ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Eastern Pipistrelle Bat

Tri-colored Bat,
formerly Eastern Pipistrelle Bat


tricolor bat

There are many things that distinguish bats in the animal world. Bats are the only mammals capable of flight. For mammals, they are an evolutionarily old group with fossil records dating back 50 million years. The Eastern small-footed bat is Ohio's smallest bat.


Tri-colored Bat 
Perimyotis subflavus

At-a-Glance

• Mating: Polygamous

• Peak Breeding Activity: fall

• Gestation Period: 44 days

• Young are Born: June to mid-July

• Number of Litters Per Year: 1 - Young bats are called pups and they are dependent on their mothers

• Feeding Periods: One hour or two after sunset and before sunrise

• Typical Foods: Insects - flies, beetles, moths

• Ohio Status: Species of Concern 

This small bat varies in color from a pale yellowish-brown to dark reddish-brown. The forearms are pinkish and the wing membrane is black. The ears are longer than they are wide.

Habitat and Habits
There are two primary types of habitats for many bats: hibernation sites used during the winter (e.g., caves, mines) and roosting sites for reproduction (e.g., tree cavities) during the summer.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Breeding takes place during the late summer and early fall during a behavioral phenomenon known as “swarming.” At this time, large numbers of bats visit and congregate in a succession of caves just prior to hibernation. Although sperm is transferred to the female during copulation occurring in the fall, ovulation and fertilization of the egg are delayed until the females arouse from hibernation the following spring.