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Eastern Small-footed Bat
Myotis leibii
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
• Ohio Status: Species of Concern
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Description
This bat is small with a black facial mask, small black ears, and a small foot that measures 0.2-0.3 inches in length.
Habitat and Habits
Little is known about the habitat preference of this bat, but evidence suggests that it favors hilly or mountainous areas. In the winter, they hibernate in mine tunnels and caves. In the summer, these bats utilize buildings and rock crevices.
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 that occurs in the fall, ovulation and fertilization of the egg are delayed until the females arouse from hibernation the following spring.
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