Unconventional Mating: Bat's Arm-Like Penis Surprises Researchers

A church surveillance camera in the Netherlands has captured what is believed to be the first-ever recording of mammals mating without penetration. The video shows male serotine bats using their long, heart-shaped penises to push aside the female's tail sheath and make contact with the vulva, rather than engaging in penetrative sex. Researchers have been puzzled by how these bats mate due to the size difference between the male's penis and the female's vagina. The study also found that the males hold position for an average of 53 minutes after making contact with the female. Scientists are further investigating this behavior by building a "bat porn box" to film the mating ceremony from different angles.