Sex ritual of this bat isn't quite how mammals copulate, video recorded in Netherlands shows

Scientists have successfully solved a long-standing mystery surrounding the reproductive habits of serotine bats, a species known for its disproportionately large penis. Thiscomes after years of research by a European team, aided by an unexpected source – a Dutch retiree recording bat sex in a church attic.Bats are the only mammals who can flyastheir forelimbs are adapted as wings.

The serotine bat, with a wingspan exceeding 14 inches, boasts a surprisingly large penis, seven times longer than the vaginas of female serotine bats. The researchers were confusedby the unique heart-shaped expansion of the penis head, questioning its functionality.

Nicolas Fasel, a researcher at Switzerland's University of Lausanne, received a peculiar email from Jan Jeucken, a retiree with no scientific background. Jeucken's extensive recordings of serotine bat mating in a local church attic provided crucial insights, reported CBS News.

The researchers analysed 93 mating events, discoveringthat serotine bats engage in "contact mating" or "cloacal kissing," a phenomenon previously observed in birds but never in mammals.

The male bats use their large penises as copulatory arms, removing a membrane from the female bats during an extended embrace.

The unconventional reproductive strategy

With mating sessions lasting up to 13 hours, the study suggests a peculiar reproductive strategy.

The researchers speculate that female bats might use their extended cervixes to retain sperm from multiple males before choosing a mate, highlighting the need for further research into the intricacies of bat reproduction.

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Bat porn box

As scientists aim to deepen their understanding of serotine bat mating behaviour, plans for a "bat porn box" are underway.

This innovative setup, resembling an aquarium with strategically placed cameras, aims to capture and studybat mating in a controlled environment, shedding more light on their peculiar reproductive patterns.

(With inputs from agencies)