294 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
the inner margin of the ear is bent in, forming a sort of fold. A little above the base there is on each 
ear a small lobe, so placed that when the ears are erect these lobes touch each other. The outer 
margin of the ear ends opposite the base of the tragus, which is very long, tapering upwards. The 
tail, which is nearly as long as the head and body, is contained, all but the extremity of the last 
vertebra, in the ample interfemoral membrane, along the posterior margin of which the spurs extend 
fully half-way from the heel to the tip of the tail on each side. The fur in the Long-eared Bat is long, 
thick, and soft ; the hairs are blackish at base, tipped above with brown, with a reddish or greyish 
tinge, which appears to vary with the age of the individuals, and beneath with pale brownish-grey. 
All the membranes are dusky, usually with a reddish or brownish tinge. The head and body in this 
species measure about one inch and five- 
sixths in length, and the tail is about one- 
sixth of an inch shorter. Its expanse of 
wing is ten inches. 
This Bat occurs in nearly all parts of 
Europe and in North Africa, extending 
eastwards throughout Central Asia, but 
apparently not south of the Himalayas. 
Specimens from Northern Africa, even up 
to the fifth Cataract of the Nile, and from 
the desert regions about the Mediterranean 
and Caspian Seas, are described as having 
the fur paler and more ashy in colour, and 
the membranes also paler than those from 
more humid localities. 
The Long-eared Bat is common, and 
pretty generally distributed in Britain, but 
is not so abundant or so well known as 
some other species. This may, perhaps, 
be in part due to the fact that it is a 
nocturnal species, coming abroad later than 
its fellows, and continuing on the wing in 
pursuit of the moths, which appear to con- 
stitute its chief prey, during the whole of 
the night. “ At all hours,” says Mr. Bell, 
“ through the dead of the night, and in the 
darkest nights, in the open fields or elsewhere, we have heard the shrill chatter of the Long-eared Bat 
over our heads, its voice, once known, being easily recognised from that of any other species.” Mr. 
Bell suggests, what may probably be true, that the great development of the ears in tnis (and probably 
other species) may be connected with the habit of flying late at night. It chiefly frequents the open 
country, taking up its abode in the roofs of tiled houses, especially in country villages, in which 
situations the Bats pass the day during the summer, suspended in clusters from the walls and timbers 
by the claws of their hind feet, and the whole winter cosily packed between the tiles and in various 
holes and corners. It also exhibits a predilection for church towers. When sleeping, the long delicate 
ears are not generally left exposed, but are folded down under the wings, where they are carefully 
tucked away. This is commonly the case when the Bat has settled down tor its day’s sleep, and 
always occurs during hibernation. When the ears are thus disposed of, the earlets or tragi still 
project from the head, giving the little creature the appearance of possessing only a pair of short 
pointed ears (see figure). 
In captivity the Long-eared Bat soon becomes very tame and familiar. These Bats will fly 
about the room, play with each other, and may soon be induced to feed from the hand. 4< One kept 
by Mr. James Sowerby,” as stated by Mr. Bell, “ when at liberty in the parlour, would fly to the hand 
of any of the young people who held up a fly towards it, and, pitching on the hand, take the fly 
without hesitation. If the insect was held between the lips, the Bat would then settle on its young 
LONG-EARED DAT SLEEPING. 
