- Scientific Name
- Myotis occultus
- Family
- Vespertilionidae
- Global Conservation Status (IUCN)
- Least Concern
- Region
- Northern Americas
- Diet
- Insectivore
Data Sheet
Diet: Arizona myotis feed on insects by capturing them in the air. They hunt a range of insects, including beetles, ants, flies, and moths.
Fun Fact: The shape and size of Arizona myotis skulls vary across their population, likely as a reflection of different populations specializing on different types of insects.
Appearance: Until 2002, the Arizona myotis was considered a sub-species of the little brown bat. Like the little brown bat, they are small (7 – 9 grams), with dark to light brown fur and black to dark brown ears, noses, and wings.
Habitat: Arizona myotis are found in ponderosa pine and oak-pine woodlands, often associated with large bodies of water. They roost in a variety of places, including mines, caves, trees, buildings, bridges, and bat boxes.
Conservation Concerns: With a relatively large geographic range and consistent population sizes, Arizona myotis are not currently considered threatened. Like many other bat species with similar habits, they are vulnerable to habitat loss and roost disturbance.
One study in northern Arizona found that Arizona myotis in ponderosa pine forests preferred larger trees and denser forest for roosting, highlighting the importance of considering bat roosts in forest management.
Additional Resources: