A tiny tawny-yellow bat — one of the smallest in North America. Once one of the most common cave bats in the East, now devastated by white-nose syndrome.

Also called: Tri-colored Bat, Eastern Pipistrelle

Native status: Native to eastern North America; declining

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 6–9 cm; wingspan 22–27 cm
Weight5–8 g
LifespanWild 5–15 years
OrderChiroptera
FamilyVespertilionidae

§ Encyclopedia

The tricolored bat or American perimyotis is a species of microbat native to eastern North America. Formerly known as the eastern pipistrelle, based on the incorrect belief that it was closely related to European Pipistrellus species, the closest known relative of the tricolored bat is now recognized as the canyon bat. Its common name "tricolored bat" derives from the coloration of the hairs on its back, which have three distinct color bands. It is the smallest bat species in the eastern and midwestern US, with individuals weighing only 4.6–7.9 g (0.16–0.28 oz). This species mates in the fall before hibernation, though due to sperm storage, females do not become pregnant until the spring. Young are born helpless, though rapidly develop, flying and foraging for themselves by four weeks old. It has a relatively long lifespan, and can live nearly fifteen years.

Source: Wikipedia — Tricolored bat Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Tiny bat with tricolored fur (each hair has dark base, pale middle, dark tip).

Similar species. Other small bats. Little Brown Bat (larger).

Voice. Ultrasonic echolocation.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small flying insects.

Behavior. Federally proposed for listing. Among the smallest US bats. Devastated by white-nose syndrome.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Forests, caves, mines, suburbs

§ Threats

White-nose syndrome (fungal disease devastating hibernating bats), cave disturbance, wind turbine strikes.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the tri-colored bat is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Don't enter bat hibernation caves. Support white-nose research. Plant native trees for foraging.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Tri-colored Bat
  • USGS National Wildlife Health Center
  • IUCN Red List 2018