Points

10

per confirmed sighting

MammalConservation status: Least ConcernCommon to spot
mammals • Vespertilionidae

Cape Serotine.

C

Laephotis capensis

Category

mammals

Family

Vespertilionidae

Size

Forearm about 29–38 mm; commonly reported body mass about 4–10 g.

Points

10 pts

A closer look

Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding cape serotine in its natural range.

Overview

How to identify it

Habitat

Tolerates a wide range of habitats from semi-arid country to grassland, savanna, woodland and forest, and commonly uses buildings.

Diet

Aerial insectivore taking beetles, moths, lacewings, bugs, flies and other flying insects.

Behaviour

When to look

Nocturnal; feeding activity starts around dusk and can continue through the night.

Where to see it

South Africa flagSouth AfricaNamibia flagNamibiaBotswana flagBotswanaZimbabwe flagZimbabweZambia flagZambiaMozambique flagMozambiqueEswatini flagEswatiniLesotho flagLesothoMalawi flagMalawiAngola flagAngola

Safety and etiquette

Observe from a safe distance and never handle or feed wildlife.

Verification and sources

1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.