Macrotus californicus Baird, 1857

California leaf-nosed bat

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) external link Showing: scientific names

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Macrotus californicus Baird, 1857

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Macrotus californicus Baird, 1857

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General Description

Description

Source and Additional Information
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Smithsonian's North American Mammals external link
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Smithsonian Institution - North American Mammals external link
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Citation

California leaf-nosed bats usually use their sense of sight (rather than echolocation) when they are foraging, and resort to echolocation only in total darkness. They fly slowly, close to the ground or to vegetation, and often take butterflies and katydids, which are immobile at night when the bats are hunting. They do not migrate or hibernate. They cope with the temperate desert by finding warm daytime roosts in caves, mines, or buildings. In the winter, large groups roost together in long, warm mine tunnels, usually in geothermally-heated rock, and forage only for about two hours each night. Pups are born from May to July in maternity colonies that are also often located in caves. There are about 100-200 females in a maternity colony, each with a single pup.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
References
  • Baird, Spencer., 1858.  Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 10:116.
"Macrotus californicus Baird, 1857". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/327875". Accessed 17 Mar 2010.