California Bat

Myotis californicus

The California bat is one of the smallest of the mouse-eared bats, reaching a maximum length of about 7.5 centimetres and 20 centimetre wing spread. The California bat appears to have a wide tolerance for various habitat types. It has been found in semi-arid regions as well as forested regions. Like the little brown bat, the California bat is nocturnal. It feeds at night, when it catch insects in mid-flight over lakes, rivers, meadows, and forest clearings. During the day, the California bat stays in small nursery colonies in rock crevices and under loose bark. These bats, like other bats have been used as a means of pest control, as they can control injurious insect populations.

Distribution of California Bat in Canada