Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat

Similar Species:
Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat has buff fur on belly.

Breeding:
Mated in fall; fertilization is delayed. 1 young born in late May-early June in small maternity colony, usually in a building or other man-made structure.

Habitat:
Forested regions. Often roosts I building, sometimes in caves an mines.

Range:
Southeastern U.S., from Kentucky and e. Texas east to North Carolina and Florida.

When Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat is resting, its large ears are coiled against the side of the head, rather like a ram’s horns, which reduces the ear’s surface area, minimizing water loss. Upon being disturbed, the bat unfolds it ears. The ability to hover like a butterfly enables this moth specialist to pluck insects from foliage. This species roosts singly and hibernates in winter. It is becoming very scarce, especially in the northern parts of it range, and is considered extirpated in Indiana.