Large-Footed Myotis Click to enlarge image
Myotis macropus | Southern Myotis recorded on 2018-04-06 Image: Ansonia
CC-BY-NC

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Myotis
    Species
    moluccarum
    Family
    Vespertilionidae
    Order
    Chiroptera
    Class
    Mammalia
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia

Introduction

The Large-footed Myotis or Northern Myotis's are also known as fishing bats.

Habitat

The Northern Myotis roosts in tree hollows, caves, mines, culverts and under bridges, often close to water. Sometimes they are found roosting in roofs and ceilings. Usually ten to fifteen bats, though sometimes up to 100 bats, roost together in a colony.

Distribution



Feeding and diet

The Northern Myotis eats aquatic insects and small fish. They fly close to the surface of rainforest streams or large lakes and reservoirs. To catch their prey, they rake the water with the curved claws on their large feet.

Life history cycle

Female Northern Myotis's can breed and give birth three times in one year.

Conservation status

Northern Myotis's are vulnerable to destruction of roost sites in caves by mining, tree hollows by clearing, disturbance by human visitors to cave roosts, changes to feeding areas by forestry and agricultural activities and pollution of rivers.


Large-Footed Myotis or Southern Myotis
Large-Footed Myotis or Southern Myotis Myotis macropus Image: Matthew Connors
CC-BY-NC 4.0 (Int) Supplied as http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/