© Merlin D. Tuttle, BCI

Myotis septentrionalis  northern myotis (Vespertilionidae)  Myotis septentrionalis  northern myotis  Family Name: Vespertilionidae  Genus: Myotis  Species Name: septentrionalis  Pronunciation: my-oh-tis sep-ten-tree-oh-nal-is  Common Name: northern myotis

The Northern myotis (formerly Myotis keenii), in part is widely distributed across eastern North America from Manitoba across southern Canada to Newfoundland, south to northern Florida, west through the south central states and northwest to the Dakotas. It is found in dense forest stands and chooses maternity roosts beneath exfoliating bark and in tree cavities, much like the Indiana myotis. And, like the Indiana myotis, the Northern myotis relies upon caves and underground mines for hibernation sites, where it typically chooses cooler sites than eastern pipistrelles and little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus).

Unlike the Indiana myotis though, this species is generally more solitary and is most often found singly or in very small groups. During the summer, the Northern myotis appears especially reliant upon forested habitats and is found in greater densities in the northern areas of its range than in the south. Little is known about its food habits, although it has been observed foraging along forest edges, over forest clearings, at tree-top level, and occasionally over ponds.

Approximate Range:

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