A bat closely associated with caves.

Native status: Native to southwestern US into Mexico

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 6–8 cm; wingspan 22–24 cm
Weight6–11 g
LifespanWild 12–18 years
OrderChiroptera
FamilyVespertilionidae

§ Encyclopedia

The cave myotis is a species of vesper bat (Vespertilionidae) in the genus Myotis.

Source: Wikipedia — Cave myotis Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small brown bat with long ears; narrow wings.

Similar species. Other cave-dwelling Myotis species.

Voice. Ultrasonic echolocation.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small flying insects.

Behavior. Forms massive cave colonies; large maternity colonies in old mines and caves of southwestern US.

§ Range

Southwestern US

§ Habitat

Caves and mines

§ Threats

Cave disturbance.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the cave myotis is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Don't enter bat caves.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Bat Conservation International
  • IUCN Red List 2018