 |
|
Seminole Bat 
-
Scientific name: Lasiurus seminolus.
-
Weight:
9-14 grams. Wingspan: about 30 centimeters.
-
Distribution:
Southeastern United States, extralimital records include New York,
Pennsylvania, Bermuda, South Texas, and Veracruz, Mexico.
-
Ecology and
Behavior: The distribution of Seminole bats coincides with that of
Spanish moss where they often roost, but they are also known to roost
beneath loose bark, in clumps of foliage, and in caves. These bats often
select roost sites in moss hanging on the southwestern exposure of trees.
The height above ground of clumps of Spanish moss occupied by Seminole
bats is variable, but is great enough for the bat to drop into the
unobstructed space beneath when initiating flight. These are the most
common bats seen flying in the evening throughout much of the southeastern
United States. They fly during all seasons, even on warm evenings in
mid-winter. This species emerges early in the evening from daytime roosts
and usually feeds at treetop level. The flight is direct and usually
rather swift.
-
Food Habits: Seminole bats consume true bugs, flies,
mosquitoes, beetles, crickets, and other insects, which are usually
captured in or around the tree canopy.
-
Reproduction: One to four
young are born during the spring or early summer.
-
Status of
Populations: Common throughout most of its range. Like several other
species, Seminole bats apparently wander extensively after the young are
weaned, as indicated by late-summer occurrence outside the breeding range.
 |
