Daubenton’s bat

Daubenton’s bats roost in various locations such as under stone bridges, in ruins, canal tunnels, trees, and damp caves.

Identification

Often referred to as the ‘water bat’, this species is easily identified by its low, level flight just a few centimeters above the surface of lakes, slow-moving rivers, and canals. It skims like a hovercraft above the water, hunting for caddisflies, mayflies, and midges, and may even scoop prey from the water’s surface with its large feet. While many bats feed over lakes and rivers, none have as strong an association with water as the Daubenton’s bat. This bat can even swim if it accidentally ends up in the water.

More details can be found at https://www.batconservationireland.org/irish-bats/species/daubentons-bat.