| Bat, Indiana | |||
| Genus | Myotis | ||
| Species | sodalis | ||
| Status | Endangered | ||
| Habitat | Winter caves (temperature must be 4° to 8°C and relative humidity from 66% to 95%); stream banks, floodplain areas, forests | ||
| Distribution | Eastern and midwestern USA | ||
| Appearance | Adult bats of this species are 41 to 49 mm long and weigh 6-9 grams. Their fur is a buffy-brown color on the shoulders and sepia brown on their dorsal (back) sides. The underparts are pinkish white. | ||
| Behavior |
In the summer, the females and juvenile bats live around stream banks and floodplain areas, roosting under the bark of trees. The males frequent floodplain ridges and hillside forests, roosting in caves. When wintering in caves, these bats require stable, cool temperatures and high humidity.
Bats exhibit a behavior known as swarming from August to November. Swarming is a ritual in which large numbers of bats fly in and out of a cave entrance from dusk to dawn, while only a few roost in the cave during the day. The significance of this act is unknown, but it is thought to be related to mate selection and copulation, adjustment to seasonal ranges, or rest stops during migration. | ||
| Diet | Small insects | ||
| Feeding | Females and juveniles forage for food along stream banks, looking for small, soft-bodied flying insects. These animals have an average foraging area of 1.47 hectares in early summer and 4.54 hectares by mid-summer. Males look for food in densely wooded areas at tree-top height. | ||
| Breeding | Breeding occurs in the fall, and the females will store the sperm over the winter. The females then form nursery colonies in late spring. Summer nursery roosts are found under the bark of hardwood trees, which serve as buffers against sudden temperature changes. They also shelter bats from weather and predators, and act as solar heat collectors. Young are born in late June or early July, with only females looking after them. | ||
| Lifespan | Males: 13.5 years; females: 14.8 years | ||
| Conservation |
The majority of the Indiana bat population (about 87%) winters in only seven caves. Disturbance or vandalism disrupts their hibernation and results in deaths. Habitat loss has caused 50% of their decline in recent years. Some of their homes have been made unsuitable because of blocked air flow. Deforestation and urbanization have also contributed to their decline, as well as low population growth rate, freezes, and cave-ins.
One of the best ways to conserve the Indiana bat would be to control human access to caves by using gates, which will give protection to 99% of the bats. Restrictions on banding bats and the use of pesticides could also help. | ||
| Interesting Facts | The gray bat, another endangered species, may compete with the Indiana bat for roosting space in winter caves. | ||
| Animal Communication Panel | |||
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