Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii

Often called the ‘water bat’, this species is easily recognised in flight by its low, level flight a few centimetres above the surface of lakes, slow-moving rivers and canals. It skims like a hovercraft above the water in search of caddisflies, mayflies and midges, and may even scoop prey from the water surface using its big feet. Many other bats feed over lakes and rivers, but none has such a close association with water as the Daubenton’s. These bats can even swim if they make a mistake and end up in the water. Daubentons’ bats roost under stone bridges, in ruins, canal tunnels and damp caves.