SPOTTED BAT Euderma maculatum (J. A. Allen) 



Order: CHIROPTERA Family: VESPERTILIONIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A medium-size bat of spectacular appearance; large 

 pink ears; black back with three white spots; ventral hair white tipped, black at base. 

 Some individuals have white at the base of the ears and a black band on the lower, 

 undersurface of the neck . 



Present distribution : One or two records (except Texas and New Mexico, which have 

 more) from each of the Southwestern States and the Mexican state of Durango. It has 

 been found as far north as Yellowstone County, Montana, and Canyon County, Idaho, and 

 as far east as Brewster County, Texas. 



Former distribution : Probably same as present. 



Status : A bat of the high cliffs and canyons (sedimentary origin?) living in the cracks 

 and crevices during the day. Apparently highly selective in its roosts, yet ranges from 

 ponderosa pine belt to Lower Sonoran Life Zone . This bat may prove to be more numerous 

 than records indicate. However, until proven so, there is cause for concern. 



Estimated numbers : None available, but the species appears to be extremely uncommon. 

 About 70 individuals have been collected since the species was first described. 



Breeding rate in the wild : A single young per year, probably born in spring, rarely 

 in early summer (June). 



Reasons for decline : Probably always was common. 



Protective measures already taken : None . 



Measures proposed : Continue research for information on habits, habitat, and 

 distribution. David Easterla has recently been studying this species in southwest Texas 

 and has successfully captured, observed, measured, banded, and released a number of 

 spotted bats . 



Number in captivity : None . 



Breeding potential in captivity: Unknown , probably none . 



References : 



Barbour, Roger W. , and Wayne H. Davis. 1969. Bats of America. Univ. Press 



of Kentucky, 161-163. 

 Constantine, Denny G. 1961. Spotted bat and big free-tailed bat in northern 



New Mexico. Southwestern Naturalist , 6:92-97. 

 Easterla, David A. 1965. The spotted bat in Utah . Jour . Mamm ., 46(4): 665-668. 

 1970. First records of the spotted bat in Texas and notes on 



its natural history. Amer . Midland Naturalist, 83(1): 306-308 . 



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