Myotis Lucifugus Is the Little Brown Bat

Although most people know them as the little brown bat, their scientific name is Myotis lucifugus. They are from the family chiroptera and order vespertilionidae.

They are also know as mouse-eared bats. The little brown bats being one of the most common bat species in most of the United States and Canada have many interesting and unique characteristics that set them far apart from other animals. Unfortunately, with a disease called white-nose syndrome bat populations have been on the decline. With the species being threatened it is even more important to fully understand the little brown bat and all of its habits and characteristics.

Myotis lucifugus are easily identified when they're being handled, but are hard to tell apart from other species when in flight. Their fur is glossy with a variety of colors ranging from tan to red or dark brown. Their stomachs are a lighter color, with their wings and leg being almost black. Their wings, ears and face have little or no fur on them. Little brown bats have a wingspan that can reach 11in, weigh anywhere from 5 to 14g and have a body length between 2.5 to 4in. Females are usually bigger than males, allowing them to easily carry their pups. Their distinct wings, which set them apart from every other mammal and birds are a thin extension of skin that is supported by bones that have evolved from regular forelimbs. (Myers, P. "Bat Wings and Tails." 2014). They fly at an average of 12 miles/hour but can reach up to 22 miles/hour. Their fore and hind limbs have five medapodial. Although those characteristics might seem similar to many other bats, theres a big difference in their skull. Little Brown Bats lacks a saggital crest, which is where the jaw muscles would be attached. They have 38...

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...ns are decreasing very fast, farmers are seeing the effects of it. (National Wildlife Health Center. January 27, 2014) Not only are they good for farmers, but they give scientists a way to study echolocation, sonar and hibernation.

Myotis lucifugus do not have a ton of predators, but they have a good amount. Due to the little brown bat having trouble taking off from the ground, if they fall from the air or are low to the surface, they are sucseptable to be attacked and eaten. One of the main day time roosts and nursery roosts for bats are in buildings, where house cats are common. Houses and attics having small places to get out of, it makes the bat an easy target and catch for cats. Most predators take into consideration that bats hibernate, and they do it in large groups. During the winter while asleep, they are likely to be eaten by fishers, hawks and snakes.