About the Scottish Myotis Bats

In Scotland, the Myotis group of bats includes several species that often go unnoticed beside the more familiar pipistrelles. In your previous blog, we explored Daubenton’s bat, the best-known Myotis species in Scotland, recognised for feeding low over water. But Daubenton’s bat is only one part of the story.

This blog looks at the other Myotis bats found in Scotland: Natterer’s bat, whiskered bat, and Brandt’s bat. These species are less frequently encountered by the public, yet they play an important role in our woodland and farmland ecosystems.

What makes Myotis bats distinctive?

Myotis bats tend to have:

• broad wings suited to agile, manoeuvrable flight

• a preference for sheltered woodland or scrub

• foraging styles that involve close-range hunting

• roosts in trees, older buildings, stonework, and crevices

Because some Myotis species look very similar, identifying them usually requires close examination or acoustic analysis by trained ecologists.

Natterer’s bat

Natterer’s bats are medium-sized and skilled at flying through cluttered spaces such as woodland interiors. They feed on insects taken directly from foliage, which requires slow and precise flight. This behaviour sets them apart from faster-flying species such as pipistrelles.

Natterer’s bats roost in trees, stone buildings, and older structures. They depend on well-connected habitat networks, meaning the loss of hedgerows or unmanaged lighting can affect their movement. Although not often seen by the public, Natterer’s bats are widely distributed across parts of Scotland where suitable woodland exists.

Whiskered bat

Whiskered bats are one of the smallest Myotis species in Scotland. They forage along hedgerows, woodland edges, and sheltered gardens. Their small size and rapid, fluttering flight make them difficult to observe in the field.

Roosts may be found in buildings, tree crevices, or tight gaps within older structures. While whiskered bats are not commonly recorded, some areas of Scotland support small populations. Their presence often reflects the quality of surrounding woodland and low-impact lighting.

Brandt’s bat

Brandt’s bats are closely related to whiskered bats and are easily confused with them. They share similar habitats and feeding behaviour, favouring woodland edges, mature gardens, and sheltered flight routes. Because of their similarities, accurate identification often relies on specialist knowledge.

Brandt’s bats are considered uncommon in Scotland, but confirmed records show they are present in several regions with good woodland structure. Like other Myotis species, they require roosting features that provide stable temperatures and protection from disturbance.

How these species differ from Daubenton’s bat

Your previous blog highlighted Daubenton’s bat, a species strongly associated with water. The other Myotis bats differ in several key ways:

• They rarely feed over open water, instead using woodland, scrub, and hedgerows.

• Their flight is usually slower and more controlled.

• They rely on dense vegetation and well-connected habitat networks.

• They can be more sensitive to lighting and structural changes.

These differences mean that, although all Myotis bats share certain characteristics, their ecological needs vary widely.

Why Myotis species need careful consideration

Because Myotis bats are often less adaptable than pipistrelles, they can be more affected by changes in woodland management, lighting, or building alterations. Roosts may be hidden within trees or older structures, making early ecological advice essential before carrying out work that could affect roosting spaces.

Even small changes in habitat can influence whether these bats remain in an area.

Supporting Scotland’s Myotis bats

People can help by protecting tree lines, avoiding unnecessary lighting, and seeking ecological guidance before beginning building or tree works. These small actions help maintain the habitats that Myotis bats depend on.

While they may not be seen as often as pipistrelles or Daubenton’s bats, Scotland’s other Myotis species are an important part of our natural heritage.

References

Bat Conservation Trust 2023. Bats in Britain: Species Profiles. Bat Conservation Trust, London.
NatureScot 2020. Bats: Licensing and Guidance. NatureScot, Inverness.
Russ, J. 2012. British Bat Calls: A Guide to Species Identification. Pelagic Publishing, Exeter.