An interesting case helped biologists from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, to reveal the secret of disproportionately large penises in bats of the species Eptesicus serotinus. A Dutch retiree who was interested in these animals came to the aid of the scientists. The results of the research were published in the scientific journal magazine Current Biology.
Late bats are relatively large bats with a wingspan of more than 35 centimeters, living in the forests of Europe and Asia. The male genitals of this species are abnormally large, seven times longer than the depth of the female’s vagina, and the heart-shaped head of the penis is approximately seven times wider than their partners’ vagina; This makes penetrative sex nearly impossible for these bats. .
A pensioner from the Dutch village of Kasternei, Jan Juken, unexpectedly came to the aid of the researchers. The man became interested in watching bats and set up several cameras to monitor the lives of bats. One of the devices stood on the attic of a local church and captured the deceased Kozhans copulating.
An “adult video” featuring bats created by an amateur naturalist has helped scientists understand exactly how members of this species mate. It turns out that these mammals, in principle, do without penetration, limiting themselves to contact with the genitals. A similar method of sexing is common among birds, but has never before been observed in mammals.
The late Kozhans’ love games last quite long – from 53 minutes to 13 hours.
Scientists have suggested that female bats can retain the sperm of several males for 2-3 months before choosing which one to produce offspring from.
Previously in Brazil caught An individual of a bat species that has not been seen for over 100 years.