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Interest in the study of mycotic diseases in bats has increased after the identification of bats affected by white-nose syndrome in the northern United States. In a temperate forest of the community of San Pedro Yolox, Ixtlán in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, Mexico, we collected bats of various species, including 13 specimens of Myotis velifer that showed lesions in the plagio- and uro-patagium. Clinical exploration, histopathological studies and molecular analysis were carried out to determine the causal agent of the lesions present in these individuals. It was determined that the cause was the pathogenic fungus Debaryomyces spp. The present study represents the first report of fungal infection in bats in southern Mexico.

Bats are carriers of potentially zoonotic viruses, therefore it is crucial to identify viruses currently found in bats to better understand how they are maintained in bat populations and evaluate risks for transmission to other species. Adenoviruses have been previously detected in bats throughout the world, but sampling is still limited. In this study, 30 pooled-guano samples were collected from a cave roost of Myotis velifer in Oklahoma. A portion of the DNA polymerase gene from Adenoviridae was amplified successfully in 18 M. velifer samples; however, DNA sequence was obtained from only 6 of these M. velifer samples. One was collected in October 2016, one in March 2017, and 4 in July 2017. The October and March samples contained viral DNA that was 3.1% different from each other but 33% different than the novel viral sequence found in the July 2017 samples. Phylogenetic analysis of these fragments confirmed our isolates were from the genus Mastadenovirus and had genetic diversity ranging from 20 to 50% when compared to other bat adenoviruses.

How species will respond to ongoing and future climate change is one of the most important questions facing biodiversity scientists today. The fossil record provides unparalleled insight into past ecological and evolutionary responses to climate change, but the resource remains virtually untapped for many organisms. We use geometric morphometrics and a 25,000 year fossil record to quantify changes in body size and mandible shape through time and across climate regimes for two bat species present in Quaternary paleontological deposits of central Texas: Myotis velifer, a bat distributed throughout the Southwestern US and Mexico that is still found in central Texas today, and Eptesicus fuscus, a bat widely distributed throughout North America that has been extirpated in central Texas. Because of ecogeographic rules like Bergmann’s rule, which posits that endotherms are larger in colder environments, we hypothesized that both species were larger during cooler time intervals. Additionally, we hypothesized that both species would show variation in dental morphology across the studied sequence as a response to climate change. While we found a decrease in centroid size–a proxy for ­­body size–through time for both species, we could not establish a clear relationship between centroid size and temperature alone. However, we did find that specimens from drier environments were significantly larger than those from wetter ones. Furthermore, we found significant dental shape variation between environments reflecting different temperature levels for both species. Yet only M. velifer exhibited significant variation between environments of varying precipitation levels. This result was surprising because present-day populations of E. fuscus are highly variable across both temperature and precipitation gradients. We determined that the morphological change experienced by M. velifer through time, and between warmer and cooler temperatures, was associated with the coronoid process, condylar process, and the mandibular symphysis. These parts play a pivotal role in bite force, so changes in these features might relate to changes in diet. We show that long-term datasets derived from fossil material provide invaluable insight not only into the validity of ecogeographic rules, but also into the adaptive capacities of extant taxa when faced with environmental changes. Our results highlight diverging responses to a variety of climate factors that are relevant to consider in biodiversity research given ongoing global change.

White-nose syndrome is an often lethal fungal infection of bats that is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, formerly Geomyces destructans. The fungal spores can persist for extended periods of time in the soil and on surfaces in caves where it might be found even after the bats depart. In 2010, a single bat, Myotis velifer, from a western Oklahoma gypsum cave, was initially diagnosed by the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, as “suspect white-nose syndrome.” Based on this, we decided to examine soil samples from various bat caves across Oklahoma for the presence of P. destructans. We used Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction to analyze 83 soil samples from 17 caves in Oklahoma. None of the soil samples were found to contain genetic material from P. destructans. We postulate that P. destructans has not yet reached Oklahoma because of the negative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction results, because a National Wildlife Health Center reexamination of the original b...

