Yuma myotis

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Yuma myotis
Myotis yumanensis (Yuma myotis) (11362476624).jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Vespertilionidae
Genus: Myotis
Species:
M. yumanensis
Binomial name
Myotis yumanensis
H. Allen, 1864
Myotis yumanensis distribution.png

The Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) is a species of vesper bat native to western North America.

Contents

Description

The Yuma myotis is a relatively small myotis, measuring 3.9 to 4.8 cm (1.5 to 1.9 in) in head-body length, with an average wingspan of 24 cm (9.4 in) and a weight of about 6 g (0.21 oz). The simple dental formula of a bat species in the genus Myotis is 2.1.3.33.1.3.3, for a total of 38 teeth. This dental formula applies to Myotis yumanensis as well. Individuals vary in color across their range, and can be anything from dark brown to pale tan, or even greyish. The fur is short and dull, and significantly paler, sometimes even whitish, on the underside of the animal. The tail is 2.7 to 4.0 cm (1.1 to 1.6 in) in length, with only the tip extending beyond the edge of the uropatagium. The calcar is long, extending about 60% of the distance from the ankle to the tail, and, unlike that of many other North American species of Myotis, lacks a keel. The feet are large and broad, and the ears moderately long, with a slim, straight tragus. The head has a short, broad snout, and a rounded cranium. [2]

It is similar to Myotis occultus , [3] but most closely resembles the little brown bat, from which it can only be distinguished through the examination of a number of different features considered together. [4]

Distribution and habitat

First described from specimens captured near Fort Yuma, the Yuma myotis is found throughout much of western North America. [1] It is found in a variety of western lowland habitats, from arid thorn scrub to coniferous forest, but always close to standing water such as lakes and ponds. [5] When not close to a body of water, the Yuma Myotis can be found in the thousands roosting in caves, attics, buildings, mines, underneath bridges, and other similar structures. There is little information on the migration of this species, but there have been recordings in Texas during the winter season. [6] [7]

Six subspecies are recognized: [2]

Biology and behavior

Yuma myotis are nocturnal, and forage for insects above the surface of slow moving water or in vegetation close to the water's edge. They are maneuverable fliers, with a wing aspect ratio of about 6.45, and can fly at up to 9 mph (14 km/h). [8] Food foraging begins at dusk and finishes a few hours after sunset. [9] They feed on beetles and soft-bodied insects, but are opportunistic hunters with no preference for particular prey. Instead, they feed on whatever is most common in their areas; for example, they feed primarily on moths in Texas, [10] but on flies in Oregon. [2] Like most bats, the Yuma Myotis will locate insects in flight by emitting ultrasonic sounds known as echolocation, then they either catch the insects in their mouths or use their tail membranes as a pouch to snag larger insect prey. [11]

Although their natural roosts include caves, rock crevices, and hollow trees, they are more commonly found today in artificial structures close to water. In suitable locations, they have been reported to establish colonies with as many as 10,000 members. [2] They are relatively inactive during the winter, [12] spending some of the time in torpor, but probably do not migrate any significant distance. [13] The echolocation calls of Yuma myotis are frequency modulated and sweep abruptly from 59 to 72 kHz down to 45 to 50 kHz. [2]

Yuma myotis typically undergo a polygynandrous mating system, where a female pairs with several males, each of which also pairs with several different females. Males and females are usually around 1 year old at the time of sexual and reproductive maturity, and they will only produce 1 offspring. [14] Mating occurs in the fall, but the females retain the sperm for several months, so ovulation and fertilization will not occur immediately. Young are born between late May and late June, and weigh around 1.4 g (0.05 oz) at birth. Initially blind and hairless, their eyes open around the fifth day, and they are completely furred by day nine. [2]

Conservation

In May 2017, the lethal fungal disease white-nose syndrome was recorded in this species for the first time, in the second recorded case in Washington state. [15] This discovery brings the total number of bat species affected by the disease up to eight (an additional seven species have been documented with the spores on their bodies, but without the symptoms of the disease). [16]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vespertilionidae</span> Family of microbats

Vespertilionidae is a family of microbats, of the order Chiroptera, flying, insect-eating mammals variously described as the common, vesper, or simple nosed bats. The vespertilionid family is the most diverse and widely distributed of bat families, specialised in many forms to occupy a range of habitats and ecological circumstances, and it is frequently observed or the subject of research. The facial features of the species are often simple, as they mainly rely on vocally emitted echolocation. The tails of the species are enclosed by the lower flight membranes between the legs. Over 300 species are distributed all over the world, on every continent except Antarctica. It owes its name to the genus Vespertilio, which takes its name from a word for bat, vespertilio, derived from the Latin term vesper meaning 'evening'; they are termed "evening bats" and were once referred to as "evening birds".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greater bulldog bat</span> Species of mammal

