Fringe Tailed Bat (Myotis thysanodes)
Image Copyright (c) Merlin D. Tuttle
Description: Body length about 3.2-4.0″, with an 11-13″ wingspan. Reddish brown to dark brown long fur on back, paler underside. Small bat with relatively long ears. Fringe hair on tail membrane between feet.
Range: Western US and Canada. Patchy distribution and uncommon. May migrate to lower, warmer elevations and stay somewhat active in winter.
Habitat: Found in desert scrub to oak and juniper forests . It is most common in drier woodlands. Flies close to tree canopy and forages along streams and rivers. Roosts in rock crevices, caves, buildings and mines as well as large snags generally in small clusters of females. Males roost alone or in small separate colony.
Diet: Emerges one-two hours after sunset. Eats mostly beetles and moths, also consumes flies, leafhoppers, lacewings, crickets and spiders. May glean insects from foliage.
Behavior: Slow and agile flight. Can hover. Changes roosts periodically. One pup which can fly at 3 weeks of age.
Risks: Loss or modification of roosting habitat, mine changes, recreational caving, loss of decadent trees, removal of forest and woodland habitat.
Species of Special Concern in California.
