Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) 



Description: Dorsal color is dark brown to buffy brown, often with a metallic coppery sheen; 

 ears (13-15 mm) are about the same color as the dorsum and rounded. The tragus is 

 relatively short and blunt. The uropatagium and wings are naked except along the 

 proximal margins. The calcar is not keeled. Weighs 5-9 g. 



Distribution: From central Alaska south and east through most of Canada and the United States 

 to central Mexico. 



Habitat and Habits: Widely distributed in a variety of habitats, but usually near water. Day 



roosts include caves, under bark, and in buildings. Hibemacula include caves and mines. 

 Two were foimd hibernating in December near Sidney in eastern Montana (Swenson and 

 Shanks 1 979) but most probably leave the state during the winter; several hibemacula 

 have been foimd in Alberta (Schowalter et al. 1979), but there are only a few winter 

 records of individuals for British Columbia (Nagorsen et al. 1993). This species prefers 

 to hunt low over water and among trees. Maternity colonies are now most commonly 

 found in buildings and are formed in May; young are bom in June and early July at this 

 latitude. 



Status: This species is one of the most common bats in North America, and is considered 



common throughout Montana (Hoffinann and Pattie 1 968) and at lower elevations in 

 Glacier National Park to the east (Lechleitner 1967). Fifty-nine of 1 13 bats captured by 

 Roemer (1994) were this species; it has been recorded from all Forest Districts 

 (Appendix 4). While not noted during the 1994-1995 surveys, this species may have 

 been present at sites where Myotis sp. was detected (most species of Myotis are not easily 

 distinguishable with bat detectors). Present in the Idaho panhandle (Groves and Marks 

 1985). The little brown myotis is not listed by any federal agency. 



Natural Heritage Program rank: G5; S5. 



