BARBASTELLE

(Barbastella), either of two bats of the common bat family, Vespertilionidae, found in Europe (B. barbastellus) and in the Middle East and Asia (B. leucomelas). Barbastelles have short, wide ears that are joined on the forehead and long, dark, white- or gray-tipped fur. They are about 46 centimetres (1.62.4 inches) long without the 45.5-cm tail and weigh about 610 grams (0.20.3 ounce). Relatively heavy fliers, barbastelles live alone or in small groups and roost in trees or buildings. From fall to spring they hibernate in caves.