Long-legged Myotis
Order Chiroptera : Family Vespertilionidae : Myotis volans (H. Allen)

Description. A rather large Myotis, with relatively long tail, short ears and moderately large foot; underside of wing membrane well furred out as far as line joining elbow and knee; ratio of tail to head and body averaging from 90 to 94; tibia relatively long, ratio of foot to tibia near 40; pelage full and about 7 mm long on back; profile of brain case rises abruptly from rostrum, giving a pug-nosed effect; ears short and rounded at tip. Dental formula as in M. californicus. External measurements average: total length, 93 mm; tail, 45 mm; foot, 7 mm; ear, 13 mm; forearm, 39 mm. Weight, 5-9 g.

Distribution in Texas. A western bat that occurs in Texas primarily in the Trans-Pecos but has also been recorded from the Rolling Plains (Knox County). This was probably a stray individual, and resident populations are not believed to inhabit the Rolling Plains.

Habits. Over much of their range, long-legged bats are forest inhabitants, and they prefer high, open woods and mountainous terrain. Nursery colonies, which may contain several hundred individuals, form in summer in places such as buildings, cliff crevices, and hollow trees. These bats apparently do not use caves as day roosts, although they may use such sites at night. The winter range and habits of this bat are not known.

These bats emerge shortly before dark to forage around cliffs, trees, and over water. Certain flyways seem to be used regularly, but the specific food preferences are not known. Evidence from New Mexico indicates they may feed mainly on small moths. The single young is born in June or early July.