This is the first investigation to determine if bats from western Oklahoma have antibodies against Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the causative agent of White-nose syndrome in bats. The bats examined came from caves near the western most locality in the United States where a bat suspected of having Pd had been reported. A total of fifty-one serum samples were obtained from cave myotis (Myotis velifer), big brown (Eptesicus fuscus) and Townsends big-eared (Corynorhinus townsendii) bats from western Oklahoma between January and February of 2011 and 2012. Nobuto strips containing blood samples from South African bats (Rhinolophus denti, Neoromicia capensis, Hipposideros commersoni, Nycteris thebaica) were used as negative controls. None of the African bats examined appeared to have antibodies against Pd. Thirteen M. velifer (41% of the Oklahoman bats) tested appeared to have antibodies against some strains of Pseudogymnoascus but it is unclear if they have antibodies specifically against Pd.

We examined the emergence patterns of Myotis velifer in central Texas in 2000 and assessed exposure to pesticide residues. We collected and analyzed guano from three caves for pesticide residues. In addition, bat carcasses were sampled from an active colony of cave myotis (Myotis velifer) in Shell Mountain. Organochlorine residue concentrations were highest in guano from the Egypt and Tippit Caves, whereas organophosphate concentrations were highest in Shell Mountain guano. Residue concentrations of organochlorines and metals in guano and carcasses collected from the three caves are considered low and probably of no biological concern. The study was one of very few to demonstrate the presence of OPs, including 18 different detectable compounds in the two most recent samples of bat guano. Comparisons between spring and fall guano samples from Shell Mountain suggest that HCB (hexachlorobenzene), total chlordanes, dieldrin, endrin, endosulfan II, p,p&rsquo, DDE (Dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene), and o,p&rsquo, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) accumulated while bats were absent from the caves at Fort Hood. Lindane appeared to be the only chemical that increased while the bats were present at the site. Organochlorine concentrations in carcasses were generally lowest in lactating females and higher in nursing juveniles. The pattern of emergence coincides with the peak of agricultural activities, therefore, bats forage at a time when the insect pests are most abundant, but also potential to exposure to agricultural chemicals is highest. The current status of the population, however, remains stable in spite of the history of exposure.

We report on variation in abundance of hibernating cave myotis (Myotis velifer) prior to the arrival of White-nose Syndrome. The report is based on cave surveys and literature reports in gypsum caves of western Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle. From 1988 to 2017, 34,625–195,234 M. velifer were estimated to occur in the hibernacula surveyed. This report provides important preexposure baseline data on population sizes in the region and will help researchers quantify the impact as the disease spreads into new environs. The population estimates will also serve as a data set for other research. Other species of bats encountered in the surveys were Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), and the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). The changes in population sizes at the various hibernacula might be owing to a variety of factors, including annual variations in hibernacula microclimates, structural changes in hibernacula, changes in distribution patterns, ability of surveyors to locate and count bats, alterations of the surrounding habitats near hibernacula, or other unknown factors.

El presente trabajo es el primer listado de murciélagos cavernícolas que se realiza en el Complejo Volcánico de Colima, incluye registros bibliográficos y muestreos en campo. Se listan 25 especies, seis son nuevos registros para el área ( Glossophaga morenoi , Hylonycteris underwoodi , Artibeus hirsutus , A. intermedius , Chiroderma salvini y Myotis velifer ). Se registran y describen los disturbios antrópicos de los refugios subterráneos del área habitados por murciélagos. Los refugios examinados fueron siete y cinco especies son las que los habitan. Los principales disturbios encontrados fueron el de la demolición y el turismo local. Los refugios con mayor disturbio son tres cuevas del Apastepetl y la cueva Argúm. También se incluye un estudio de categorías de riesgo basado en la abundancia y distribución en dos tipos de de bosque representativos del área. Se encontraron 17 especies de murciélagos en bosque mesófilo y bosque de Abies. Se obtuvo a siete especies dentro de las dos principales categorías de riesgo local. De las cuales Hylonycteris underwoodi y Artibeus hirsutus se incluyen en la categoría de localmente raras y restringidas.

