Fringed Myotis
Since it gleans beetles from the ground or near thick or thorny vegetation, this bat has wings with high puncture strength. Its name comes from stiff hairs on the trailing edge of the interfemoral membrane. In Idaho, fringed myotis has been reported only near Lewiston and McCall, roosting with other species. Until its distribution is better known, it is classified as a Species of Special Concern.
Maternity colonies of this bat may reach several hundred, with births in late June to mid-July; they disperse in October to hibernate.
Fringed myotis roosts in caves, mines, rock crevices and buildings at 3,600- to 6,400- foot elevations from south-central British Columbia through the western U.S. to southern Mexico; winter range is not well known.
Photo: Dr J. Scott Altenback
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