pipistrelle

American  

[pip-uh-strel, pip-uh-strel] / ˌpɪp əˈstrɛl, ˈpɪp əˌstrɛl /

noun

1. any of numerous insectivorous bats of the genus Pipistrellus, especially P. pipistrellus of Europe and Asia.

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pipistrelle British  

/ ˌpɪpɪˈstrɛl /

noun

1. any of numerous small brownish insectivorous bats of the genus Pipistrellus, occurring in most parts of the world: family Vespertilionidae

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Etymology

Origin of pipistrelle

1775–85; < French < Italian pipistrello, variant of vipistrello ≪ Latin vespertīliōn- (stem of vespertīliō ) bat. See vespertilionine

Example Sentences

This hoverfly migrates across Europe as far as the slopes of Switzerland, where they become prey for soprano pipistrelle bats.

From National Geographic • Oct. 2, 2023

Some vanishings have inspired public outcry, such as the 2016 extinction declaration for the tiny Christmas Island pipistrelle bat species, last seen in 2009.

From Reuters • Dec. 23, 2022

There have been more than 2,600 Nathusius' pipistrelles recorded in the UK since the national Nathusius' pipistrelle project launched in 2014 to shed light on their breeding, distribution and migration behaviours.

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2021

The Nathusius’ pipistrelle was found in a village in the Pskov region of northwestern Russia, according to the U.K.’s Bat Conservation Trust.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 7, 2021

Both these appear to be closely allied to the pipistrelle of Europe, and are stated to have been found at Mussoorie and in Kashmir.

From Natural History of the Mammalia of India and Ceylon by Sterndale, Robert Armitage