Although the activity patterns of bats are recognized to vary widely, both, temporally and spatially, the underlying drivers for those patterns remain poorly understood. Presently, studies focusing on foraging bat ecology have only generalized activity and influence of the environment (across sampling periods, sampling nights, or seasons). The influence of environmental features on foraging bat activity on a finer temporal scale (e.g., throughout a single sampling night) is markedly less studied. The recent emergence of Pseudogymnoascus destructans, a cold-adapted fungus and the causative agent of white-nose syndrome (WNS), has led to the precipitous declines in North American bat populations since its arrival in 2006. P. destructans has been recently documented in 10 Texas counties and, although WNS primarily affects hibernation cycles, it is recognized to have significant detrimental impacts on summer bat activity. It is imperative we understand and provide a baseline of summer bat activity patterns prior to the arrival of WNS to better manage and protect these, relatively understudied, populations of bat species in south Texas. We used a mixed model approach and acoustic monitoring to quantify how shrub density, canopy height, distance to water, roads, and bare ground coverage influenced nightly foraging activities of four summer resident bat species in south Texas: Eastern Red Bat (Lasirius borealis), Cave Myotis (Myotis velifer), Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis), and Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis). Total bat activity peaked at 2:00-a for all species included in our study. A secondary, smaller peak was notable between 5:00-a and 6:00-a and activity decreased sharply immediately following 6:00-a. However, the trend for total bat activity differed substantially from trends exhibited by the individual species. Eastern red-bats and Evening bats exhibited bimodal nightly activity patterns and showed variable associations with water proximity whereas Cave bats and Brazilian free-tailed bats exhibited unimodal activity patterns and strong associations with canopy height and roads. Our results support the concept that insectivorous bats partition resources, temporally and spatially, in the presence of other sympatric species. Keywords: Activity, Bat, Foraging, Nocturnal, Resource partitioning

We analyzed temporal variation in abundance of hibernating bats from long-term records (1965-2004) in gypsum caves of the Red Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma, a region lying at peripheries of geographic ranges of four species of bats. Nonparametric correlation analyses were used to evaluate variation in abundances of five species among 12 hibernacula. Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) showed no significant change in abundance among most of its hibernacula, but exhibited one increase and one decrease in abundance in two hibernacula. The cave myotis (Myotis velifer) displayed increasing abundance in some hibernacula (27% of hibernacula, n 5 3) and one decrease (9% of hibernacula, n 5 1). The tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) exhibited increasing abundance in 60% (n 5 6) of its hibernacula. The pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) and big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) exhibited no statistically significant change in size of population in any hibernaculum, although the pallid bat occurred infrequently and in low numbers (#11 individuals) in the hibernaculum where it was detected. The changes in abundance we detected may reflect range expansions of some species (e.g., tri-colored bat) or changes in qualities of hibernacula or other aspects of habitats, but underlying mechanisms are unknown.

This study characterized loss in body mass by the cave myotis, Myotis velifer, in 7 hibernation seasons (October–March 1979–1986) in western Oklahoma. Average mass entering hibernation was 14.4 g for males and 15.4 g for females. At the end of hibernation, average mass of males and females was 11.5 and 12.0 g, respectively. Males lost an average of 2.9 g (20.1%) and females lost 3.4 g (22.1%). During hibernation, males and females lost 0.021 and 0.024 g/day, respectively. We detected no difference in rate of loss of mass between the first and second halves of hibernation for either sex. Males and females lost 3.8 and 4.1 g, respectively, during 2005–2006, when only two visits were made to the cave (October and March). These values for loss in mass were slightly more than losses recorded for males and females when bats were sampled each month during hibernation.

The Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) experiences challenging thermal conditions while roosting in hot caves, flying during warm daylight conditions, and foraging at cool high altitudes. Using thermal infrared cameras, we identified hot spots along the flanks of free-ranging Brazilian free-tailed bats, ventral to the extended wings. These hot spots are absent in syntopic cave myotis (Myotis velifer), a species that forages over relatively short distances, and does not engage in long-distance migration. We hypothesized that the hot spots, or “radiators,” on Brazilian free-tailed bats may be adaptations for migration, particularly in this long-distance, high-flying species. We examined the vasculature of radiators on Brazilian free-tailed bats with transillumination to characterize the unique arrangements of arteries and veins that are positioned perpendicular to the body in the proximal region of the wing. We hypothesized that these radiators aid in maintaining heat balance by flushing the uninsulated thermal window with warm blood, thereby dissipating heat while bats are flying under warm conditions, but shunting blood away and conserving heat when they are flying in cooler air at high altitudes. We also examined fluid-preserved specimens representing 122 species from 15 of 18 chiropteran families and radiators appeared present only in species in the family Molossidae, including both sedentary and migratory species and subspecies. Thus, the radiator appears to be a unique trait that may facilitate energy balance and water balance during sustained dispersal, foraging, and long-distance migration.

This study examines the anatomical structure, function and seasonal cyclicity of the male and female reproductive organs of the cave myotis (Myotis velifer) in Texas and southern Arizona. The data indicated that this is a monestrous, seasonally breeding species that stores spermatozoa in both sexes during extended winter torpor or hibernation. The male reproductive cycle was characterized by asynchronous function of the testes (spermatogenesis) and accessory sex organs. Structural factors in both sexes and fructose levels in male accessory organs were evaluated for their significance in prolonged spermatozoa storage. The reproductive anatomy and chronology were similar to other temperate-dwelling vespertilionid bats. Dextral dominance was a feature of the female reproductive tract.

For insectivorous bats in temperate regions, energetic stresses imposed by the thermal environment of a roost might cause bats to be more selective of prey consumed to compensate for increased energetic demands. We collected samples of guano from beneath maternity roosts of Myotis velifer in caves and barns in the Red Hills region of southern Kansas. Caves were cooler than barns and, thus, imposed greater energetic stress on roosting bats. We analyzed food habits to determine if diet was associated with the thermal environment of roosts in caves and barns. Food habits of adult female bats roosting in caves and barns did not differ, suggesting that females are using other methods, most likely a combination of methods, to cope with cooler temperatures in caves.

One of two (50%) cave myotis, Myotis velifer, and one of five (20%) pallid bats, Antrozous pallidus, from Terrell Co., Texas, were infected with lecithodendrid trematodes, Acanthatrium alicatai Macy, 1940. A total of 22 specimens was collected from the small intestines of these two species of bats. This study documents two new host records and a new locality for this parasite. This also represents the second occurrence of the species since the original description >65 years ago. In addition, three nematodes (Seuratum cancellatum) and a coccidian (Eimeria antrozoi) were found in one (20%) of the A. pallidus. A summary of endoparasites of both species of bats is presented.

Sex ratios of Myotis velifer populations were studied during 2 hibernating seasons within and among 42 caves across a portion of its geographic range in Oklahoma and Kansas. The number of females to males was significantly different than the expected 1∶1 sex ratio in 25 of 44 visits to hibernacula. The percentage of females at the Selman Cave System, one of the largest hibernacula in Oklahoma, was always greater than the percentage of males throughout the season and in clusters of different sizes. Neither females nor males were any more likely to be found at the center than on the periphery of large clusters. The sex ratio of volant young at a maternity roost did not differ significantly from the expected 1∶1 sex ratio.

