riparian myotis

About the riparian myotis

The riparian myotis (Myotis riparius) is a vespertilionid bat species from South and Central America. It is a medium-sized bat compared to other South American myotis. The riparian myotis was originally described as a subspecies of velvety myotis in 1960. In 1973, it was raised to the species level.

The riparian myotis has long, woolly fur. The dorsal fur can vary geographically from a reddish to a blackish tinge. Individuals in the south tend to have a darker dorsal region, and individuals in the north tend to have a reddish dorsal region. The dorsal hairs are unicolor and the plagiopatagium is broadly attached to the foot at the base of the toes. The ears are short compared to the eyes and nostrils. The tragus is pointed and curves slightly outward. The ventral hairs are bicolored, with a dark-brown base and yellowish tips.

The riparian myotis is distributed widely throughout the neotropical region, and occurs from Honduras southward into Paraguay, northern Argentina and Uruguay. It can be found in rainforests, savannas, and open habitats throughout this region. It is most commonly seen from sea level to 2,000 meters above sea... Wikipedia →