Little Brown Bat

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Myotis lucifugus

DESCRIPTION

The little brown bat is the most common and widespread of Canada's nineteen species of bats. They are found across Canada to the northern edge of the boreal forest. Little brown bats weigh only seven to fourteen grams and have a wingspan of 22-27 centimetres. This species of bat is the one most closely associated with humans, as it is the most likely to take up residence in buildings.

RANGE

The Little Brown Bat has the largest distribution of all Canadian bats. In Canada, it is found in all provinces and territories except Nunavut. It is most common in the northern half of the United States but has been observed in all continental states and Alaska. It is also found in the cooler mountainous areas of central Mexico.

HABITAT

Even though Little Brown Bats do not usually migrate to destinations outside of Canada, individuals can move up to 1000 km from summer roosts to winter roosts where they hibernate. These winter roosts are called hibernacula. Hibernacula are generally in caves or abandoned mines, and are chosen for their high humidity and stable, above-freezing temperatures. The Little Brown Bat is a true hibernator (it slows down its metabolism, heart rate, and breathing). Summer roosts can be a building for their maternity colonies but they also use tree cavities or other places that stay dark and warm during the day, like bat boxes.

DIET

Little Brown Bats feed on a great variety of small, flying insects and are capable of catching over 1000 insects in just one hour. Little brown bats feed on those that have an aquatic larval stage, such as mosquitoes, midges, and mayflies as well as moths, beetles, and other flying insects.

BEHAVIOUR

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PRIMARY ECOSYSTEM ROLES

Little brown bats play an important role as predators of night flying insects.

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