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. Mofiat [Irish ^^(aturalist, 1905, p. 101-103) 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 firom 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. 
