Bats of the United States and Canada

Northern Yellow Bat, Lasiurus intermedius

128 bats of the united states and canada NORTHERN YELLOW BAT Lasiurus intermedius Weight is 14–31 grams (0.5–1.1 ounces); wingspan is 35–39 centimeters (14–15 inches). Distribution includes the coastal regions of the southeastern United States, eastern Texas, Cuba, and southward into Central America. These bats typically inhabit wooded areas in the vicinity of permanent water. In the southeastern United States, the distribution of northern yellow bats nearly coincides with that of Spanish moss, where they often roost and bear their young. A single oak tree draped with Spanish moss may harbor several of these bats. In some parts of Florida, it is the most abundant bat. Northern yellow bats are somewhat colonial, especially females during the nursing season. As with most other bats, the mother hardly ever carries her young while foraging, but mothers carry their young when they are flushed from their day roosts. In June–August, the young have begun to fly, and they form evening feeding aggregations with adult females. Males rarely are in these aggregations; they are believed to be solitary and scattered at this time of year. Northern yellow bats usually forage 5–7 meters (about 15–25 feet) above the ground over open areas with few shrubs and only scattered clumps of trees, or along the edge of forests. Grassy areas, such as airports, open pastures, golf courses, and edges of lakes, are favored. True bugs, flies, mosquitoes, beetles, and other insects are important components of the diet. Mating occurs in autumn and winter. Two to four babies are born in May or June. Newborn weigh about 3 grams (0.1 ounce). The northern yellow bat is relatively common throughout most of its range. recto runninghead 129 ...