Noctules
ExploreMammals
Noctules
Nyctalus
Noctules are special bats that fly at night! They have big ears and can catch insects in the dark. These little creatures help keep our skies clear of pesky bugs.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Noctule has sleek, reddish-brown fur on its back and paler fur on its belly. It has broad, dark wings and distinct mushroom-shaped ear flaps called tragi, which help it stand out from other bats.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderChiropteraFamilyVespertilionidaeGenusNyctalus
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Some Noctules migrate hundreds of kilometers between their summer and winter homes!
Some young humans can actually hear the high-pitched calls of Noctule bats!
They are expert aerial hunters, snatching fast-moving beetles and moths right out of the sky!
They often roost in hollow trees, sometimes sharing their homes with birds!
Special abilities
Ability
Echolocation Master
Noctules can navigate and hunt in complete darkness by sending out high-pitched sounds and listening for echoes.
Ability
Rapid Flier
Noctules has long, narrow wings that help them achieve fast, direct flight high above the tree canopy to catch prey.
Ability
Energy Saver
Noctules can enter torpor, lowering body temperature and heart rate to conserve energy during cold weather or food shortages.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 6-8.5 cm
- Wingspan
- 32-40 cm
- Weight
- 0.018-0.04 kg
- Lifespan
- 4-12 years
- Top Speed
- 50 km/h
- Litter Size
- 1-2
- Gestation
- 45-50 days
Diet & Feeding
These speedy bats mainly munch on flying insects they catch in the air.
Primary Foods
- Moths
- Beetles
- Midges
- Craneflies
- Chafers
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
Tawny Owl
Strix aluco
Preys on bats during emergence or return to roosts.
eaten by
Pine Marten
Martes martes
Can access tree cavities to prey on roosting bats.
shelters
English Oak
Quercus robur
Mature oak trees provide essential roosting sites in cavities.
hunts
Common Cockchafer
Melolontha melolontha
A large beetle that is a primary food source for Noctules.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Echolocation
Echolocation is a biological sonar used by animals to navigate, hunt, and communicate by emitting sound waves and interpreting the echoes.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Greater Noctule
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a bat, watch quietly from a distance. They are shy and prefer to be left alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Noctules?
6-8.5 cm
What is Noctules's wingspan?
32-40 cm
How much does Noctules weigh?
0.018-0.04 kg
How long does Noctules live?
4-12 years
How fast can Noctules move?
50 km/h
What does Noctules eat?
These speedy bats mainly munch on flying insects they catch in the air.
Where is Noctules usually found?
Forests
How does Noctules hunt?
Pursuit
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