Southern British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan along the western edge of the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and northern Texas into central Mexico, then west to northern Baja California and along the eastern half of the Pacific Coast states of California, Oregon and Washington.

DESCRIPTION:

The upper fur is brownish and tends to have an yellowish-orange cast in Idaho. The blackish ears, containing a short pointed tragus, are rounded at the margin and do not extend forward beyond the muzzle. A distinct black mask exists across the muzzle and face to the ears. The calcar is keeled and the foot small.

HABITAT:

This bat has been found in a range of habitats in Idaho and is likely one of the more common bats. It appears to be more abundant in southern Idaho in lava-tube caves where it hibernates in cracks and crevices. In other states, it occurs in montane and coniferous forests and is found under exfoliating bark, in cracks and crevices in rocks, and in old buildings.

DIET:

Western small-footed myotis eat small insects including moths, flies, true bugs and ants. The food taken may vary with the diet of similar-sized sympatric species, especially California myotis.

Subdivision of forage areas to rocky bluffs occurs when this species occurs sympatrically with California myotis.

ECOLOGY:

The classification of this bat has changed from Myotis subulatus and later M. leibii. It may also be incorrectly identified as M. californicus, a species which has a more globular cranium, tri-colored fur and is usually found in dryer areas. Individuals do not cluster together and hibernation appears to be extended for a longer period of time in western small-footed myotis than California myotis.

REPRODUCTION:

Swarming is known to occur at high elevations in September. Mating takes place prior to and potentially after hibernation. Sperm are stored until spring ovulation occurs. A single pup is born. Nursery colonies are likely small but little is known about group size in this species in Idaho.

IMPORTANT STATE REFERENCE:

Genter, D.L. 1986. Wintering bats of the upper Snake River plain: occurrence in lava-tube caves. Great Basin Naturalist 46:241-244.