hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus cinereus)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Not confirmed.

 

CHARACTERISTICS: This is the largest bat in the region with a weight
of 3/4 to 1 1/4 ounces and a total length of 4 7/8 to 5 5/8 inches. The fur is
long and dark to light brown with gray or silver tips that produces a frosted
appearance. The hoary bat females do not form maternity colonies like
most other bats and in general this species is very solitary. Two young are
usually born between mid-May and early July. This species roosts in trees
10-15 feet (3-5 meters) above the ground during the day, and becomes
active in the early evening. The sexes remain separated during the summer
and then migrate south in waves.

 

DISTRIBUTION: This species has a huge range covering most of the
United States and is found throughout Virginia. Most of the hoary bats in
Virginia would be female. The roost is primarily in the foliage of trees, and
often near the edge of a clearing. This species migrates south for the winter.
They almost never enter houses.

 

FOODS: They feed in flight above trees in forest, over water, and in
forest clearings between evening and dawn. The feeding range may
extend 1 mile (1.6 km) or more from roosting site. They take moths,
mosquitoes, dragonflies, wasps, beetles and grasshoppers.

 

 

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