Bats of the United States and Canada

Long-legged Bat, Myotis volans

182 bats of the united states and canada LONG-LEGGED BAT (Long-legged Myotis) Myotis volans Special Concern–United States Weight is 6–9 grams (0.2–0.3 ounce); wingspan is 25–27 centimeters (10–11 inches); distribution is southern Alaska and western Canada southward into northern Mexico. The long-legged bat primarily inhabits forested mountainous regions, where it roosts in trees, rock crevices, cracks and crevices in stream banks, and buildings. It may be in streamside and arid habitats in some areas. This bat emerges early in the evening when it is still twilight. It is a rapid, direct flier that pursues prey over relatively long distances through, around, and over the forest canopy. This species is active throughout most of the night, although there is a peak of activity in the first 3–4 hours after sunset. It is moderately gregarious in maternity colonies and during swarming in late summer and hibernation. Hibernation sites include caves and mine tunnels. There are usually more males than females at hibernation sites. The ability to fly at cool temperatures may enable this species to extend the prehibernation period of activity. The long-legged bat feeds primarily on moths, although it also consumes other, primarily soft-bodied, invertebrates, including flies, termites, lacewings, wasps, true bugs, leafhoppers, and small beetles. One baby is born in July. Maternity colonies may be in crevices in rocks, trees, stream banks, or in buildings. Lifespan may be up to 21 years. The long-legged bat has been proposed for listing as threatened or endangered. recto runninghead 183 ...