Barbastelle bat  (Barbastella barbastellus)

Authentication

Information authenticated by the Bat Conservation Trust:
http://www.bats.org.uk/

Glossary

Hibernation: a winter survival strategy characteristic of some mammals in which an animal's metabolic rate slows down and a state of deep sleep is attained. Whilst hibernating, animals survive on stored reserves of fat that they have accumulated in summer. In insects, the correct term for hibernation is 'diapause', a temporary pause in development and growth. Any stage of the lifecycle (eggs, larvae, pupae or adults) may enter diapause, which is typically associated with winter.
Tragus: a soft cartilaginous projection extending in front of the external opening of the ear. In bats it is thought to aid in the location of prey by generating many echoes, but the precise way in which this works is unknown.

References

  1. UNEP-WCMC (April 2002):
    http://quin.unep-wcmc.org
  2. Schober, W. & Grimmberger, E. A (1989) Guide to Bats of Britain and Europe. The Hamlyn Publishing Group, London.
  3. UK Biodiversity. Species Action Plan (April 2002):
    http://www.ukbap.org.uk
  4. Ian Turner. Pers. Comm.
  5. Latin Dictionary and Grammar check (April 2002):
    http://www.nd.edu/~archives/latgramm.htm
  6. Pers Obv.
  7. Bat Conservation Trust (April 2002):
    http://www.bats.org.uk
  8. Bat Conservation Trust (2002) Pers. Comm.