Head to head
Serotine vs Big Brown Bat
Serotine
VS Big Brown Bat
The serotine of Europe and the big brown bat of North America are close relatives in the genus Eptesicus, both large, robust bats that roost in buildings and eat big beetles.
| Serotine | Big Brown Bat | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Eptesicus serotinus | Eptesicus fuscus |
| Relationship | A European member of the same genus as the big brown bat | A North American member of the same genus as the serotine |
| Range | Farmland, parkland, and woodland edges across Europe and much of temperate Asia | Forest and grassland across North America, from southern Canada through the United States and into Mexico |
| Diet | Large beetles such as dung beetles and cockchafers, as well as moths and flies | Beetles, moths, and other flying insects, with a fondness for hard-shelled beetles |
| Roost | Summer colonies in the roof spaces of buildings | Attics, barns, bridges, caves, hollow trees, and rock crevices |
| Winter | Hibernates in sheltered sites, often hidden in buildings or caves | Hibernates in caves, mines, or occasionally buildings, in cold, stable locations |
| Disease resilience | Not specifically documented | More resistant to white-nose syndrome than several smaller bat relatives |
| Conservation status | Least Concern, with a stable population | Least Concern, with a stable population |
Serotine vs Big Brown Bat: common questions
Are the serotine and big brown bat related?
Yes, both belong to the genus Eptesicus, one in Europe and Asia and the other in North America.
What do they eat?
Both eat large beetles, with the serotine favouring dung beetles and cockchafers and the big brown bat favouring hard-shelled beetles.
Where do the serotine and big brown bat live?
The serotine lives across Europe and much of temperate Asia, while the big brown bat lives across North America from southern Canada into Mexico.