California Myotis

About the California Myotis

The California myotis (Myotis californicus) is a species of vesper bat. It is found in British Columbia in Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, and in the western United States, including California. The California myotis is a small (70–94 millimetres [2.8–3.7 in] and 3.3–5.4 grams [0.12–0.19 oz]) bat with pale, dull fur. Ears are of medium (12–15 millimetres [0.47–0.59 in]) size, with a narrow, pointed tragus (ear). They have an obviously keeled calcar and very small feet (5–7 millimetres [0.20–0.28 in]), smaller even than the feet of the western small-footed myotis, for which they are easily confused. The spread of the wings averages 220 millimetres (8.7 in). Other distinguishing features include the slightly lighter face mask and shorter appearance of the California myotis' tail. While their tails are the same length, the small-footed myotis' tail extends 2–3 millimetres (0.079–0.118 in) after the connecting membrane (Uropatagia) which makes it appear longer.

The California myotis is largely free of ectoparasites commonly found on other bat species, such as fleas, ticks, flies, lice, and bed bugs. However, mites have occasionally been found... Wikipedia →