They've shown that the orchard bat reproduces without penetration.

2023/11/22 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Zoologia

Serotinus or vegetable bat is a common species in Europe and Central Asia. However, its reproduction is uncommon, according to a study published in the journal Current Biology. In fact, you've seen that they don't usually have a penetration coitus, they replace it with a contact copulation, like birds. He's the only mammal that knows he has that intercourse.

It is explained that the penis of the vegetable bat is very long, seven times longer than the vagina (one-fifth of what measures the bat from the head to the body) and also has a cardiac extension at its end, seven times wider than the entrance of the vagina. Therefore, it is not possible to reproduce by penetration. Researchers have videotaped the sexual behavior of a hundred couples and found that they have contact with intercourse: the male keeps the female, rejects the membranes that cover the vulva with the penis and puts it on the vulva. They stay like this for a long time, placing the penis on the vulva (almost an hour in the middle and 12 hours in the longest contact).

Researchers have not yet confirmed vaginal penetration of semen through this contact, nor have they analyzed the morphology and sexual organs of many other species. So they anticipate that they will continue to investigate.