Whiskered bats emit FM echolocation calls from 32 to 75 kHz, and send out 8 to 9, 2.5 ms signals every second. These range in distance from 5 meters up to 20 meters. It is thought that these vocalizations are used for locating food, rather than for communication.
Although the remainder of the communication of this species has not been reported, we can infer that they have other vocalizations which they use to communicate with conspecifics. They probably also use tactile communication, especially in the roost, where they come into close contact with other bats. As mammals, it is likely that there is some chemical or scent communcation.
Communication Channels: tactile ; acoustic
Other Communication Modes: vibrations
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; echolocation ; vibrations ; chemical
Myotis mystacinus is not protected under CITES or IUCN. In western Germany, the species is listed as severly endangered. Eastern Germany and Austria have it listed as Endangered. In order to protect the remaining populations in these areas, winter and maternity roosts are being protected from human disturbance.
CITES: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
There are no known adverse affects of Myotis mystacinus on humans. Bats in general have been known to carry human diseases such as rabies, and whiskered bats in particular are associated with human dwellings.
Negative Impacts: injures humans (carries human disease); household pest
Bats are important predators of many different types of insects, including mosquitoes, which are vectors for many infectious diseases. They are also feed on other insects that cause agricultural damage.
Positive Impacts: controls pest population
Whiskered bats feed on a variety of flying insects, so they probably have a negative impact on insect populations.
Whiskered bats depart from roosts early in the evening to feed on a variety of insects. Most commonly they hunt 1.5 to 6 meters above the ground in parks, gardens, and over bodies of water. They have been known to hunt in forests on occasion. Mosquitoes, moths, small dragonflies, mayflies, and small beetles make up the majority of their diet.
Animal Foods: insects
Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore )
Whiskered bats, Myotis mystacinus, are found throughout the Paleartic region. Most populations occur in central Europe. They range from roughly 65° latitude in the north, to as far south as the Mediterranean.
Biogeographic Regions: palearctic (Native )
Myotis mysticinus is found in open habitats, including parks, towns, and gardens. Schober (1997) states that it is more of a house-bat than a forest-bat. It is found at moderate elevations, between 1800 and 1923 m.
Range elevation: 1800 to 1923 m.
Habitat Regions: temperate
Other Habitat Features: urban ; suburban
The average lifespan in the wild is 3.5 years. Individuals have been known to live more than 19 years.
Range lifespan
Status: wild: 19 (high) years.
Average lifespan
Status: wild: 3.5 years.
Average lifespan
Status: wild: 3.5 years.
Average lifespan
Status: wild: 18.0 years.
Whiskered bats are among the smallest European Myotis species. These tiny bats weigh between 4 and 8 grams. Head-body lengths range from 35 to 48 mm, and tail lengths range from 30 to 43 mm. Wingspan generally ranges from 190 to 220 mm.
A distinct indentation is located on the outside portion of the long, pointed ear. The ears are complex, having four to five horizontal folds in the inner section. The fur of these bats is long and coarse, and varies in color throughout the body. The wing membrane, muzzle, and ears are blackish brown. The dorsal fur is normally a dark, nut-brown or gray-brown. Some individuals may be light brown, but this is uncommon. The ventrum is typically dark to light gray.
Range mass: 4 to 8 g.
Range length: 65 to 91 mm.
Range wingspan: 190 to 225 mm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry
There are no known predators of whiskered bats. However, owls, hawks, and falcons will take bats if given the opportunity.
The mating system of this species has not been reported. However, within the genus, polygyny appears to be common, with males forming harems of 2 to 7 females. Myotis mystacinus may be similar.
Mating begins in the fall and continues into the winter, at which time the animals enter their winter roost for hibernation. Whiskered bats exhibit delayed implantation of the embryo, which continues its development in the spring, as well as sperm storage. This makes it difficult to say for sure how long gestation lasts. Beginning about mid-June, the females give birth to a single young. Within the first year of life females reach sexual maturity.
Breeding interval: Whiskered bats apparently breed annually.
Breeding season: Breeding typically occurs in late summer or fall.
Range number of offspring: 1 to 1.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): within 1 years.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization ; viviparous ; sperm-storing ; delayed implantation
Average number of offspring: 1.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
Sex: male: 456 days.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
Sex: female: 365 days.
In May the females form maternity roosts that consist of 20to 70 females. Males are solitary during this time, and do not participate in parental care. Females care for the young, providing them with milk, protection, and grooming until August, at which time the maternity roosts break apart.
Parental Investment: no parental involvement; altricial ; pre-fertilization (Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-independence (Protecting: Female)
