Silver-haired Bat
Lasionycteris noctivagans
Unlike many other bat species, Silver-haired bats rarely use caves, choosing instead to roost almost exclusively under the loose bark of mature trees.
- Scientific name
- Lasionycteris noctivagans
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Mammalia › Chiroptera › Vespertilionidae › Lasionycteris
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Temperate coniferous and deciduous forests, typically near streams, ponds, or other water sources.
- Diet
- Insectivorous, feeding primarily on moths, beetles, flies, and mosquitoes.
- Range
- United States, Canada, Northern Mexico
- Size
- Length: 9-11.5 cm, Wingspan: 27-31 cm, Weight: 8-12 g
- Lifespan
- Up to 12 years
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Wind turbine mortalities, deforestation, and loss of mature roosting trees.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless but defensive. Do not handle bats with bare hands due to the risk of rabies. If a bat is found grounded, use thick leather gloves or a container to gently move it to safety, or contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. If bitten or scratched, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek prompt medical care.
The silver-haired bat ( Lasionycteris noctivagans ) is a solitary migratory species of vesper bat in the family Vespertilionidae and the only member of the genus Lasionycteris .
Photo: Kalvin Chan, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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