Description: A medium-sized (wingspread: 27 cm [11 in.]; mass: 5 - 8 g
[0.18 - 0.28 oz]), pale brown bat with long, thick glossy fur. Ears dark,
usually black, and longer than in any other species of Myotis (if laid
forward, ears extend about 5 - 6 mm [0.25 in.] beyond the tip of the nose). Ears with a medium-length, pointed tragus. Compared to the closly related Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes), this species has measurably longer ears and lacks the fringe of hairs lining the tail membrane. Males of the long-eared myotis are solitary; females form small groups in maternity colonies, with less than 40 individuals. Offspring born in late June and July.
Diet: A late-night forager over water (lakes and ponds), also forages among trees in forested areas. Feeds primarily on moths; also eats beetles, flies, flying ants, wasps, and other flying insects.
Habitat: In Southern Nevada primarily found in mixed conifer habitat with
ponderosa pine, or at higher elevations. In Northern Nevada common in
pinyon-juniper and above, but also found in sagebrush and salt desert
scrub habitats. Forages along rivers and streams, riparian areas, and
agricultural areas associated with springs and rivers. Day roosts include
dead trees, buildings, mines, caves, crevices, and beneath bark. Night
roosts include caves, mines, and under bridges.
Range: Occurs throughout western North America. Thought to be fairly common throughout Nevada except in southern Nevada where severe population declines have occurred.