A medium-sized pale bat. Catches large insects and even scorpions by capturing them off the ground.

Native status: Native to western US into Mexico

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 6–8 cm; wingspan 32–40 cm
Weight17–25 g
LifespanWild 8–12 years
OrderChiroptera
FamilyVespertilionidae

§ Encyclopedia

The pallid bat is a species of bat that ranges from western Canada to central Mexico. It is the sole species of its genus and is closely related to Van Gelder's bat, which is sometimes included in Antrozous. Although it has in the past been placed in its own subfamily (Antrozoinae) or even family (Antrozoidae), it is now considered part of the subfamily Vespertilioninae and the tribe Antrozoini.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Pale tan bat with relatively long ears; flat nose; large eyes.

Similar species. Other Antrozous species.

Voice. Audible chattering near roosts; ultrasonic echolocation.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Beetles, moths, scorpions (unique among US bats), centipedes.

Behavior. Among the few US bats that hunt large arthropods on the ground.

§ Range

Western US

§ Habitat

Deserts, dry habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the pallid bat is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support western desert conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Bat Conservation International
  • IUCN Red List 2018