ExploreMammals

Tadarida teniotis

Tadarida teniotis

The Tadarida teniotis, also known as the European free-tailed bat, is a small bat that loves to fly at night. It has long wings and can zoom through the air, catching insects to eat.

Habitat: Caves and urban areas

Appearance

The Tadarida teniotis is a large, grey-brown bat with a robust body and a distinctive 'free' tail that extends beyond its tail membrane. It has large, forward-pointing ears and a wrinkled upper lip, giving it a unique facial appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderChiropteraFamilyMolossidaeGenusTadarida
Tadarida teniotis
furry trait badgesocial trait badgeaerial trait badgecave_dwelling trait badge
Tadarida teniotis

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its 'free tail' acts like a rudder, helping it steer at top speeds!

Their giant ears help them listen to insect prey from over a mile away!

These bats can fly incredibly high, sometimes even above mountains!

They have wrinkled lips that help them make their special echolocation calls!

Special abilities

Ability

High-Altitude Hunter

Tadarida teniotis can hunt high above the ground because of its powerful, narrow wings that help it fly fast and efficiently.

Ability

Long-Distance Listener

Tadarida teniotis has huge, wrinkled ears that help them detect tiny insect movements from far away, even in the dark.

Ability

Precision Navigator

Tadarida teniotis has a 'free' tail that helps them maneuver quickly and precisely in the air while chasing agile insect prey.

Measurements & details

Length
13-15 cm
Wingspan
41-45 cm
Weight
0.017-0.05 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
100 km/h
Litter Size
1
Gestation
50-70 days

Diet & Feeding

This speedy bat is an expert at catching flying insects like moths and beetles high in the sky!

Primary Foods

  • Moths
  • Beetles
  • Crickets
  • Grasshoppers
  • Flies

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

European Free-tailed Bat

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Bats are usually not dangerous, but it's best to watch them from a distance and not touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Tadarida teniotis?

13-15 cm

What is Tadarida teniotis's wingspan?

41-45 cm

How much does Tadarida teniotis weigh?

0.017-0.05 kg

How long does Tadarida teniotis live?

10-15 years

How fast can Tadarida teniotis move?

100 km/h

What does Tadarida teniotis eat?

This speedy bat is an expert at catching flying insects like moths and beetles high in the sky!

Where is Tadarida teniotis usually found?

Caves and urban areas

How does Tadarida teniotis hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Mammals