Myotis lucifugus
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Mammalia |
| Order: Chiroptera |
| Family: Vespertilionidae |
| Genus: Myotis |
| Species: lucifugus |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
The Little brown bat is between 2.5 - 4" long and has a 9" wingspan. They are a glossy brown color with a pale white belly. Their flight appears arratic and they release audible squeaks to communicate. You can distinguish them from the big brown bat, that flies in straight at quick speeds.
Habitat & Range
These bats are commonly found throughout much of the lower 48 United States except large areas of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. They are also found in much of Canada and Alaska. Little brown bats live in a variety of habitats and often live in woodland surrounding bodies of water.
Behavior
During the summer and early fall, these bats will roost for the night under tree bark, in human-made structures, or even under rocks and wood!
Life Cycle
Little brown bats hibernate through the winter in caves and similar rock formations. Female bats fom colonies where they will raise their young. Mating season is in the fall before hibernation, and female bats will store the sperm over winter, delaying fertilization, and giving birth in May or June.
Featured image by Abcd.