Insect Bats
Victoria has 21 species of microbats (insect bats), a protected species.
At dusk in the summer we sit on our balcony and see insect bats flying around catching their prey, the myriad insects in the air.
Although abundant, most people would be unaware of microbats due to their size, inaudible to humans calls, and they are nocturnal.
Insect Bat box we built at Phillip Island
Classified as a mammal, it is the only mammal capable of flying.
The insect bat is certainly "micro", weighing up to only 150 grams and growing to 15cm.
The bat uses echolocation to "see" what is around. It makes high pitched sound pulses through the nose and mouth which, when returned to it, can help gauge the distance, size and mobility of insects.
The sound pulses are so high pitched, humans cannot hear them.
Travelling several kilometres a night searching for food, a single bat can eat hundreds of mosquitoes and other flying insects in a few hours.
It can eat up to three quarters of its body weight in a night.
Insect bat skull found near our bat box
The insect bat roosts in tree hollows. Or, as we discovered, in man-made buildings.
During winter the microbat enters a state of semi hibernation, or torpor, after building up fat during the summer and autumn.
It can live up to 30 years which is amazing, given its tiny size!
To
breed, females fly long distances to special maternity sites. The
gestation period is about 12 weeks, with the young born in
November/December when there is plenty of food available.
A pup is born fur-less and suckles until it can fly. This is about 5 to 6 weeks old.
One of the main predators of the microbat is the domestic cat.
Return to Top
Return to Phillip Island Wildlife
Return to Home Page
Keep in touch - sign up for my free newsletter!
About Me Contact Me Site Map Privacy Policy
Copyright 2011-2020 phillip-island-balcony.com
All Rights Reserved
Like this site? Let me know - click the button!
Recent Articles
-
Wild Sand Sculpting
Jan 14, 20 10:10 PM
Take a walk on the wild side with the amazing Wild Sand Sculpting exhibit at Phillip Island. Wander among beautiful sand sculptures of local, Australian and international creatures and discover their…
-
Phillip Island Beaches
Dec 17, 19 05:44 PM
The temperature is rising! And when it's hot, the best place to be is Phillip Island beaches. Swim, surf, sunbathe, or just chill out...
-
Phillip Island Markets
Dec 10, 19 10:41 PM
Christmas will soon be here! Having trouble finding that unique gift? Try some of the Phillip Island markets and your problem will be solved...
-
Walk Your Dog on Phillip Island
Dec 03, 19 11:02 PM
The Bass Coast Council has brought in new regulations regarding off-leash areas for dogs on Phillip Island. Keep up to date here...
-
Phillip Island Itineraries
Nov 26, 19 10:39 PM
It's time to start thinking about your summer holiday at Phillip Island. There is so much to see and do, check out your perfect Phillip Island itinerary here...
Affiliate Products
If you buy anything through any of my affiliate links I will receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. To learn more please see my privacy and affiliate disclosure document.
Check Availability
and Rates on Phillip Island:
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.