Head to head
Northern Bat vs Serotine
Northern Bat
VS Serotine
The northern bat and serotine are close relatives in the genus Eptesicus, both roosting in buildings, but one lives at the edge of the Arctic and the other in lowland farmland.
| Northern Bat | Serotine | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Eptesicus nilssonii | Eptesicus serotinus |
| Relationship | A close relative of the serotine, in the same genus | A close relative of the northern bat, in the same genus |
| Range | Forest and farmland across northern Europe and Asia as far east as the Pacific, reaching beyond the Arctic Circle | Farmland, parkland, and woodland edges across Europe and much of temperate Asia |
| Cold and winter | Hardy in cold weather and hibernates in caves, cellars, and rock crevices | Hibernates in sheltered sites, often hidden in buildings or caves |
| Daylight hunting | Often hunts in bright light in the northern summer, when the nights are very short | Not specifically documented |
| Diet | Moths, flies, and beetles, often caught around street lights and tree lines | Large beetles such as dung beetles and cockchafers, as well as moths and flies |
| Roost | Often in buildings, tucked behind boards, in roof spaces, and in cracks | Summer colonies in the roof spaces of buildings |
| Conservation status | Least Concern, widespread and common | Least Concern, with a stable population |
Northern Bat vs Serotine: common questions
How far north does the northern bat live?
It lives beyond the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia, farther north than any other bat in Europe.
Are the northern bat and serotine related?
Yes, both belong to the genus Eptesicus, which also includes the North American big brown bat.
Which bat hunts in daylight?
The northern bat, which often hunts in bright light in the northern summer when the nights are very short.