California myotis

California myotis
File:California Myotis (Myotis californicus).jpg
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Chiroptera
Family:	Vespertilionidae
Genus:	Myotis
Species:	M. californicus
Binomial name
Myotis californicus (Audubon & Bachman, 1842)
File:Myotis californicus distribution.png

The California myotis (Myotis californicus) is a species of vesper bat. It is found in British Columbia in Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, and in the western United States, including California.

Description

The California myotis is a small bat with pale, dull fur. Ears are of medium size, with a narrow pointed tragus. They have very small feet, and an obviously keeled calcar. In appearance, they are easily confused with the western small footed myotis. During the day, the California myotis will roost in the bark of trees, rock crevices or buildings. They tend to emerge just after dusk and just before dawn to forage. Diet includes moths, flies and most other flying insects.

California myotis mate in the fall, and give birth during the late spring (May- early June). Females give birth to one pup per year, and can live for about 15 years in the wild. During the birthing season they form small maternity colonies of about 20 individuals, usually in the loose bark or trees or rock crevices. During the winter they may hibernate in mines or rock caves, or they may remain active all winter.

See also

• Bats of Canada
• Bats of the United States

External links

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