Serotine bat  (Eptesicus serotinus)

Colony: A group of organisms living together, individuals in the group are not physiologically connected and may not be related, such as a colony of birds. Another meaning refers to organisms, such as bryozoans, which are composed of numerous genetically identical modules (also referred to as zooids or 'individuals'), which are produced by budding and remain physiologically connected.
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.

1. Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) (October, 2009)
   http://www.itis.gov/
   
2. Schober, W. and Grimmberger, E. (1987) A Guide to Bats of Britain and Europe. Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited, London.
   
3. Bats and the Law - a quick guide. Bat Conservation Trust (August, 2002)
   http://www.bats.org.uk/
   
4. The Bat Conservation Trust: Species Information Sheet - Serotine Bat (August, 2002)
   http://www.bats.org.uk/publications_detail.php/219/species_information_sheet_serotine
   
5. Altringham, J.D. (1996) Bats: Biology and Behaviour. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
   
6. Macdonald, D.W. and Tattersall, F.T. (2001) Britain's Mammals - The Challenge for Conservation. The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Oxford University. Available at:
   www.wildcru.org
   
7. Morris, P. (1993) A Red Data Book for British Mammals. Mammal Society, Bristol.