European pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) is found across large areas of the western Palearctic (Europe, the Middle East), northwestern Africa, central and eastern Asia. It is a relatively small bat species. The forearm length is about 30 mm, and its weight is about 4 g only, with a fairly uniform color: the fur is mostly in brownish-orange shades.

European pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), one of the smallest bats in the country. © עזרא חדד

During the last decades it has become clear that under the name "European pipistrelle" in fact two different species are included: Pipistrellus pipistrellus - the peak frequency is about 45 kHz. Pipistrellus pygmaeus- the peak frequency is above 50 kHz. The distinction between the two species is based on differences in call structure, as well as on genetic findings. Since this is a relatively recent finding, and since there is overlap between the ranges of the two species, it is difficult to assign past information to either of them.

The European pipistrelle known in the country is the species whose call peak frequency is about 45 kHz. In recent years, bats with higher call frequencies have also been observed in field conditions: they were not captured, and it was not possible to identify them with certainty, but it is possible that P. pygmaeus is also present in the country. In Israel the species is known mainly in the north of the country, but it has also been found at several sites in the Judean area and even in central Israel: it is worth being alert when surveying settlements with bat detectors, as the species may surprise in unfamiliar places: it may be found in crevices of houses and trees. Calls: 45-49 (35-105) kh