Noctule Bat

Name: Noctule Bat

Scientific name: Nyctalus noctula

Category: Mammals

Nature Stars: 80

What are nature stars?

About: The Noctule is our largest bat, up to 14cm long and with a wingspan of 45cm. All British bats are nocturnal, feeding on midges, moths and other flying insects. They use echolocation to find their prey in the dark. Noctules roost in holes in trees and can be seen feeding on insects over the tree canopy. They particularly enjoy feeding on flying beetles, including the large cockchafer. They hibernate between November and April.

How to identify: A large bat, with strong, fast flight and rich golden-brown fur.

Where: Widespread across England and Wales.

Natural Superpowers

• Predator: 80
• Agility: 80
• Rarity: 40
• Cute factor: 60
• Traveller: 60

Fantastic fact: A close relative, the Giant Noctule of southern Europe, is so large it catches migrating small birds as they fly south at night!

Photograph credit: Dietmar Nill/naturepl