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Northern Long-eared Bat
Myotis septentrionalis
At-a-Glance
• Mating: Polygamous
• Peak Breeding Activity: September and October
• Gestation Period: 50-60 days
• Young are Born: May and June
• 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 -- moths, beetles, bugs, caddisflies and stoneflies
• Ohio Status: Species of Concern
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Description
This medium-sized bat looks very much like other members of the Myotis species, such as the little brown bat. However, it can be easily distinguished from its cousins by its long ears.
Habitat and Habits
There are two primary types of habitats for many bats: hibernation sites used during the winter (caves, mines) and roosting sites for reproduction (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.
During the summer, females form maternity colonies, mostly in man-made structures, although some will roost in tree cavities or under the peeling bark of dead trees. Summer roosts are typically warm and relatively dark. |
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