Western Small-footed Myotis
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Myotis ciliolabrum
Scientific name translation: "Mouse-eared", "Hairy lips" |
Description
Western small-footed myotis, named for their notably small feet (~8 mm), are one of the smallest bats in South Dakota. Their face and ears are dark brown–black giving them the appearance of a mask, tragus is slender and half as long as ear, and their calcar is keeled. M. ciliolabrum head and body length ranges from 40–50 mm, tail length ranges from 35–45 mm, ear length ranges from 13–16 mm, and forearm length ranges from 31–36 mm.
Distribution
Found across western South Dakota in the summer months and known to hibernate in the Black Hills National Forest. Because of its small size, it can use very small roost features and is found in multiple habitat types but generally associated with arid landscapes. In the winter, M. ciliolabrum can hibernate in a variety of features, but frequently use abandoned mines or caves.
Ecology
This species emerges from hibernacula in early spring, with pups being born in small nursery colonies in June or July. Females will almost always have just one pup, and juveniles are able to fly about a month after being born. Bats return to hibernacula in October or November.
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