Lesser Long-eared Bat
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© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Nyctophilus
- Species
- geoffroyi
- Family
- Vespertilionidae
- Order
- Chiroptera
- Subclass
- Eutheria
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
Introduction
Lesser Long-eared Bats occur in towns and suburbs. These bats are at risk from pesticides and cats.
Habitat
Lesser Long-eared Bats roost in hollows and fissures in old trees, under bark, in old fairy marten nests, and in occasionally in caves. They often roost in ceilings, hollow walls, unused roller doors and canvas awnings in suburban and inner-city areas. They prefer hollows of big old eucalypts for nursery colonies.
Distribution
Feeding and diet
Lesser Long-eared Bats hunt near the ground. They catch flying insects in flight and can snatch insects off the ground or leaves. They can be seen at night swooping around street lights catching insects. They usually eat their prey as they fly.
Conservation status
Lesser Long-eared Bats are vulnerable to loss of tree hollows and loss of feeding grounds by forestry activities, clearing for agriculture and housing, and land degradation.
