Nycticeius
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Nycticeius humeralis |
The genus Nycticeius is in the family Vespertilionidae and contains two species, the Evening Bat (N. humeralis) and the Cuban Evening Bat (N. cubanus). Some authorities include several other old world species in Nycticeius, but recent genetic work shows that is a completely new world genus.
The Evening Bat is a small bat (7–15 grams) found throughout much of the midwestern and southeastern United States. In many areas (especially the Gulf Coast states) they are very common, but may be declining in some states. During the summer, they commonly roost in tree cavities but is also found occasionally in man-made structures. Colonies are generally small in trees, but groups can reach nearly 1,000 individuals, especially in buildings. Evening Bats feed heavily on beetles (Coleoptera), but they also eat moths (Lepidoptera) and to a lesser extent flies (Diptera) and other insects.
The reproductive pattern of this species is virtually unknown, but in other temperate zone Vespertilionid species, breeding occurs in fall and sperm is stored in the female reproductive tract until spring when ovulation and fertilization occurs. Two young are born in June and are capable of foraging on their own three weeks after birth.
The Evening Bat is generally thought to be migratory, but recent work suggests that some individuals may be non-migratory, even near the northern edge of their range. During winter, individuals continue to roost in tree cavities or buildings, and they may forage on warm days.
The Cuban Evening Bat is found only on the Island of Cuba, and very little is known about this species. It is similar in appearance to N. humeralis, but is considerably smaller (4–7 grams).