The greater bulldog bat or fisherman bat is a species of fishing bat native to Latin America. The bat uses echolocation to detect water ripples made by the fish upon which it preys, then uses the pouch between its legs to scoop the fish up and its sharp claws to catch and cling to it. It is not to be confused with the lesser bulldog bat, which, though belonging to the same genus, merely catches water insects, such as water striders and water beetles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tricolored bat</span> Species of bat

The tricolored bat or American perimyotis is a species of microbat native to eastern North America. Formerly known as the eastern pipistrelle, based on the incorrect belief that it was closely related to European Pipistrellus species, the closest known relative of the tricolored bat is now recognized as the canyon bat. Its common name "tricolored bat" derives from the coloration of the hairs on its back, which have three distinct color bands. It is the smallest bat species in the eastern and midwestern US, with individuals weighing only 4.6–7.9 g (0.16–0.28 oz). This species mates in the fall before hibernation, though due to sperm storage, females do not become pregnant until the spring. Young are born helpless, though rapidly develop, flying and foraging for themselves by four weeks old. It has a relatively long lifespan, and can live nearly fifteen years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mexican free-tailed bat</span> Species of mammal

The Mexican free-tailed bat or Brazilian free-tailed bat is a medium-sized bat native to the Americas, so named because its tail can be almost half its total length and is not attached to its uropatagium. It has been claimed to have the fastest horizontal speed of any animal, reaching top ground speeds over 99 mph (160 km/h). It also flies the highest among bats, at altitudes around 3,300 m (10,800 ft).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big brown bat</span> Species of vesper bat

The big brown bat is a species of vesper bat distributed widely throughout North America, the Caribbean, and the northern portion of South America. It was first described as a species in 1796. Compared to other microbats, the big brown bat is relatively large, weighing 15–26 g (0.53–0.92 oz) and possessing a wingspan of 32.5–35 cm (12.8–13.8 in).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mouse-eared bat</span> Genus of bats

The mouse-eared bats or myotises are a diverse and widespread genus (Myotis) of bats within the family Vespertilionidae. The noun "myotis" itself is a Neo-Latin construction, from the Greek "muós and "oûs", literally translating to "mouse-eared".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pallid bat</span> Species of bat

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canyon bat</span> Species of bat

The canyon bat, also known as the western pipistrelle, or American parastrelle is a species of vesper bat. It is found in Mexico and in the western United States. The species has historically been placed in the genus Pipistrellus, but molecular evidence does not show any close relationship with that genus, and accordingly it was classified into its own genus, Parastrellus, in 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rafinesque's big-eared bat</span> Species of bat

Rafinesque's big-eared bat, sometimes known as the southeastern big-eared bat, is a species of vesper bat native to the southeastern United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western small-footed bat</span> Species of bat

The western small-footed bat, also known as the western small-footed myotis, is a species of vesper bat native to North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern small-footed myotis</span> Species of bat

The eastern small-footed bat is a species of vesper bat. It can be found in southern Ontario and Quebec in Canada and in mountainous portions of the eastern United States from New England to northern Georgia, and westward to northern Arkansas. It is among the smallest bats in eastern North America and is known for its small feet and black face-mask. Until recently, all North American small-footed Myotis were considered to be "Myotis leibii". The western population is now considered to be a separate species, Myotis ciliolabrum. The Eastern small-footed bat is rare throughout its range, although the species may be locally abundant where suitable habitat exists. Studies suggest white-nose syndrome has caused declines in their populations. However, most occurrences of this species have only been counted within the past decade or two and are not revisited regularly, making their population status difficult to assess. Additionally, most bat populations in the Eastern U.S. have been monitored using surveys conducted in caves and mines in the winter, but Eastern small-footed bats hibernate in places that make them unlikely to be encountered during these surveys. Perhaps as a result, the numbers of Eastern small-footed bats counted in winter tend to be low and they are relatively variable compared to other species of bats. Many biologists believe the species is stable, having declined little in recent times, but that it is vulnerable due to its relatively restricted geographic range and habitat needs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fringed myotis</span> Species of bat

The fringed myotis is a species of vesper bat that is found in British Columbia, Mexico, and the western United States.

