Species group · Mammals

Noctules

WAnimals has 2 species of noctule, all in the family Vespertilionidae.

2 species
1 family
60 countries
133 parks
Weight
18 g – 76 g
Length
5 cm – 10.4 cm
Lifespan
5 years

Ranges calculated from the entries that record the figure, not from all 2.

All 2 species of noctules on WAnimals

Each one has its own full entry. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.

Conservation status

1 Vulnerable1 Least Concern

1 especies in this group están en alguna categoría de riesgo real según la UICN.

See the global conservation status

Where they live

Recorded in 60 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:

Where to see them

Did you know…

  • The largest bat in Europe and the only one that takes migrating birds on the wing.

    From Giant Noctule

  • In October 2025 a team from the EBD-CSIC and Aarhus University published in Science the first sound recording of a noctule chasing, catching and eating a robin in mid-air without landing: 21 distress calls from the bird followed by 23 minutes of chewing sounds.

    From Giant Noctule

  • In order to eat such bulky prey in flight it cuts off their wings, reducing both weight and drag.

    From Giant Noctule

  • It is the largest and highest-flying bat in the United Kingdom.

    From Common Noctule

  • It can reach 50 to 60 km/h in flight.

    From Common Noctule

  • It roosts in old tree holes, often former woodpecker holes.

    From Common Noctule

Ecosystems

See every species group · Explore the species one by one