Eastern Small-footed Myotis

Eastern Small-footed Bat
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Chiroptera
Family:	Vespertilionidae
Genus:	Myotis
Species:	M. leibii
Binomial name
Myotis leibii Audubon & Bachman, 1842

The Eastern Small-Footed Myotis (Myotis leibii) or Eastern Small-footed Bat is a species of vesper bat in the family Vespertilionidae. It can be found in Ontario and Quebec in Canada and in the eastern United States.^[1] It is among the smallest bats in eastern North America.^[2]

Physical characteristics

The Eastern Small-Footed Bat is 65–95 mm in total length, and weighs between 4–8 grams.^[3] It has a 25–45 mm (1–1.75") tail length, has a 210–250 mm (8.3-9.2") wingspan. Like all bats, the Eastern Small-Footed Bat has a flight membrane that connects the body to the forelimbs and tail, which creates the bats flight. Its ears are under 15 mm (0.6"). Its fur is soft and silky, colored yellowish tan to golden brown . Its belly is gray, while its face, ears, wings, and interfemoral membrane are black.^[2] Its distinguishing characteristics are its black face mask, and its tiny 7–8 mm (0.3") hind feet.

Distribution

The Eastern Small-Footed Bat ranges from The Northeastern United States and Canada down to Georgia and across to Oklahoma.^[3]

They are active in mountainous regions from 240 to 1125 meters, preferring deciduous or coniferous forests. They may roost in rock bluffs, buildings, and turnpike tunnels during the spring and summer. They hibernate during winters in caves and mines, hanging near the opening, or moving deeper as winter temperatures drop.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproductive habits of the Eastern Small-Footed Bat.^[3] Mating usually occurs in Autumn, and the sperm is stored within the female until spring, when fertilization occurs. The offspring are born in late May to July.

Longevity

The Eastern Small-Footed Bat has been recorded living up to the age of 12 years.^[3]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Arroyo-Cabrales, J. & Ticul Alvarez Castaneda, S. (2008). Myotis leibii. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 17 January 2009.
2. ^ ^{a b} Blasco, J.. "Myotis leibii". Animal Diversity Web. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Myotis_leibii.html. Retrieved 2007-06-30. 
3. ^ ^{a b c d} Linzey, D.; Brecht, C.. "Myotis leibii (Audubon and Bachman); Eastern Small-footed Bat". Discover Life. http://www.discoverlife.org/nh/tx/Vertebrata/Mammalia/Myotis/Leibii. Retrieved 2007-12-07. ^{[dead link]}