Your wildlife photography guide.

Explore the daubenton's bat in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.

Where to observe and photograph the daubenton's bat in the wild

Learn where and when to spot the daubenton's bat in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the daubenton's bat’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.

Daubenton's bat

Scientific name: Myotis daubentonii


Daubenton's bat

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: VESPERTILIONIDAE

Group: Mammals

Sensitivity to human approach: Tolerant

Minimum approach distance: 5 m

Rut period: August to September

Gestation: 45-60 jours

Births: June to July


Habitat:
forests, rivers, lakes, marshes

Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.

Identification and description:
The Daubenton's bat is a medium-sized bat, easily recognizable by its brown-grey fur on the back and lighter on the belly. Its ears are short and rounded, and its wings are long and narrow, adapted for fast and agile flight. This species is often seen flying low over water bodies, where it primarily hunts aquatic insects. It uses echolocation to navigate and locate its prey. The Daubenton's bat is a nocturnal animal, spending its days in shelters such as tree cavities, buildings, or bridges. It is widely distributed in Europe and Asia, preferring habitats near water.

Recommended lens:
200 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the Daubenton's bat, focus on dusk or clear nights near water bodies. Use a 200 mm or longer lens to capture sharp images from a distance. A tripod can be helpful to stabilize the camera in low light conditions. Be patient and wait for the bat to fly low over the water to hunt. Using a flash can be considered, but be careful not to disturb the animal.

From knowledge to field practice

A species profile helps you understand an animal. In the field, the challenge is often different. Remembering your own observations.

The WildlifePhotographer app allows you to:

• record your personal observations
• note locations, dates, and behaviors
• revisit your field references over time
• build a private and long-term field logbook

The app does not provide observation locations.
It helps you organize what you actually observe, with respect for wildlife.

👉 Start my personal field logbook