Western Pipistrelle

(Pipistrellus hesperus)

The smallest of U.S. bats, the Western Pipistrelle is primarily a desert bat. It is a weak flyer, and is so small it may be mistaken for a large moth. A maternity colony of 12 individuals is the largest known concentration of this bat. Twins are born in June or July, after a gestation period of about 40 days. Juveniles begin to fly at 1 month of age.

More on the Western Pipistrelle.

Photo © Merlin Tuttle. Used with Permission