California myotis bats

Monday, May 31, 2010 by Anna.

Two of the Naturalist staff were surprised to spot some little bat friends hiding in the roof of their cabin yesterday.  About a dozen were poking their heads out, and one had flown down to the window, where Jeremy was able to take its picture.

We think that these little guys might be California myotis bats.  The California myotis is one of the smallest bats in the U.S., up to only 3.5 inches and 0.2 ounces, and it is insectivorous, eating small flies, moths, and a few other insects (it’s not a vampire-no blood!).  The sexes roost separately in the summer, with females forming small maternity colonies, which is likely to be what we saw.  Unlike some other similar bats, which roost in huge, compact clusters, this bat roosts in small groups of only 1-25 individuals.  Apparently, however, they switch roosts often, so we might not be seeing them around that cabin much longer.  Too bad-they’re pretty cute!

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