Common noctule
A species of Noctule bats Scientific name : Nyctalus noctula Genus : Noctule bats
Common noctule, A species of Noctule bats
Scientific name: Nyctalus noctula
Genus: Noctule bats
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Pellinger Attila , used under CC-BY-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The short fur is dark brown after moulting in June (males) or July/August (females); later it changes to red-brown before the onset of winter. When awake, the body temperature is 36.5 °C (97.7 °F) but it decreases significantly during inactivity. The body mass of adult N noctula is 25–30 g (0.88–1.1 oz) and they have a wingspan of 37–40 cm (15–16 in). The species forages with a rapid flying speed of 20–40 km/h (12–25 mph), sometimes up to 60 km/h (37 mph). Because of temporally limited availability of insect prey, they have short daily activity periods before sunrise and after sunset of in total one hour or less and so must cope with up to twenty-three hours of fasting a day.
General Info
Lifespan
8-12 years
Diet
Common noctule primarily subsists on a diet of insects. It actively targets particular types such as beetles, flies, and moths, hunting them in mid-air during flight. This species shows a marked preference for larger, calorie-rich insects.
Appearance
The common noctule is a medium-sized bat, characterized by a robust body shape and dense fur. It is primarily dark brown, with buff to golden hues underneath. Its most distinct feature are its long wings and wide tail. Males and females generally look alike, though males may be slightly heavier. There are no significant differences due to age or subspecies.
Behavior
Common noctule is a nocturnal species known for its long-range migratory behavior. This typically solitary bat forages in flight, covering long distances in search of insect prey. Common noctule exhibits noticeable seasonal behavior, roosting in tree cavities during summer and utilizing a variety of structures for hibernation during winter.
Photo By Pellinger Attila , used under CC-BY-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Bats Family
Evening birds Genus
Noctule bats Species
Common noctule