Western Pipistrelle | |
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Conservation status | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Chiroptera |
Family: | Vespertilionidae |
Genus: | Parastrellus Hoofer et al., 2006[2] |
Species: | P. hesperus |
Binomial name | |
Parastrellus hesperus (H. Allen, 1864) |
The canyon bat (Parastrellus hesperus), also known as the Western Pipistrelle,[3][4] is a species of vesper bat in the Vespertilionidae family. It is found in Mexico and in the western United States.[1] The species has historically been placed in the genus Pipistrellus, but molecular evidence does not show any close relationship with that genus, and accordingly it was classified into its own genus, Parastrellus, in 2006.[2]
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The Western Pipistrelle is characterised by its erratic and butterfly-like flight. It is known to be the smallest bat in the United States; an adult male averages a length of 66 mm, the female is larger at 73 mm. They weigh around 3–6 grams. Their flight speed has been measured as 5 miles per hour (8 km/h), which is low compared to other bats but consistent with their size.[5]
The canyon bat is found in the western United States and Mexico, and is most common in deserts and dry brushland. They roost in small rock crevices.