Western Mastiff Bat (Eumops parotis)
Image Copyright (c) Merlin D. Tuttle
Description: Body length about 6.3-7.4″, with a 21-23″ wingspan. Bi-colored fur, white at base and brownish to dark gray at tips with lighter underside. Largest bat in the US. Tail extends beyond tail membrane. Long narrow wings. Large round ears which bend forward and join at base.
Range: Southwest US. Does not migrate or hibernate.
Habitat: Desert scrub to woodland. Forage in open areas. Roost in exfoliating rock slabs of vertical cliffs and rugged canyons. Live deep inside narrow crevices. Sometimes roost with other species.
Diet: Emerge after complete darkness. Forage at high altitudes. Primarily eats moths but diet also includes beetles, crickets, katydids and dragonflies. May forage in groups.
Behavior: Due to size, drops 10 feet to launch flight. Fast, strong, high flier. Males and females roost together year-round. Birth one pup. Throat gland secretes strong odor. Emits high pitched sound audible to humans.
Risks: Urban expansion, disturbance, vandalism, quarry operations and rock climbing.
Species of Special Concern in California.
