Bats of the United States and Canada

Western Yellow Bat, Lasiurus xanthinus

132 bats of the united states and canada WESTERN YELLOW BAT Lasiurus xanthinus Weight is 10–15 grams (0.4–0.5 ounce); wingspan is 33–36 centimeters (13–14 inches). Distribution is from the southwestern United States across the Mexican Plateau to southern Mexico. Little is known regarding its habitat, but like other lasiurine bats, it roosts in leafy vegetation . Ecologically, western yellow bats seem to be associated with the dry thorny vegetation of the Mexican plateau; coastal western Mexico, including parts of Baja California; and the deserts of the southwestern United States. In New Mexico, it is known to roost in hackberry and sycamore trees. In Arizona, some western yellow bats apparently hibernate among the dead fronds of palm trees, as several were found in these trees in Tucson during January and February. This bat may be extending its range in the United States as evidenced by its appearance at several sites in Arizona in recent years. Studies have shown this species is genetically different from the southern yellow bat (Lasiurus ega). It consumes small to medium-size nightflying insects. Usually, two babies are born in June, but the presence of up to four embryos suggests that size of litter may vary from two to four. The western yellow bat is common in south-central Arizona, but uncommon elsewhere in its range in the United States. recto runninghead 133 ...