BRITISH MAMMALS 



Genus Plecotus. 



THE LONG-EARED BAT 



Plecotus auritus, Linnaeus. 

 Plate 2. 



This Bat may be easily identified at any time by the abnormal size of 

 the ears, which measure about i\ to i| inches and are nearly as long as the 

 head and body combined. The tragus is large and very conspicuous 

 when the animal is at rest, as it then points outwards, while the ears 

 are folded backwards as shown in the sketch in the Plate, which was taken 

 from life. The expanse of wings is about ten inches. 



When the little creature is hanging head-downwards and asleep in the 

 daytime or during hibernation, the projecting tragus may easily be mistaken 

 for the ear, as the latter is then entirely hidden and folded beneath the 

 forearm. 



The eyes are fuller and more conspicuous than in our other Bats, and 

 according to Millais it does not seem to be so sensitive to light as some of 

 the other species. 



The feet are large, and the rather long tail projects slightly beyond the 

 membrane. In the adult, the colour of the upper parts is a dull brown, the 

 chest and belly a pale whity-brown, these colours being darker in the 

 young. The teeth are thirty-six in number. 



The range of the Long-eared Bat extends over a great part of Europe, 

 and in Asia as far east as China. It also inhabits North Africa. It is found 

 over the greater portion of the British Islands, being common in many 



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