Bats of the United States and Canada

Little Brown Bat, Myotis lucifugus

168 bats of the united states and canada LITTLE BROWN BAT (Little Brown Myotis) Myotis lucifugus Weight is 7–14 grams (0.2–0.5 ounce); wingspan is 22–27 centimeters (9–11 inches). The species is widely distributed from central Alaska and southern Canada into the southwestern and southeastern United States. The little brown bat usually hibernates in caves and mines. During summer, it often inhabits buildings, usually rather hot attics, where females form nursery colonies of hundreds or even thousands of individuals. Where most males spend summer is unknown, but they likely are solitary and scattered in a variety of roost types. Colonies usually are close to a lake or stream. This species seems to prefer foraging over water, but it also forages among trees in rather open areas. When foraging, it may repeat a set hunting pattern around houses or trees. It eats insects, including gnats, crane flies, beetles, wasps, and moths. Insects usually are captured with a wing tip, immediately transferred into a scoop formed by the forward curled tail and interfemoral membrane, and then grasped with the teeth. Mating generally occurs in autumn but also may occur during hibernation. One baby is born in May, June, or early July. When the mother is at rest during the day, she keeps the baby beneath a wing. Lifespan may be more than 30 years. The little brown bat is one of the most common bats throughout much of the northern United States and Canada; it is scarce or only locally common in the southern part of its range. Northern populations have been severely impacted by white-nose syndrome, which is predicted to reduce some populations to near extinction. It appears likely that the little brown bat will be proposed for listing as threatened or endangered. recto runninghead 169 ...