Long-eared Myotis Bat  

(Myotis Evotis)

PHOTOS BY MERLIN TUTTLE

Description:Long, glossy brown fur on its back and lighter fur on its belly.
Primary Prey: Moths and small beetles, as well as flies, lacewings, wasps, and true bugs. 
Preditor:
Range: Western US and Canada, not common in CA central valley. Probably migrates short distances to hibernate. 
Habitat: Found in coniferous forested areas and semi arid shrub lands and agricultural areas. Roosts singly or in very small groups. Small maternal colonies. Roost in abandoned buildings, hollow trees, niches under bark, cliff crevices, caves and mines.
Behavior: This species is a slow flier and is often described as a hovering gleaner that feeds by eating prey off foliage, tree trunks, rocks, and from the ground. Forages in forests. Catches insects on the fly as well. It generally leaves its roost for foraging after dark, but individuals have been caught as early as 0.5 h after sunset.
Status: Common
Threats: May be affected by closure of abandoned mines without surveys, recreational caving, some forest-management practices, and activities (such as highway construction, water impoundments, blasting of cliffs for avalanche control) that impact cliff faces or rock outcrops. 
Wingspan: 215-272 mm
Weight: Avg. 7 g 
Length: 83-100 mm  
Offspring: 1 pup 
Lifespan: Up to 22 years