Keen's myotis

Myotis keenii is a bat species from the family of Myotis bats ( Vespertilionidae ), which is native to North America. The species is named after John Henry Keen, who collected the holotype. In some publications Myotis keenii is considered western population of Myotis septentrionalis; new molecular studies, however, show that the species is more closely related to Myotis evotis.

Description

Myotis keenii is a small bat with a head -body length of less than 50 mm and a forearm length of an average of 36.4 mm. The ears protrude when placed forward on the snout addition, the tail wing membrane is slightly hairy on the edge. The coat color is brown with a lighter belly.

Way of life

Myotis keenii occurs less frequently and in smaller groups than other types of mouse ears in North America. Accordingly relatively little is known about the nature. Its distribution area is one of the smallest of all bats in North America. Colonies in hibernation roosts reach a size of up to 350 individuals. These districts divides the species is common with other bat species such as the little ones and the Big Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus and Eptesicus fuscus ), Myotis leibii and the East Pipistrelle ( Pipistrellus subflavus ). Myotis keenii preferred in this cool, damp corners without drafts. In northern areas of distribution, the type already goes in August into hibernation, which can last up to nine months. Myotis is keenii nocturnal like most bats and feeds on insects. During the day she sleeps under tree bark or similar structures, such as behind shutters, as well as in crevices. Mating takes place before hibernation, where the females store the sperm and the egg is fertilized until spring. During and after birth, the females gather in groups of up to 40 individuals. The males remain at this time mostly for themselves. From ringing data, we know that Myotis can be keenii over 18 years old.

Distribution and habitat

Myotis keenii occurs in northwestern Washington and southwestern British Columbia. Your stock is classified by the IUCN due to the widespread use be stable and the species as safely.