Weight: 8-14 grams

[Call File1][Call File2][Call File3]
[Call File4][Call File5][Call File6]

[Spectrograph]

Distribution:

Western Canada, the western United States to southern Mexico, and a few isolated populations in the eastern United States.

 

Ecology and Behavior:

These bats hibernate in caves or mines where the temperature is 12oC (54oF) or less, but usually above freezing. Hibernation sites in caves often are near entrances in well-ventilated areas. If temperatures near entrances become extreme, they move to more thermally stable parts of the cave. They hibernate in clusters of a few to more than 100 individuals. During hibernation, the long ears may be erect or coiled. Solitary bats sometimes hang by only one foot. Maternity colonies usually are located in relatively warm parts of caves. During the maternity period, males apparently are solitary. Where most males spend the summer is unknown. No long-distance migrations are known. Like many other bats, they return year after year to the same roost sites.

Food Habits:

It is believed to feed entirely on moths.

Reproduction and Longevity:

Mating begins in autumn and continues into winter, sperm are stored during winter, and fertilization occurs shortly after arousal from hibernation. One baby is born in June. Babies are large at birth, weighing nearly 25% as much as their mother. They can fly in 2.5-3 weeks and are weaned by 6 weeks. Lifespan may be 16 or more years.

Status of Populations:

Locally common in the western United States, but eastern populations are endangered. It is believed that fewer than 12,000 individuals exist in the eastern United States.

Text, in its original form, provided by T. L. Best, M. J. Harvey, and J. S. Altenbach. Printed spectrographs provided by M. J. O'Farrell. Distribution maps, call descriptions, and AnaMusic sound clips produced by W. L. Gannon. Accounts assembled by T. C. Sanchez-Brown.