Noctule

Nyctalus noctula

LISTEN TO THE BAT

Introduction

The Noctule is one of the largest British species and is usually the first bat to appear in the evening, sometimes even before sunset. Noctules have broad, brown ears and a distinctive mushroom shaped tragus. They often fly high up to feed over open pasture, woodland edges, marshlands, rivers and lakes.

Head & body length:

6 – 8.2 cm

Forearm length:

4.8 – 5.8 cm

Wingspan:

32 – 40 cm

Weight:

18 – 40 g

Average colony size:

20 – 50

Lifespan:

up to 12 years

Colour:

Adults are golden or reddish-brown, juveniles and some females a dull chocolate brown.


Conservation Status

A common mammal

Roost sites

tree-holes and on rare occasions buildings

Diet

moths, beetles, mayflies and winged ants

Echolocation

peak at 25kHz