Canyon Bat

About the Canyon Bat

The canyon bat (Parastrellus hesperus), also known as the western pipistrelle, or American parastrelle is a species of vesper bat. It is found in Mexico and in the western United States. The species has historically been placed in the genus Pipistrellus, but molecular evidence does not show any close relationship with that genus, and accordingly it was classified into its own genus, Parastrellus, in 2006.

Parastrellus hesperus is the smallest bat in the United States. It has a wingspan of 190–215 millimetres (7.5–8.5 in) and a body length of 62–80 millimetres (2.4–3.1 in). The tail is 29–30 millimetres (1.1–1.2 in), the hind feet are 5 millimetres (0.20 in), and the ears are 9 millimetres (0.35 in). On average, females are slightly larger than males of this species. P. hesperus ranges in color from white to pale yellow to dark brown. These bats exhibit counter shading, being dark above and lighter colored below. Their faces, ears, feet, and flight membranes are usually very dark, almost black. The pelage is 3–4 millimetres (0.12–0.16 in) long and is full and soft. The bases of all the hairs are black with the distal portions fading to lighter shades. The wings... Wikipedia →