Rafinesque's big-eared bat
A species of Long-eared bats Scientific name : Corynorhinus rafinesquii Genus : Long-eared bats
Rafinesque's big-eared bat, A species of Long-eared bats
Scientific name: Corynorhinus rafinesquii
Genus: Long-eared bats
Content
Description General Info
Photo By U.S. Department of Agriculture , used under CC-BY-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
As its name implies, this species has ears over an inch long. The genus name Corynorhinus means "club-nosed". Similar to Townsend's big-eared bat, this species has two lumps on either side of its nose. Rafinesque's big-eared bat is a medium-sized bat with a length around 7.5–10 cm (3.0–3.9 in) and a wingspan of 25–30 cm (10–12 in). These bats range in weight from 6–13 g (0.21–0.46 oz). The bat is gray on the dorsal side and white on the underside. The ears and face are a pinkish-brown color, while the forearm and wing membrane are dark brown. Some sources report its maximum lifespan as 10 years, although robust data are lacking. More research has been done on the closely related Townsend's big-eared bat, and estimates for this species' lifespan range from 16 to 30 years in the wild. While uncommon throughout its range, this species is found in a variety of habitats from coastal plains and riparian areas to mountainous areas such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In all cases, these bats are associated with large areas of relatively mature forest.
General Info
Lifespan
10-30 years
Diet
Rafinesque's big-eared bat is primarily insectivorous, feeding on small, soft-bodied invertebrates. Lepidopterans, or moths, form a significant part of its diet, but it also consumes beetles and spiders.
Appearance
Rafinesque's big-eared bat is a medium-sized bat with soft, thick, brownish fur. It has a distinctive fleshy nose-leaf which has a horseshoe shape. It also possesses large elongated ears which are connected by a thin membrane. Males and females are similar in appearance, while juveniles have a slightly lighter coloration. This species is notable for the presence of two prominent upper incisors, which are chisel-shaped.
Behavior
Rafinesque's big-eared bat is a nocturnal species with a solitary lifestyle, predominantly exhibiting roosting and hibernation behaviors. It frequents caves or abandoned mines for hibernation and maternity roosts. Although mostly solitary, it demonstrates social behavior during mating and nurturing young. Rafinesque's big-eared bat relies heavily on echolocation for feeding on insects, navigation, and communication.
Population
Increasing
Photo By U.S. Department of Agriculture , used under CC-BY-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Bats Family
Evening birds Genus
Long-eared bats Species
Rafinesque's big-eared bat