Seminole Bat

Scientific Name: Lasiurus seminolus

Weight: 9-14 grams

Wingspan: 29-33 centimeters

Distribution: Southeastern United States, extralimital records include New York, Pennsylvania, Bermuda, South Texas, and Veracruz, Mexico.

Ecology and Behavior: The distribution of Seminole bats coincides with that of Spanish moss where they often roost, but they are also known to roost beneath loose bark, in clumps of foliage, and in caves. These bats often select roost sites in moss hanging on the southwestern exposure of trees. The height above ground of clumps of Spanish moss occupied by Seminole bats is variable, but is great enough for the bat to drop into the unobstructed space beneath when initiating flight. These are the most common bats seen flying in the evening throughout much of the southeastern United States. They fly during all seasons, even on warm evenings in mid-winter. This species emerges early in the evening from daytime roosts and usually feeds at treetop level. The flight is direct and usually rather swift.

Food Habits: Seminole bats consume true bugs, flies, mosquitoes, beetles, crickets, and other insects, which are usually captured in or around the tree canopy.

Reproduction: One to four young are born during the spring or early summer.

Status of Populations: Common throughout most of its range. Like several other species, Seminole bats apparently wander extensively after the young are weaned, as indicated by late-summer occurrence outside the breeding range.