 |
|
Northern Long-eared Bat
-
Scientific name:
Myotis septentrionalis.
-
Weight: 6-7
grams.
-
Wingspan:
22-26 centimeters.
-
Distribution:
Southern Canada and the eastern United States southward to northern
Florida.
-
Ecology and
Behavior: Northern long-eared bats hibernate in parts of caves and
mines that are relatively cool, moist, and where the air is still.
Hibernation may begin as early as August and may last for eight or nine
months in northern latitudes. In summer, they roost by day in a variety
of shelters, including buildings and under tree bark or shutters, but at
night they commonly use caves as roosts. Except for small maternity
colonies, they usually roost singly. Although they frequently hang out
in the open, they seem to prefer tight crevices and holes. Sometimes
only the nose and ears are visible, but they can be distinguished from
other species of Myotis by their long ears.
-
Reproduction:
Presumably most mating occurs in autumn prior to hibernation. Apparently
small nursery colonies are formed in June and July where pregnant
females give birth to one young. Mothers may be able to retrieve their
young that fall down from the roost sites. The lifespan is thought to
exceed 18 years.
-
Status of
Population: These bats are not common. They are more common in the
northern portion of their range than in the South.
 |
