Head to head
Serotine vs Noctule
Serotine
VS Noctule
The serotine and noctule are two of the larger bats of Europe, both hunting big insects, but one flies slowly and low over pasture while the other flies fast and high.
| Serotine | Noctule | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Eptesicus serotinus | Nyctalus noctula |
| Build | Large and robust, with dark, glossy fur and broad wings | Large, with glossy golden to chestnut-brown fur and long, narrow wings |
| Flight | Slow, steady wingbeats over pastures, along tree lines, and around street lights | Flies high and fast in open air, and often appears while it is still light |
| Diet | Large beetles such as dung beetles and cockchafers, as well as moths and flies | Large flying insects such as beetles and moths high above the ground |
| Roost | Summer colonies in the roof spaces of buildings | Mainly tree holes, but also bat boxes and buildings |
| Winter | Hibernates in sheltered sites, often hidden in buildings or caves | Hibernates in tree holes, buildings, or rock crevices |
| Migration | Not specifically documented | Some populations travel hundreds of kilometres between summer and winter roosts |
| Conservation status | Least Concern, with a stable population | Least Concern, dependent on mature trees with holes |
Serotine vs Noctule: common questions
Which bat flies higher, the serotine or the noctule?
The noctule, which flies high and fast in open air, while the serotine flies slowly and often low over pastures and around street lights.
Which bat roosts in roofs?
The serotine often forms summer colonies in the roof spaces of buildings, while the noctule roosts mainly in tree holes.
Where do the serotine and noctule live?
The serotine lives across Europe and much of temperate Asia, while the noctule lives across much of Europe and Asia.