Cave myotis
A species of Mouse-eared bats Scientific name : Myotis velifer Genus : Mouse-eared bats
Cave myotis, A species of Mouse-eared bats
Botanical name: Myotis velifer
Genus: Mouse-eared bats
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Photo By donkeylady , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
It is larger than most other bats in the Myotis group, with a forearm of 37 to 44 millimetres (1.5 to 1.7 in). The bat is brown with short ears, and can be distinguished from other large Myotis by a bare patch of skin on its back. Male bats are smaller than females.
Size
12 cm
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Gray
White
Life Expectancy
13 years
Feeding Habits
Cave myotis is insectivorous, feasting mainly on moths. Feeding decreases when insect counts are low. Adult females eat more, especially when lactating or gestating. Juveniles forage efficiently, matching adult insect intake by six to eight weeks.
Habitat
It is usually found in caves, although it has been known to inhabit mines and buildings. The largest populations are in southwest Kansas and in Mexico. Groups of over a thousand have been recorded on the ceilings of caves during winter hibernation.
Dite type
Insectivorous
People often ask
General Info
Behavior
The cave myotis is insectivorous, primarily feeding on moths. To capture prey it uses echolocation, typically hunting one or two hours after sunset. Due to their larger size and well-adapted wings, the cave myotis may forage further from their roost than other "myotis" bats. When insect populations are low in spring and autumn, they decrease their food consumption. Adult females consume more food than males due to their size. Females also consume more food during lactation and gestation periods. Juveniles are efficient at foraging; they join their adult counterparts aged as young as four weeks. By six to eight weeks, their daily consumption of insects matches that of an adult. Colonies hibernate from mid October until April. Individuals have lifespan of around thirteen years.
Distribution Area
It is usually found in caves, although it has been known to inhabit mines and buildings. The largest populations are in southwest Kansas and in Mexico. Groups of over a thousand have been recorded on the ceilings of caves during winter hibernation.
Photo By donkeylady , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Bats Family
Evening birds Genus
Mouse-eared bats Species
Cave myotis