Kuhl's Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii) (Kuhl, 1817) |
Synonyms: Pipistrellus deserti, Vespertilio kuhlii |
Pipistrellus kuhlii occurs in central and southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East (including the Arabian Peninsula), and Central Asia; possibly expands northward. It is found in scrublands, deserts, grasslands and woodlands; frequents rural and urban areas; sea level to 2,600m. Day roosts, maternity colonies, and hibernacula are in rock crevices or niches in man-made structures. Sometimes congregates at roosts, but in low numbers (3-20); 30-100 females in maternity colonies. A small bat; forearm 31-37 mm; weight 5-10 g. The fur is fawn-brown to gray; a light stripe along the outer edge of the femoral and wing membranes. Emerges at twilight and hunts small flying insects, usually at low heights. Longevity 4-8 years.