A fascinating and somewhat mysterious species of bat found across parts of Europe and central Asia. Unlike many bats that spend their nights flitting through forests or hunting in open fields, the Pond bat is strongly tied to water. True to its name, it favors ponds, lakes, rivers, and canals, where it skims just above the surface to catch insects. Its long, broad wings and large feet are perfectly designed for this hunting style—allowing it to scoop prey such as midges, beetles, and aquatic insects straight off the water. This watery lifestyle makes it stand out from many of its relatives in the Myotis genus, which often hunt higher in the air or in wooded habitats.
One of the most distinctive features of the Pond bat is its choice of roosts. In summer, females form maternity colonies in hollow trees, attics, and old buildings, where they raise their pups together in warm, sheltered spaces. Males, on the other hand, tend to roost alone or in much smaller groups. As autumn arrives, these bats gather at underground sites such as caves, bunkers, and abandoned cellars for hibernation. What makes them unusual is their ability to travel very long distances between summer and winter roosts. This migratory behavior is rare among European bats and highlights their unique adaptability.
Socially and behaviorally, the Pond bat is more secretive than many of its cousins. It is considered a rare species, often overlooked because it hunts low over water, where it is harder to spot with standard bat detectors. Its echolocation calls are also slightly different—lower in frequency—helping it detect insects at or just above the water surface. These adaptations make it a specialist, in contrast to more generalist bats like the common pipistrelle that feed almost anywhere.
Distribution
Belarus
Belgium
Bulgaria
China
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Moldova
Montenegro
Netherlands
Poland
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Sweden
UkraineAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Group
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
