Bats of the United States and Canada

Western Small-footed Bat, Myotis ciliolabrum

158 bats of the united states and canada WESTERN SMALL-FOOTED BAT (Western Small-footed Myotis) Myotis ciliolabrum Special Concern–United States Weight is 4–6 grams (0.1–0.2 ounce); wingspan is 21–25 centimeters (8–9 inches); distribution is from southern Alberta and Saskatchewan to northeastern New Mexico and western Kansas. The western small-footed bat is yellowish on its back and nearly white on its underside. (The dark-nosed smallfooted bat [Myotis melanorhinus] has a deeper yellowish color with a brownish underside.) In Alberta, the western small-footed bat is common along wooded waterways in rough terrain and in grassland habitats; in Nebraska, it occurs in deciduous and coniferous forests. Individuals or small colonies of 2–6 bats roost in rock crevices, erosion crevices in soil, stream banks, caves, tunnels, buildings, and under loose bark of trees. These bats forage over both natural water courses and man-made water holes. They dip to the surface to drink and feed on a variety of flying insects, including moths, flies, true bugs, and beetles. They chew their food to a fine degree. One baby, or occasionally twins, is born each year in May or June; lactation continues into late July. Ectoparasites are uncommon, but chiggers sometimes occur. Internal parasites include nematodes. The western small-footed bat has been proposed for listing as threatened or endangered. recto runninghead 159 ...