California myotis
| California myotis | |
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| Species: | M. californicus
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| Binomial name | |
| Myotis californicus | |
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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.[1]
Description
The California myotis is a small (70-94mm and 3.3-5.4g) bat with pale, dull fur. Ears are of medium (12-15mm) size, with a narrow, pointed Tragus (ear). They have an obviously keeled calcar and very small feet (5-7mm), smaller even than the feet of the western small-footed myotis for which they are easily confused. Other distinguishing features include the slightly lighter face mask and shorter appearance of the California myotis' tail. While their tails are the same length, the small-footed myotis' tail extends 2-3mm after the connecting membrane (Uropatagia) which makes it appear longer.[2]
The Dental formula for M. californicus is 2.1.3.33.1.3.3 × 2 = 38[3]
Behavior
Activity
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. Flight is slow and highly maneuverable which assists in prey capture.[2]
Mating & Reproduction
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
References
- ^ a b Template:IUCN2009.2
- ^ a b Reid, Fiona (2006). A field guide to mammals of North America north of Mexico (4th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co. p. 400. ISBN 9780395935965. OCLC 62782207.
- ^ "Myotis californicus (California myotis)". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 2017-11-20.
External links
 | This Vespertilionidae article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
- IUCN Red List least concern species
- Mouse-eared bats
- Bats of North America
- Bats of Central America
- Bats of Canada
- Bats of the United States
- Bats of Mexico
- Mammals of Guatemala
- Fauna of the Northwestern United States
- Fauna of the Southwestern United States
- Fauna of California
- Fauna of the California chaparral and woodlands
- Fauna of the Rocky Mountains
- Fauna of the Sierra Nevada (U.S.)
- Least concern biota of California
- Least concern biota of the United States
- Least concern biota of North America
- Mammals described in 1842
- Taxa named by John James Audubon
- Vespertilionidae stubs