The fringed myotis is an insectivorous bat that occurs in western North America from British Colombia through southern Mexico. It gets its name from the distinct fringe of short hairs along its uropatagium (the skin membrane between its hind legs). They feed mostly on beetles, moths, arachnids (spiders and scorpions), and orthopterans (grasshoppers, crickets, etc.). Their short, broad wings are built for low speed and high maneuverability, allowing them to not only take insects from the air, but to hover, glean, and occasionally even land on the ground in search of prey. You are most likely to observe them foraging in the couple hours after sunset.
Other resources:
Specimen:
MSB:Mamm:331310 (Division of Mammals, Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico)
4 comments