Nyctophilus geoffroyi Click to enlarge image
Lesser Long-eared Bats occur in towns and suburbs. These bats are at risk from pesticides and cats. Image: Dick Whitford
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Nyctophilus
    Species
    geoffroyi
    Family
    Vespertilionidae
    Order
    Chiroptera
    Subclass
    Eutheria
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia

Introduction

Lesser Long-eared Bats occur in towns and suburbs. These bats are at risk from pesticides and cats.

Habitat

Lesser Long-eared Bats roost in hollows and fissures in old trees, under bark, in old fairy marten nests, and in occasionally in caves. They often roost in ceilings, hollow walls, unused roller doors and canvas awnings in suburban and inner-city areas. They prefer hollows of big old eucalypts for nursery colonies.

Distribution



Feeding and diet

Lesser Long-eared Bats hunt near the ground. They catch flying insects in flight and can snatch insects off the ground or leaves. They can be seen at night swooping around street lights catching insects. They usually eat their prey as they fly.

Conservation status

Lesser Long-eared Bats are vulnerable to loss of tree hollows and loss of feeding grounds by forestry activities, clearing for agriculture and housing, and land degradation.