Common Noctule
Nyctalus noctula
The Common Noctule is a large, powerful bat species characterized by its long, narrow wings and fast flight. It is one of the first bats to emerge in the evening, often hunting at high altitudes before sunset. Its fur is short, sleek, and typically a uniform golden-brown or rust color. It is a forest-dwelling species that relies heavily on tree hollows for roosting.
Profile
6cm
8.2cm
0.025kg
12yr
Details
Identification
Rust-brown fur, mushroom-shaped tragus, short rounded ears, long narrow wings.
Social behavior
Highly social; forms large hibernation colonies and autumn mating groups (harems).
Diet
Feeds on large flying insects such as beetles, moths, and caddisflies.
Hunting strategy
Fast flight in open airspace (high-aerial hawking) using echolocation.
Overwintering
Hibernates in tree hollows or building crevices, often in large clusters for thermoregulation.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important insect predator in forest and agricultural ecosystems.
Natural predators
Owls (e.g. Tawny Owl), birds of prey, martens.
Competitor species
Other aerial hawking species such as the Serotine bat.
Ecosystem service
Biological pest control through insect consumption.
Threats
Loss of roosts due to forestry, wind turbines, pesticide use.