About Myotis evotis (H.Allen, 1864)
Myotis evotis, commonly called the long-eared myotis, is a bat species. This bat is typically pale brown or straw-colored, with black ears, black wing membranes, and a black face. Specimens found along the coast are generally darker in color, and are classified as the subspecies Myotis evotis pacificus. The long-eared myotis occupies a range that includes multiple different environments, and has been recorded in semiarid shrublands, shortgrass prairie, and subalpine forests. Its habitats occur across elevations from sea level up to 2,830 meters (9,280 ft). This species roosts in a variety of locations, including tree cavities, rock crevices, caves, and even abandoned buildings. It appears to prefer roosting in rock crevices, while individuals in the northern part of its range favor roosting in ponderosa and lodgepole pines. Reproducing females generally roost in small crevices that measure just 2 centimeters (0.79 in) wide. Most crevices used by the long-eared myotis are vertically oriented, and have an overhang covering the opening. Occasionally, the entire colony of long-eared myotis will switch roosting sites together. Roosting sites used by this species typically have extensive rock cover, are located far from bodies of water, and have very little additional cover from trees and grass.
