Northern Myotis
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Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Myotis
- Species
- moluccarum
- Family
- Vespertilionidae
- Order
- Chiroptera
- Class
- Mammalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
Introduction
The Large-footed Myotis or Northern Myotis's are also known as fishing bats.
Habitat
The Northern Myotis roosts in tree hollows, caves, mines, culverts and under bridges, often close to water. Sometimes they are found roosting in roofs and ceilings. Usually ten to fifteen bats, though sometimes up to 100 bats, roost together in a colony.
Distribution
Feeding and diet
The Northern Myotis eats aquatic insects and small fish. They fly close to the surface of rainforest streams or large lakes and reservoirs. To catch their prey, they rake the water with the curved claws on their large feet.
Life history cycle
Female Northern Myotis's can breed and give birth three times in one year.
Conservation status
Northern Myotis's are vulnerable to destruction of roost sites in caves by mining, tree hollows by clearing, disturbance by human visitors to cave roosts, changes to feeding areas by forestry and agricultural activities and pollution of rivers.
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