Eastern small-footed myotis

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Eastern Small-Footed Myotis
Conservation status
Least Concern
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 among the smallest and rarest bats in North America.

Contents 1 Description 2 Distribution and habitat 3 Reproduction 4 References

[edit] Description

The adult Eastern small-footed myotis ranges from 69-95mm (2.75"-3.75") total body length, 25-45mm (1-1.75") tail length, has a 210-250 mm (8.3-9.2") wingspan. Its ears are under 15mm (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. Its distinguishing characteristics are its black face mask, and its tiny 7-8mm (0.3") hind feet.

[edit] Distribution and habitat

The Eastern small-footed myotis range from Ontario and Quebec in Canada, and from New England states southwest to Oklahoma in the United States.

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.

[edit] Reproduction

Mating occurs in the fall, and the sperm is stored in the female until fertilization in the spring. They give birth to a single offspring between late May and July.

[edit] References

• Chiroptera Specialist Group 1996. Myotis leibii. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 11 April 2007.
• Blasco, J.. Myotis leibii: Information. Retrieved on 2007-06-30.
• Linzey, Don; Brecht, Christy. Myotis leibii (Audubon and Bachman); Eastern Small-footed Bat. Retrieved on 2007-06-30.