The California Bat

Myotis californicus

Family:

Vespertilionidae

Description:

A small, buff colored species

Track:

Size:

Habitat:

Roosts in buildings, caves, mine shafts In CA, associated with oak woodlands and pinyon-juniper of the desert, more characteristic of lower elevations; not commonly entering the mountains or inhabiting coniferous forests

Range:

Found statewide except in the highest elevations; from central Mexico to Baja CA, east to the Rocky Mountains

Food:

Forages for flying insects in early evening, often hunting only 5-10 ft above ground

Breeding:

Single young born between late May and early July

Comments:

Medium-sized ears, barely extend beyond the tip of the snout when laid forward; ears, face and wing membrane are darkly pigmented