Indiana Bat(Myotis sodalis) | Description:- Recognition:
- Dull, wooly fur is distinctly banded, band nearest the body is dark, gray middle, cinnamon-brown tip;
- Nose is pink to brown;
- Wing membranes blackish-brown;
- Hair on feet is short and does not extend beyond claws;
- Calcar keeled.
- Weight: 1/8 - 1/4 oz. (5-8 g)
- Body length: 3 - 3 5/8 in. (77-91 mm)
- Wingspan: 9 - 11 in. (24 - 28 cm)
- Forearm: 1 3/8 - 1 5/8 in. (36-41 mm)
The Indiana bat forages for insects above the tops of trees and over streams after dusk and just before dawn in late spring to late summer or early fall. Migration to winter areas begins in September. In October to November, they enter caves or mines to hibernate for the winter until April. | | Roosts:- Summer Roost: Hollow trees, under loose bark, sometimes in buildings. Summer roosts are usually located near streams or small rivers.
- Winter Roost: Limestone caves or mines, often with standing water on the floor.
|
Diet:Moths, beetles, mayflies, soft and hard-bodied insects |
Similar Species:- Little Brown Bat has glossy fur, smaller ears and tragus.
- Small-footed bat is much smaller.
|
Conservation:Indiana bats have never been numerous in Maryland caves in winter largely due to temperatures in the caves being too warm for them. Indiana bats have dramatically declined in Maryland due to white-nose syndrome. Indiana bats are listed as  species of greatest conservation need in Maryland. In addition, they are ranked as endangered and highly state rare (S1). Globally, Indiana bats are rare and are listed federally as endangered.
Photo by: Dr. J. Scott Altenbach
|
|
|