noctule

n.
A large, reddish-brown insectivorous bat of the genus Nyctalus, found in Eurasia, Indonesia, and the Philippines and typically dwelling in the hollows of trees.

[French, from Italian nottola, bat, owl, from Late Latin noctula, from Latin, diminutive of noctua, night owl.]

Nyctalus noctula

SUBFAMILY

Vespertilioninae

TAXONOMY

Nyctalus noctula (Schreber, 1774), France. Seven subspecies.

OTHER COMMON NAMES

French: Noctule; German: Abendsegler; Spanish: Nóctulo común.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

A medium-sized bat with yellowish to dark brown dorsal fur and slightly lighter-colored fur ventrally. Body length ranges from 2.6 to 3.2 in (6.5 to 8.2 cm), weight from about 0.53 to 1.23 oz (15 to 35 g), and forearm length from 1.9 to 2.3 in (4.7 to 5.8 cm).

DISTRIBUTION

Throughout Europe and much of temperate Asia, perhaps as far south as Singapore.

HABITAT

Forests and fields, often near water.

BEHAVIOR

They migrate—sometimes more than 400 mi (670 km) and possibly much farther—to winter hibernation sites in caves, tree hollows, and building crevices. Hundreds may hibernate together. They frequently awaken during the winter and leave the hibernaculum in search of food. After the spring migration, groups may temporarily roost together in buildings, frequently emitting screeching trills that are audible to humans. The groups disperse, and individuals separate to roost in small tree hollows and rock crevices. Males become territorial during breeding season, and release pheromones to attract females.

FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET

Fly over open areas, foraging for winged insects, including moths and beetles.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Mating commonly occurs both in early fall and in the spring; most likely polygynous. Delayed fertilization follows early mating, so that only one litter is produced in late spring to early summer. Gestation lasts 50–70 days. Litter size ranges from one to three altricial young per female, although three is rare. Weaned at six weeks of birth, the young reach full size at about two months old. Females may attain sexual maturity as early as three months of age, but most females and males do not become sexually active until the following year.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Not listed by the IUCN, however, habitat destruction appears to be reducing their numbers.

SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS

Assist in controlling pest insect populations.