Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)

The common pipistrelle, not to be confused with the soprano pipistrelle – these species were only identified as separate species in the 90s. The common pipistrelle is smallest and most common bat in the UK. They feed on midges, moths, and other flying insects. They roost in tree holes, bat boxes and in the roof spaces of houses. During the summer, females form maternity colonies and have one pup each. They hibernate over between November and April, but may come out to feed on warm days. The common pipistrelle has dark, golden-brown fur, with a slightly paler underside and a dark mask around the face.

• A dropping sample with sufficient biological material to be used as a reserve is required in case the extraction is unsuccessful the first time. The fresher a sample is, the more likely the test will be able to extract viable DNA.
• Samples can be taken using a bat dropping collection kit or using your own secure containers/resources.