Eastern Red Bat
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Lasiurus borealis
Scientific name translation: "Of the north" |
Description
Eastern red bats medium sized and have orange to reddish fur with somewhat frosted tips on the back and breast. Males generally will have brighter, more brick-red fur than the females. Their fur extends onto their wing and tail membranes. Their head and body length ranges from 50–60 mm, tail length ranges from 45–62 mm, ear length ranges from 8–13 mm, and forearm length ranges from 36–43 mm.
Distribution
This species is found in coniferous and deciduous forests, forest edges, and hedgerows. In South Dakota, they can be found throughout the state during the summer and then can have long-distance migrations in the fall.
Ecology
Rather than roost in bark or tree cavities, red bats prefer to roost in the foliage of trees often near a forest edge or body of water. Despite their coloration, red bats can camouflage themselves by looking similar to dead leaves or pine cones when roosting. During the pup-rearing season, mothers will often have one to five young. Outside of the pup-rearing season, red bats are generally solitary.
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