Description: A small (wingspread: 21 - 25 cm [8 - 10 in.]; mass: 6 - 9 g
[0.21 - 0.32 oz]) bat with long, silky light-yellowish fur above, and
a
distinct black mask across the eyes and ears. The ears and wing
membranes are also black. The tip of the tail extends roughly 0.4 cm
(0.16 in.) beyond the edge of the tail membrane but can easily be
overlooked. Other species of bats likely to be found in southern Nevada generally
lack the distinct black mask and have tails that either are entirely contained
within the tail membrane or extend far beyond the tail membrane (i.e., freetail
bats). This species gives birth to one offspring in late spring or early summer.
Roosts alone or in groups in caves, mines, and trees.
Diet: Forages early in the evening, feeding on small insects
such as moths and beetles. Flies low among trees and over shrubs.
Habitat: Occurs in deserts, chaparral, riparian zones, and
conifer forests. Most common in forested areas at elevations above the pinyon-juniper
zone. Elevations: 862 - 2,585 m (2,830 - 8,480 ft.).
Range: Occurs throughout Clark County, Nevada, and in western North
America from southern Canada to Mexico.
Comments: Older texts refer to this species as Myotis leibii and Myotis
subulatus. This species is quite easily confused morphologically with Myotis
californicus. Few bat experts can distinguish between them in the hand. However,
they are easily identified acoustically.
