Indiana bat  (Myotis sodalis)

Description

This small bat weighs the same as about three pennies, but is not the smallest of the 87 Myotis species. Myotis means ‘mouse ear’ and refers to the relatively small, mouse-like ears of these bats. This species gets the name ‘sodalis’, meaning ‘companion’, from its social behaviour (3). The Indiana bat has fine and fluffy fur that is dull greyish-chestnut with a black basal portion on the upperparts, whilst the underparts are pinkish to cinnamon (2). Several characteristics distinguish the Indiana bat from similar species; the light pink nose, small, delicate hind feet with sparse, short hairs that do not extend beyond the toes, and a calcar (the spur extending from the ankle) that has a slight keel (4). In addition, the ears and wing membranes have a dull appearance, and the fur is less glossy than that of the similar little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) (3).

left