General Distribution
Long-legged myotis is found from southern Alaska south through western Canada to northern Mexico
(Harvey and others 1999). It occurs throughout California from near sea level along the coast to high
elevations, over 10,000 feet (3,050 meters), in the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains (Philpott 1997). Systematics
There are four recognized subspecies of long-legged myotis: M. v. amoptus, M. v. interior, M .v.
longicrus, and M. v. volans. Both M. v. interior and M. v. longicrus probably occur on the four southern
California national forests (Hall 1981). Habitat Requirements
Long-legged myotis occur in pinyon-juniper, Joshua tree woodland, and montane coniferous forest
habitats, as well as in forested habitat along the coast (Philpott 1997). It may also be found in
streamside and arid habitats (Harvey and others 1999), with the exception of low-elevation desert
(Philpott 1997). These bats are also associated with water in many areas, flying 10–15 feet (3–4.6
meters) over ponds, streams, water tanks, and open meadows (Arizona Game and Fish Department
1999).
These bats primarily use hollow trees - particularly large diameter snags or live trees with lightning scars
- for day roosts, but they also use rock crevices, mines, and buildings. Caves and mine tunnels can be
used for night roosts (Philpott 1997) and hibernacula (Bogan and others 1998, Stephenson and
Calcarone 1999, Warner and Czaplewski 1984). Radio-tracking studies have located maternity roosts
beneath bark and in tree cavities. Nursery colonies have been found in trees that are at least 100 year-old
and provide crevices or exfoliating bark (Bat Conservation International 2002). Maternity colonies
are also found in rock crevices, cliffs, and buildings (Bat Conservation International 2002). Reproduction
Copulation occurs in August, and ovulation occurs March–May (Arizona Game and Fish Department
1999). Females give birth to one young per year during June–July (Philpott 1997). Maternity colonies
can consist of 200–500 individuals (Philpott 1997). Daily/Seasonal Activity
Long-legged myotis emerge from their roosts at twilight and are active throughout the night, with
activity peaking during the first 3–4 hours after sunset (Harvey and others 1999). Long-legged myotis
hibernate but are capable of winter activity (Philpott 1997). The species is assumed to be a year-round
resident in California (Philpott 1997). Diet and Foraging
Long-legged myotis feed primarily on moths, but may also prey on beetles, flies, and termites (Philpott
1997). These bats commonly forage at canopy height in open areas but may forage nearer the ground as
daylight approaches (Arizona Game and Fish Department 1999, Philpott 1997). Long-legged myotis
forage over ponds, streams, water tanks, and in forest clearings (Bat Conservation International 2002). Territoriality/Home Range
No information is available on territoriality or home range for long-legged myotis. Predator-Prey Relations
Bats are preyed upon by a variety of predators including, but not limited to, owls, hawks, snakes,
raccoons, and skunks. Predators may take bats during flight, when bats emerge from or enter roosting
sites, and opportunistically when bats fall to the floor of roosting sites (Harvey and others 1999). Literature Cited
Arizona Game and Fish Department. 1999. Arizona wildlife views (special edition). Phoenix, AZ:
Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Brown-Berry, P. 2002. Species account for West Mohave planning area. Brown-Berry Biological
Consulting, 134 Wilkes Crest, Bishop, California 93514
Bat Conservation International. 2002. Bat Conservation International web site, species descriptions.
[Homepage of Bat Conservation International, Inc.], [Online]. Available: http://www.batcon.org/.
Bogan, M.A.; Valdez, E.W.; Nvo, K.W. 1998. Long-legged myotis, Myotis volans. In: Ecology,
conservation, and management of western bat species: bat species accounts. Unpublished document
distributed at the Western Bat Working Group Workshop, February 9-13, 1998, Reno, NV.
Federal Register. 1994. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Animal candidate review for
listing as endangered or threatened species, proposed rule. Department of the Interior. Tuesday,
November 15, 1994. 50 CFR Part 17.
Harvey, M.J.; Altenbach, J.S.; Best, T.L. 1999. Bats of the United States. Arkansas: Arkansas Game and
Fish Commission.
Philpott, W. 1997. Summaries of the life histories of California bat species. Unpublished document.
USDA Forest Service, Sierra National Forest, Pineridge Ranger Station.
Stephenson, J.R.; Calcarone, G.M. 1999. Southern California mountains and foothills assessment:
Habitat and species conservation issues. General Technical Report GTR-PSW-175. Albany, CA: Pacific
Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Warner, R.M.; Czaplewski, N.J. 1984. Myotis volans. Mammalian species, No. 224. The American
Society of Mammalogists.
Western Bat Working Group. 1998. Western bat species: Regional priority matrix. Developed at
Western Bat Working Group Workshop, Reno, NV. February 9-13, 1998.
Information gathered from California DFG - California Interagency Wildlife Task Group
