Unconventional Bat Reproduction: Insights from Church Camera Footage

The serotine bat, Eptesicus serotinus, has become the first mammal known to reproduce without penetration due to the males' disproportionately long penises that are too large to fit inside the females' vaginal opening. Video footage revealed that the bats achieve contact mating by using their enormous penises like an arm to clear the way and make better contact with the vulva. The mating pairs stay in an embrace for extended periods, and it is believed that semen may be exchanged during this time. Further research is needed to confirm this.