The long-eared bat is a fascinating creature found across much of the world. However, it has a number of synonyms which can make it difficult to keep track of exactly which bat someone might be talking about. These synonyms include the greater long-eared bat, greater mouse-eared bat, and Plecotus auritus. There are also a number of related species which are sometimes referred to as long-eared bats, such as the lesser long-eared bat and the Mexican long-eared bat. Regardless of which specific type of long-eared bat someone might be talking about, they are all characterized by their long ears and distinctive hunting behavior.