Lesser Long-eared Bat

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Lesser Long-eared Bat - The State of Victoria, Department of Environment and Primary Industries/McCann | Lesser Long-eared Bat - The State of Victoria, Department of Environment and Primary Industries/McCann

Nyctophilus geoffroyi

A small species with light grey-brown fur on the back and light grey fur underparts. Very long strongly ribbed ears which are joined over the head and can be folded when at rest. The tail is enclosed in the tail membrane. Weight 6.0-10.0 g.

Details
Type
Mammal
Group
Animals
Placental
Biology

Roosts in small holes and crevices in tree hollows, under bark and in buildings. Twins are generally born in late spring-early summer. Will forage amongst low foliage, on the ground or in flight.

Distinctive Markings

The fur is distinctly bicoloured, darker at the base. There is a small distinctive Y-shaped nose-leaf present which assists with echolocation.

Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Chiroptera
Family
Vespertilionidae
Genus
Nyctophilus
Species
geoffroyi
Occurs over most of Australia except for Cape York and the east coast of Queensland.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

May be caught by domestic or feral cats due to low fluttering flight and resting in open areas.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Carnivore. Moths, ants, cricket nymphs, spiders, beetles, crickets, bugs, lacewings and flies.

Habitat

Open grasslands, woodlands, rainforest, alpine vegetation, arid areas, temperate and tropical eucalypt forest and urban areas.

Native Status
Native to Australia