<i>Myotis vivesi</i> Species of bat

Myotis vivesi, the fish-eating bat or fish-eating myotis, is a species of bat that lives around the Gulf of California, and feeds on fish and crustaceans. It is the largest species of the genus Myotis in the Americas, and has exceptionally large feet, which it uses in hunting. It was described in 1901 by Auguste Ménégaux. It was previously considered the only member of the Myotis subgenus Pizonyx, but Pizonyx is now considered to contain all American Myotis species, along with two Eurasian ones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Long-legged myotis</span> Species of vesper bat

The long-legged myotis is a species of vesper bat that can be found in western Canada, Mexico, and the western United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Little brown bat</span> Species of mammal found in North America

The little brown bat or little brown myotis is an endangered species of mouse-eared microbat found in North America. It has a small body size and glossy brown fur. It is similar in appearance to several other mouse-eared bats, including the Indiana bat, northern long-eared bat, and Arizona myotis, to which it is closely related. Despite its name, the little brown bat is not closely related to the big brown bat, which belongs to a different genus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bat</span> Order of flying mammals

Bats are flying mammals of the order Chiroptera. With their forelimbs adapted as wings, they are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight. Bats are more agile in flight than most birds, flying with their very long spread-out digits covered with a thin membrane or patagium. The smallest bat, and arguably the smallest extant mammal, is Kitti's hog-nosed bat, which is 29–34 millimetres in length, 150 mm (6 in) across the wings and 2–2.6 g in mass. The largest bats are the flying foxes, with the giant golden-crowned flying fox reaching a weight of 1.6 kg and having a wingspan of 1.7 m.

<i>Myotis septentrionalis</i> Species of mammal

Myotis septentrionalis, known as the northern long-eared bat or northern myotis, is a species of bat native to North America. There are no recognized subspecies. The northern long-eared bat is about 3–3.7 inches in length, with a wingspan of 9–10 inches. It is distinguishable by its long ears when comparing it to other bats in its genus. This species is commonly found in the northern United States and Southern Canada east of British Columbia. The geographic range includes 37 states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California myotis</span> Species of bat

The California myotis is a species of vesper bat. It is found in British Columbia in Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, and in the western United States, including California.

There are eighteen indigenous species of bats in Canada, which are found in many parts of the country. They are insectivores, and are prey to falcons, hawks, owls, snakes, cats, and raccoons.

References

  1. 1 2 Solari, S. (2019). "Myotis yumanensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2019: e.T14213A22068335. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T14213A22068335.en . Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Braun, J.K.; et al. (June 2015). "Myotis yumanensis (Chiroptera: Vespertilioindae)" (PDF). Mammalian Species. 47 (918): 1–14. doi: 10.1093/mspecies/sev001 .
  3. The Mammals of Texas (2004) by David J. Schmidly and William B. Davis, page 90.
  4. Rodhouse, T.J.; et al. (December 2008). "Field identification of Myotis yumanensis and Myotis lucifugus: a morphological evaluation". Western North American Naturalist. 68 (4): 437–443. doi:10.3398/1527-0904-68.4.437. S2CID   54658662.
  5. Duff, A.A. & Morrell, T.E. (May 2007). "Predictive occurrence models for bat species in California". Journal of Wildlife Management. 71 (3): 693–700. doi:10.2193/2005-692. S2CID   83481662.
  6. H., Allen (1994). "The Mammals of Texas - Online Edition".
  7. Sims, Kelly (2000). "Myotis yumanensis". Animal Diversity Web.
  8. Hayward, B. & Davis, R. (May 1964). "Flight speeds in western bats". Journal of Mammalogy. 45 (2): 236–242. doi:10.2307/1376986. JSTOR   1376986.
  9. Barbour, Roger W.; Davis, Wayne H. (1969). Bats of America . Lexington, Kentucky:The University Press of Kentucky. ISBN   978-0813111865.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  10. Easteria, D.A. & Whitaker, J.O. (November 1972). "Food habits of some bats from Big Bend National Park, Texas". Journal of Mammalogy. 53 (4): 887–890. doi:10.2307/1379227. JSTOR   1379227.
  11. Sims, Kelly (2000). "Myotis yumanensis". Animal Diversity Web.
  12. Boyles, J.G.; Dunbar, M.B. & Whitaker, J.O. (October 2006). "Activity following arousal in winter in North American vespertilionid bats". Mammal Review. 36 (4): 267–280. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2907.2006.00095.x.
  13. Dalquest, W.W. (July 1947). "Notes on the natural history of the bat Myotis yumanensis in California, with a description of a new race". The American Midland Naturalist. 38 (1): 224–247. doi:10.2307/2421638. JSTOR   2421638.
  14. Sims, Kelly (2000). "Myotis yumanensis". Animal Diversity Web.
  15. Froschauer, Ann (May 11, 2017). "Researchers work to stop the spread of white-nose syndrome in Washington". white-nose syndrome.org. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved May 12, 2017.
  16. "Bats affected by WNS". White-Nose Syndrome.org. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved May 12, 2017.