The different varieties of bats in France

Introduction

Bats are fascinating mammals that are essential to the balance of nature. Yet, they often remain misunderstood and victims of many misconceptions.

In France, there are over 35 species of bats. All are protected because their populations have significantly declined in recent decades.

Discreet and nocturnal, they play a crucial role in insect regulation and biodiversity.

In this article, discover the main varieties of bats present in France, their characteristics, their habitats, and solutions to welcome them with suitable shelters.

Why protect bats?

Bats are currently threatened by several factors.

Main causes of decline

• Disappearance of old buildings
• Renovation of attics and roofs
• Use of pesticides
• Disappearance of insects
• Light pollution
• Destruction of natural roosts

All French species are protected by law.

The ecological role of bats

Bats provide valuable services to the environment.

They contribute to:

• Regulating mosquito populations
• Limiting certain harmful insects
• Maintaining ecosystem balance
• Participating in nocturnal biodiversity

A single bat can consume several thousand insects in one night.

1. Common Pipistrelle

ID Card

• Scientific name: Pipistrellus pipistrellus
• Wingspan: 18 to 24 cm
• Weight: 3 to 8 g

How to recognize it?

The common pipistrelle is one of the most frequent species in France.

It has:

• A small brown body
• Dark wings
• A compact silhouette
• A fast and agile flight

Habitat

It mainly lives:

• In cities
• In gardens
• Under roofs
• Behind shutters and siding

Specificities

• Very active at dusk
• Hunts mosquitoes and small insects
• Relatively tolerant of human proximity

Recommended shelter

Flat bat boxes installed on facades or trees are particularly suitable.

2. Common Noctule

ID Card

• Scientific name: Nyctalus noctula
• Wingspan: 32 to 40 cm
• Weight: 18 to 40 g

How to recognize it?

This large bat has:

• Reddish-brown fur
• Long, narrow wings
• A powerful and fast flight

Habitat

It mainly frequents:

• Large parks
• Forests
• Old trees
• Wooded urban areas

Specificities

• Often hunts at high altitudes
• Uses tree cavities
• Can travel long distances

Recommended shelter

Large wooden roosts installed on tall trees are perfectly suited for it.

3. Greater Horseshoe Bat

ID Card

• Scientific name: Rhinolophus ferrumequinum
• Wingspan: 35 to 40 cm
• Weight: 17 to 34 g

How to recognize it?

The greater horseshoe bat is easily identifiable by:

• Its horseshoe-shaped nose leaf
• Its slow and precise flight
• Its gray-brown fur

Habitat

It is mainly found:

• In caves
• Cellars
• Old buildings
• Quiet attics

Specificities

• Species very sensitive to disturbance
• Uses echolocation very precisely
• Hunts in hedges and meadows

Recommended shelter

Quiet attics and large, dark roosts are essential for its protection.

4. Serotine Bat

ID Card

• Scientific name: Eptesicus serotinus
• Wingspan: 32 to 38 cm
• Weight: 15 to 30 g

How to recognize it?

It features:

• Dark brown fur
• A robust silhouette
• Relatively short ears

Habitat

It often lives:

• In buildings
• Under roofs
• In rural areas
• Near meadows

Specificities

• Hunts late after sunset
• Appreciates agricultural areas rich in insects
• Sometimes forms large colonies

Recommended shelter

Spacious shelters installed high up under roofs are ideal.

5. Brown Long-eared Bat

ID Card

• Scientific name: Plecotus auritus
• Wingspan: 24 to 28 cm
• Weight: 5 to 12 g

How to recognize it?

The brown long-eared bat is remarkable due to:

• Its very large ears
• Its slow and silent flight
• Its light brown fur

Habitat

It mainly frequents:

• Gardens
• Old trees
• Attics
• Wooded areas

Specificities

• Very discreet
• Can catch insects resting on leaves
• Uses various roosts

Recommended shelter

Wooden bat boxes placed in quiet, wooded areas are particularly suitable.

Differences between the main French bats

How to attract bats to your garden?

Install suitable shelters

Bats seek safe and quiet roosts.

Recommended locations

• On a facade
• More than 3 meters high
• Sheltered from strong winds
• In a dimly lit area

Preserve insects

Limiting pesticides helps maintain an abundant food source.

Promote hedges and trees

Bats use hedges as movement corridors.

Reduce night lighting

Light pollution greatly disturbs certain species.

Where to install a bat house?

Ideal location

• On a southeast-facing wall
• Sheltered from rain
• High up
• In a quiet area

Recommended height

Between 3 and 6 meters from the ground.

Orientation

The most favorable orientations are:

• Southeast
• South

to ensure a good internal temperature.

When to install a shelter?

Shelters can be installed all year round.

However, the most favorable periods remain:

• Autumn
• Winter
• Early spring

This gives bats time to locate the roost.

Mistakes to avoid

• Opening or disturbing an occupied roost
• Installing a shelter in a very brightly lit area
• Using pesticides in the garden
• Moving a colony without authorization

Bats are protected species in France.

Misconceptions about bats

Contrary to popular belief:

• Bats do not get tangled in hair
• They are not aggressive
• They are very useful against mosquitoes
• They generally avoid human contact

These nocturnal mammals are essential for biodiversity.

Conclusion

The different varieties of bats present in France each have their specific habits and needs.

From the small common pipistrelle to the greater horseshoe bat, all play an essential role in the natural regulation of insects.

Installing suitable shelters, preserving trees, and limiting pesticides are simple actions that directly contribute to their protection.

At FranceNichoirs, we encourage the creation of spaces favorable to bats to sustainably preserve nocturnal biodiversity.