Virginia Big-eared Bat

Scientific Name: Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus

Weight: 8-14 grams

Wingspan: 30-32centimeters

Distribution: The Virginia big-eared bat is distributed in limited locations in the eastern United States, mainly Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

Ecology and Behavior: The Virginia big-eared bat is a subspecies of the Townsend's big-eared bat.  In the eastern United States with rare exception, this species has only been reported from caves. These bats hibernate in caves or mines where the temperature is (54* F) or less, but usually above freezing. Hibernation sites in caves often are near entrances in well ventilated areas. If temperatures near the entrance become extreme, they move to a more thermally stable part of the cave. They hibernate in clusters of a few to mare than 100 individuals. During hibernation, the long ears may be erect or coiled. Solitary bats sometimes hang by only one foot. Maternity colonies usually are located in relatively warm parts of the cave. During the maternity period, males are apparently solitary. Where males spend the summer is unknown. No long distance migrations are known. Like many other bats they return year after year to the same roost sites.

Food Habits: May feed entirely on moths.

Reproduction: Mating begins in autumn and continues into winter, sperm are stored during winter, and fertilization occurs shortly after arousal from hibernation. One young is born during June. Young are large at birth weighing nearly 25% as much as their mother. They can fly in 2-3 weeks and are weaned by 6 weeks. Lifespan may be 16 or more years.

Status of Populations: Endangered. Probably fewer than 12,000 individuals exist in the eastern United States.