- Scientific Name
- Eumops perotis
- Family
- Molossidae
- Region
- North America, USA, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas
Pronunciation: you-mops per-oh-tis
The Greater Bonneted Bat is the largest bat in the U.S., with a wingspan approaching two feet. It is found in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas as well as Mexico and as far south as Argentina, though it is rarely found in large numbers. Almost nothing is known about the behavior or status of Greater Bonneted Bat, also known as the Western Mastiff Bat. Because they roost in cliff-face crevices and feed high above the ground, they are rarely seen and approach the ground only at a few select drinking sites.
This bat is severely limited by available drinking water. Its long, narrow wings preclude it from drinking at ponds less than 100 feet long. Apparently, due in large part to the loss of large natural springs, Greater Bonneted Bats are no longer found in many previously occupied areas and may be endangered, though past and present observations are too few to determine their status.