BRITISH MAMMALS 



first to dispel this confusion and show , that our common Bat is the 

 Pipistrelle, which also occurs in Europe. 



There are few parts of the country where on fine summer evenings 

 between " the gloaming and the mirk " this little creature, the smallest 

 of our Bats, may not be seen. With rapid wing-beats it flits along 

 country lanes or threads its way around trees or buildings in search of 

 various small insects, especially gnats, which form its chief food. 



Like other Bats, it shows little fear of man, and will circle closely 

 round one's head. The Pipistrelle usually selects some likely beat for 

 the evening hunt, returning to the same spot for many nights in succession. 



According to Mr. MofFat [Irish ^Haturalist, IQOS? p- 101-103) it appears 

 to hunt for its prey throughout the whole night, retiring to its den 

 shortly before sunrise. 



It is fond of the neighbourhood of ponds and rivers and drinks like 

 other Bats by sipping the surface of the water as it flies. 



The Pipistrelle awakes from its winter sleep earlier than most of its 

 relations, generally appearing on the wing about the middle of March if 

 the weather be fine, and retiring in October or November. 



Though this is the general rule, it may be tempted out at almost 

 any time in the winter if a mild spell sets in. 



Various situations are chosen as retreats, roofs of cottages, churches, 

 and other buildings, cavities in walls or under the bark of old trees. 



In confinement, this species will readily take its food, eating flies or 

 meal worms with avidity, and if any prey be too large to master with 

 its mouth, the tail membrane is used as a pouch. 



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