A medium-sized bat with distinctive white spots on black body. Among the most distinctive-looking US bats.

Native status: Native to western US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 9–11 cm; wingspan 27–34 cm
Weight12–22 g
LifespanWild 12–18 years
OrderChiroptera
FamilyVespertilionidae

§ Encyclopedia

The spotted bat is a species of vesper bat and the only species of the genus Euderma.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium black bat with prominent white spots on back; large ears.

Similar species. Other large-eared bats.

Voice. Audible echolocation calls (unusual among US bats).

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Moths (primary).

Behavior. Distinctive black bat with brilliant white spots. Echolocation calls audible to humans.

§ Range

Western US

§ Habitat

Rocky desert habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the spotted bat is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

Support western desert conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Bat Conservation International
  • IUCN Red List 2018