BRITISH MAMMALS 
Genus Plecotus. 
THE LONG-EARED BAT. 
Plecotus aiiritus, Linnzeus. 
Plate 2. 
This Bat may be easily identified at any time by the abnormal size of 
the ears, which measure about \\ to \\ 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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