Northern long-eared bat

  

Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis)

Identification

Total Length

3 to 4 inches  (7.7-10.1 cm)

Weight

5 to 10 grams

Wingspan

8.6 to 10.2 inches (22-26 cm)

Back fur color

Medium to dark brown

Belly fur color

Tawney, grayish to pale brown  

Tragus  

Very long and slender 

Distinguishing characteristics

Ears extend beyond nose when laid forward

Roost Pattern

Solitary or very small groups  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Habitat

  • Found in caves, cavities in live and dead trees, loose bark, rock crevices, mines, building and other man-made structures

Food Habits

  • Usually emerges at dusk  
  • Feed on flying insects such as moths, flies, spiders, leafhoppers, and beetles    
  • Forage within the forest canopy and are able to glean insects from vegetation.    

Range

  • Southern Yukon Territory to eastern British Columbia east through all Canadian provinces to the Atlantic Ocean, south through much of the eastern and north central United States.

 

 Range Map from USFWS Northern Long-eared Bat Interim Conference and Planning Guidance, January 6, 2014 

Reproduction

  • Mating occurs in fall
  • Young born in mid-May to mid-July    
  • Litter size 1 pup
  • Young able to fly at 3 to 5 weeks of age
  • Maternity colony size ranges from 30 to 60 individuals including females and young