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 ih.- 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 haoitats, but usually near water. Day 

 roosts include caves, under bark, and in buildings. Hibernacula include caves and 

 mines. Two were found hibernating in December near Sidney in eastern Montana 

 (Swenson and Shanks 1979); however, most individuals probably migrate out of the 

 region. Prefers to hunt low over water and among trees. Maternity colonies are now 

 most commonly found in buildings and begin forming in April and May. Males with 

 enlarged testes were collected in mid-July in the Long Pines (Jones et al. 1973); a 

 maternity colony was found on 28 May in a barn in northeastern Harding County 

 (Andersen and Jones 1971). This species was not detected during the 1994 survey, but 

 may have been present at sites where species of Myotis were not distinguishable by 

 calls alone. 



Status: This species is one of the most common bats in North America and appears to be 

 fairly common on the Sioux District (Andersen and Jones 1971, Jones et al. 1973). 

 This species has been recorded from the Long Pines, North Cave Hills, and Slim 

 Buttes (Appendix B4). The Little Brown Myotis is not listed by any federal agency 



Natural Heritage Program rank: G5; not on Species of Special Concern list in Montana or 

 South Dakota. 



11 



