These bats have a high-pitched rapid-fire ‘ting ting ting’ echo-location call that may be audible to some people (especially children). They usually feed on insects while flying. Their long, narrow wings enable them to fly fast over the forest canopy, and lower in more open forests and grasslands. They’re not good at twisting and turning.

They usually roost singly in buildings, other animal nests or tree hollows, but will congregate in maternity groups of over 100. A single young is born between December and March. They are vulnerable to loss of tree hollows and loss of feeding grounds by forestry activities and tree clearing for agriculture and housing.

Size: Head-to-body length 82mm, weight 44 grams

Illustration: Mark Trinham