NCI 2024
    Groups
    Mammals Birds Amphibians Reptiles Myxini – Hagfishes Petromyz' – Lampreys Sharks & rays Animals Holocep' – Chimaeras Ray-finned fishes Dipneusti – Lungfish Gastropoda – Snails & slugs Coelac' – Coelacanths Insecta – Insects / bugs Arachnida – Spiders & scorpions Malacostraca – Malacostracans Diplopoda – Millipedes Bivalvia – Marine molluscs Cephalopoda – Squids & octopuses Chilopoda – Centipedes Pycnogonida – Sea spiders Merostomata – Horseshoe crabs More Classes
    Filters

    Regions

    See AllSelect

    Habitat

    See AllSelect

    Greater noctule bat

      Saved In:

    The biggest bat you can find in Europe, with wings that can stretch out as wide as your arm!

    Popa-Lisseanu AG, Delgado-Huertas A, Forero MG, Rodríguez A, Arlettaz R, & Ibáñez C








      Saved In:


    Greater noctule bat

    EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

    The biggest bat you can find in Europe, with wings that can stretch out as wide as your arm!

    Population <10,000

    Stands out as one of Europe’s largest and most intriguing bat species. This species, primarily found in various parts of Europe and potentially in parts of North Africa and Asia, is notable not just for its size but also for its unique dietary habits and behaviors.

    One of the most distinctive features of the Greater noctule bat is its size; it can reach a wingspan of up to 46 cm (18 in), making it the largest bat in Europe. Its large, forward-facing ears and sharp, pointy face give it a distinct and somewhat formidable appearance. The fur of the Greater noctule bat ranges from golden to dark brown, providing good camouflage during the daytime when it roosts in tree hollows or sometimes in buildings.

    The diet of the Greater noctule bat is particularly fascinating because it includes not only insects, which are typical bat fare, but also small birds. This bat is one of the few bat species worldwide known to prey on birds, catching them in flight during twilight hours. This remarkable feeding strategy showcases its agility and precise echolocation capabilities, which allow it to detect and capture fast-moving aerial targets in low-light conditions.

    Another interesting aspect of the Greater noctule bat is its migratory behavior. Unlike many bat species that hibernate during the winter, the Greater noctule is partially migratory, with some populations moving to warmer areas during colder months. This migration is still not fully understood but is thought to be linked to its feeding habits and the availability of prey, particularly birds.

    Distribution

    Country
    Population est.
    Status
    Year
    Comments
    Algeria
    2016
    Presence Uncertain
    Andorra
    2016
    Presence Uncertain
    Azerbaijan
    2016
    Belarus
    2016
    Bulgaria
    2016
    Croatia
    2016
    Cyprus
    2016
    Czechia
    2016
    France
    2016
    Georgia
    2016
    Germany
    2016
    Gibraltar
    2016
    Presence Uncertain
    Greece
    2016
    Hungary
    2016
    Iran
    2016
    Italy
    2016
    Sicilia
    Kazakhstan
    2016
    Libya
    2016
    Moldova
    2016
    Monaco
    2016
    Morocco
    2016
    North Macedonia
    2016
    Poland
    2016
    Portugal
    2016
    Romania
    2016
    Russia
    2016
    Slovakia
    2016
    Slovenia
    2016
    Spain
    2016
    Switzerland
    2016
    Turkmenistan
    2016
    Turkey
    2016
    Ukraine
    2016
    Uzbekistan
    2016
    Presence Uncertain

    Anything we've missed?

    Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!

    Suggest an edit

    Get to know me

    Terrestrial / Aquatic

    Altricial / Precocial

    Polygamous / Monogamous

    Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

    Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

    Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Colony

    Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

    Migratory: Yes / No

    Domesticated: Yes / No

    Dangerous: Yes / No

    EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE
    Vulnerable(IUCN)
    World Population <10,000
    Added by BioDB
    Become a Patron

    Threats

    Habitat destruction / Climate change / Freshwater pollution / Marine pollution / Deforestation / Farming / Fishing practices / Poaching & wildlife trade / Invasive species / Parasites & diseases / Noise pollution / Light pollution

    My ID

    Scientific name: Nyctalus lasiopterus

    Physical traits

    Length: 8 – 10 cm (3 – 4 in) Weight: 41 – 76 g (1 – 3 oz) Wingspan: 41 – 46 cm (16 – 18 in) Offspring: 1 – 2 young
    Habitats: Forest Shrubland
    Regions: Africa Asia Europe
    Add to my list
      Saved In: