Plecotus macrobullaris (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Abstract

Plecotus macrobullaris (Kuzjakin, 1965) is a medium-sized chiropteran commonly called the alpine long-eared bat, and 1 of the 11 Palearctic species recognized in the genus Plecotus. It has the characteristic long ears of plecotine bats, and externally its most conspicuous diagnostic characteristic is the inverted triangular-shaped pad most individuals exhibit in the chin. It is distributed across the mountain environments in the southwestern and central regions of the Palearctic. It is the most abundant bat species in European alpine environments, although it can be also found at lower elevations. It roosts on both natural (rock crevices, caves, and scree deposits) and artificial shelters (buildings), and it mainly feeds on moths. P. macrobullaris is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, although actual population sizes and demographic trends are unknown.