southern, and especially the south-eastern, counties of England. Mr. 

 Millais, in his Mammals of Great Britain and Ireland^ mentions Kent 



13 



