Resource partitioning in two species of vespertilionid bats (Chiroptera) occupying the same roost

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Abstract
Colonies of Plecotus auritus (L.) and Myotis daubentoni (Kuhl) occupying the same roost showed no interspecific interaction. They utilized separate areas of the roost, departed from and returned to it at different times and foraged in different habitats on different groups of insects. P. auritus emerged from the roost before dusk, foraged singly in woodland areas with slow, hovering flight and fed on insects commonly found flying in woodland, on insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and on insects caught inside the roost. M. daubentoni emerged from the roost after dusk, flew fast and low over water and around riparian vegetation and foraged on long, straight beats. They frequently foraged in groups, and fed opportunistically on insects which fly in swarms in riparian habitats. The diets of the two species occupying the same roost did not differ from those established in areas where each species was found alone.