Barbastella barbastellus (Schreber, 1774)
Vespertilionidae

Near Threatened

Description

Medium-sized bat, with a body length ranging from 45 to 60 mm, a forearm length between 36 and 43 mm, a wingspan between 255 and 300 mm, a tail length between 36 and 52 mm, ears up to 20 mm, and a weight between 5 and 14 g. It shows slight sexual dimorphism, with males usually being smaller than females. The species is unmistakable due to its short muzzle with nostril fissures reaching the lips, and unique trapezoidal ears that, when joined at the center of the head, point forward. The tragus is long and rounded, narrowing at the tip. The skin is typically dark brown, almost black. The fur is silky and black or dark brown, with yellow or white tips, giving it a fawn-like appearance. In the Canary Islands, females tend to be more brownish, and males are darker, with neither displaying the fawn-like coloration. Juveniles typically have slightly darker coloration than adults. Part of the wings and uropatagium are covered with fur.