(Fischer, 1829)
Grey Long-eared bat
External characters (Table 74)
This species is essentially similar in morphology to Plecotus auritus . However it averages larger with a forearm length of 43.1 mm (41.9-45.1 mm). The pelage colour is variable. In some specimens, the dorsal surface is very pale, with the hair tips creamy-buff; in others, the tips are darker buffy brown (Paus1). On the ventral surface, the hair tips are pale, white or white tinged with buff (Paus2). The hair bases are dark, above and below. The baculum is diagnostic. In comparison to P. auritus , the shaft is shorter and broader and the basal lobes are more robust (Fig. 148).
Cranial characters
The skull (Fig. 151) is larger than that of P. auritus with an average condylo-canine length of 15.1 mm (14.8-15.4 mm). The rostrum is significantly longer. The braincase is more elongated and taller when viewed from behind. The tympanic bullae are relatively larger and in consequence the basioccipital region is very narrow.
Dentition
The dentition is essentially similar to that of P. auritus but larger, with an average upper toothrow length (C-M3) of 5.6 mm (5.4-5.8 mm).
Variation
Specimens from the Indian subcontinent and Afghanistan are provisionally referred to P. austriacus wardi (Gaisler, 1970a)