Nyctophilus sp. (genus)

2 A long-eared bat at Fraser, ACT

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Identification history

Nyctophilus sp. (genus)	27 Jun 2020	MPennay
Nyctophilus sp. (genus)	27 Jun 2020	MPennay
Unidentified	27 Jun 2020	Kerri-Ann

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User's notes

The size of a mouse. Surprisingly found inside the house. Carefully captured with light gloves and soft cloth and set outside.

4 comments

MPennay wrote:

27 Jun 2020

It's a long eared bat, there are 2 species of long eared bats locally, it's difficult to distinguish which one from the photo. They tend to be the most commonly found microbats in houses locally. Believe it or not they might look the same size as a mouse but they only weigh about 1/3rd the weight and live for about 30 times longer than a mouse! Long eared bats are stealth moth hunting bats, they use their big ears passively listen and catch moths unaware of their approach.

Kerri-Ann wrote:

28 Jun 2020

Thank you MPennay. I'm amazed at your information - just how long might one live? We wondered how and where it got into the house but given the occasional mouse can, not surprising something 1/3 its size can too. Do they get down low or find a crack up high? We don't usually have the outside door open in winter for very long!!

MPennay wrote:

28 Jun 2020

They can live 30+ years, but of course in the wild some young ones end up in trouble when first on their own. Although the long eared bats are good Mums and usually fly around with their young to teach them the ropes. They are experts at finding cracks and crevices, usually under tin, between wood in door frames, or chimneys, they seem to be avid explorers and seem to like checking new places out . In the wild the long eared bats sometimes roost under peeling bark or in cracks and crevices in eucalyptus trees, so they are good at finding tiny holes.

Kerri-Ann wrote:

28 Jun 2020

Wow. Fabulous creatures. We have just about all that you've mentioned: a dozen eucalyptus trees, chimney, timber framed doors and windows, metal sheeting.
And guess what... It has come in again this evening! We have high raked timber ceilings and it is flying around various rooms. Seems to have setttled high on a timber beam. Not sure what to do to encourage him / her to go and stay outside. Any ideas?

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