The California myotis (''Myotis californicus'') is a species of

vesper bat Vespertilionidae is a family of microbats, of the order Chiroptera, flying, insect-eating mammals variously described as the common, vesper, or simple nosed bats. The vespertilionid family is the most diverse and widely distributed of bat famili ...

. It is found in

British Columbia British Columbia is the westernmost Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Canada. Situated in the Pacific Northwest between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, the province has a diverse geography, with rugged landscapes that ...

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...

Guatemala Guatemala, officially the Republic of Guatemala, is a country in Central America. It is bordered to the north and west by Mexico, to the northeast by Belize, to the east by Honduras, and to the southeast by El Salvador. It is hydrologically b ...

Mexico Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in North America. It is the northernmost country in Latin America, and borders the United States to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast; while having maritime boundar ...

, and in the western

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

, including

California California () is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States that lies on the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. It borders Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and shares Mexico–United States border, an ...

Description

Physical characteristics

The California myotis is a small ( and ) bat with pale, dull fur. Ears are of medium () size, with a narrow, pointed

tragus (ear) The tragus is a small pointed eminence of the external ear, situated in front of the Pinna (anatomy), concha, and projecting backward over the external acoustic meatus, meatus. It also is the name of hair growing at the entrance of the ear. Its na ...

. They have an obviously keeled

calcar The calcar, also known as the calcaneum, is the name given to a spur of cartilage arising from inner side of ankle and running along part of outer interfemoral membrane in bats, as well as to a similar spur on the legs of some arthropods. The cal ...

and very small feet (), smaller even than the feet of the western small-footed myotis, for which they are easily confused. The spread of the wings averages . 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 after the connecting membrane (

Uropatagia The patagium (: patagia) is a membranous body part that assists an animal in obtaining lift when gliding or flying. The structure is found in extant and extinct groups of flying and gliding animals including bats, theropod dinosaurs (including b ...

) which makes it appear longer. The California myotis is largely free of

ectoparasites Parasitism is a close relationship between species, where one organism, the parasite, lives (at least some of the time) on or inside another organism, the host, causing it some harm, and is adapted structurally to this way of life. The en ...

commonly found on other bat species, such as fleas, ticks, flies, lice, and bed bugs. However, mites have occasionally been found on the dorsal wings of the California myotis. The

dental formula Dentition pertains to the development of teeth and their arrangement in the mouth. In particular, it is the characteristic arrangement, kind, and number of teeth in a given species at a given age. That is, the number, type, and morpho-physiology ...

for ''M. californicus'' is Myotis californicus skull - Burke Museum - 01

Habitat and geographical range

Within California, the California myotis inhabits a variety of geographical areas, ranging from coastal environments to the desert. These bats are frequently observed around water sources in the desert, which are frequently close to rocky canyons or sandy flats. In coastal regions, the California myotis favors riparian groves with sycamore, willow, and cottonwood trees. They can also be discovered in open forests and oak groves.

Behavior

Roosting activity

During the day, the California myotis will roost in the bark of dead trees, particularly ponderosa pines, rock crevices, or buildings. The California myotis prefers forested areas and is seldom found in urban environments or open rural spaces. However, they will occasionally roost in man-made structures like abandoned wooden houses, sign boards, and mine tunnels. Both male and female myotis tend to move around without a fixed preference for a specific or frequently used hiding place, instead choosing the most accessible hiding spot once they have finished foraging.

Foraging

The California myotis tend to emerge just after dusk and just before dawn to forage. Foraging is done close to the foliage of trees and larger shrubs, usually within a few feet of the ground. Diet includes moths, flies, and other flying insects. Their flight is slow and highly maneuverable, which assists in prey capture. The California myotis tend to emerge just after dusk and just before dawn to forage. Foraging is done close to the foliage of trees and larger shrubs, usually within 10 feet of the ground. Diet includes moths, flies, and other flying insects. Their flight is slow and highly maneuverable, which assists in prey capture. The California myotis begins foraging right after sunset, feeding rapidly before finding a roosting site near their foraging grounds to rest for a period of time; this behavior is repeated until daybreak. The California myotis seeks out water throughout the night, with certain watering holes being favored. In order to drink water, these bats will glide over the surface of the pond with their heads bent forward and jaw open, allowing them to scoop up water with their mouth.

Mating and reproduction

California myotis mate in the fall and give birth during the late spring (May - early June). For the remainder of the year, the adults of the two sexes prefer to remain separate, occasionally roosting together during the months of September, October, February, and March. 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 of trees or rock crevices. Males and non-reproductive females roost in small groups or alone. During the winter they may

hibernate Hibernation is a state of minimal activity and metabolic reduction entered by some animal species. Hibernation is a seasonal heterothermy characterized by low body-temperature, slow breathing and heart-rate, and low metabolic rate. It is most ...

in mines or rock caves, or they may remain active all winter. Bat_Cladogram

References

External links

{{Authority control Mouse-eared bats Bats of North America Bats of Central America Bats of Canada Bats of the United States Bats of Mexico 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 (United States) Least concern biota of the United States Least concern biota of North America Taxonomy articles created by Polbot Mammals described in 1842 Taxa named by John James Audubon Taxa named by John Bachman