In the course of a year's investigation (September, 1952, to August, 1953) of the habitat selection behavior of four species of cavern-dwelling bats, some data regarding aspects of the population dynamics of these bats were gathered. This paper is primarily concerned with Myotis velifer incautus (J. A. Allen), although Corynorhinus rafinesquei pallescens Miller, Eptesicus fuscus pallidus Young, and Antrozous bunkeri Hibbard are secondarily mentioned. The classification of Cockrum (1952) has been followed. These bats were studied in gypsum caverns in south-central Kansas and north-western Oklahoma (Fig. 1). These caverns vary from small tunnels to rather extensive underground passageways, and are quite variable in their climate and physiography. Those that are named are colloquially called “caves” although caves typically have but one entrance whereas caverns have two or more. In order to avoid confusion, these caverns have been designated by Roman numeral, but those with names that have been used in scientific literature of the region are listed as follows: Cavern II, Merrihew Cave; Cavern IX, Double Entrance “S” Cave (Hibbard, 1934), McMoran Cave of Cockrum (1952); Cavern XI, Natural Bridge; Cavern XII, Dancer's Cave (Hibbard, 1934); Cavern XIII, Triple Arch Cave (Hibbard, 1934); Cavern XIV, Havard Cave; and Locality XV, an unused mineshaft of a gypsum mine still in operation. Fig. 1 The locations of the caverns where bats were studied. I would like to acknowledge the freedom allowed me by landowners of the region, without whose cooperation this problem could not have been completed. Particularly, I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. John McMoran of Coldwater, Kansas, and Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Merrihew of Alva, Oklahoma. This paper is a part of a doctoral dissertation submitted to the graduate school of the University of Michigan. I would like to thank Professors Marston Bates, Dugald E. S. Brown, William H. …

The treatment of “color phases” in mammals ranges from mere acknowledgment that they exist to descriptions of new species and subspecies. Probably some atypical coat colors are genetic (Storer and Gregory, 1934); others apparently result from fading (Constantine, 1957). Andersen (1917) demonstrated that three “color phases” of Rhinolophus rouxi (Temm.), previously described as separate subspecies, were in reality identical, except that the dark “subspecies” was in fresh pelage and the two successively lighter-colored “subspecies” were in progressively faded or “oxidized” pelage. He suggested that an “oxidizing element” was responsible for the color of the lighter-colored bats. Stager (1942) noted that a massive group of Tadarida at Ney Cave in Texas was composed of approximately 50 per cent apparently typical Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana (Saussure) of both sexes and 50 per cent atypically light-colored female bats. Absence of specimens showing intergradation led him to suspect that the light-colored bats represented an undescribed species. A comparison indicated that the light-colored form averaged larger than the dark form, and it was described as Tadarida texana . During August, 1944, when collections of T. b. mexicana, Myotis velifer incautus (J. A. Allen), and Mormoops megalophylla senicula (Rehn) were made in caves in Texas, the author became aware that the pelage of many specimens was atypically light in color. Thereupon, a study was undertaken, including additional collection of specimens and field data, age analyses, and studies in color variation and molt periods and patterns. Evaluation of these data indicated that, at least in Tadarida and Myotis , considerable color fading follows growth of the new coat; but in the presence of ammonia gas and water vapor in caves, the hair pigment is apparently bleached to a remarkable extent. The bleaching effect of ammonia and water vapor has been tentatively confirmed by a laboratory experiment. Collection of …

Collections of Mormoops megalophylla senicula (Rehn), made at Frio Cave, 9 mi. S Concan, Uvalde Co., Texas, have provided a basis for the following review of color variation and molt in this form. Comparative specimens from within the range of Mormoops m. megalophylla Peters are considered of passing interest. It is not the intent of this paper to contest or confirm the taxonomic status of these forms, although indications are that this group deserves further taxonomic consideration. Therefore, the term senicula is used for convenience only, and the color descriptions must be considered primarily those derived from specimens collected at a single locality. Moreover, evidence suggests that ammonia fumes in Frio Cave bleach the pelage of two other species, so color values assigned here may not be applicable elsewhere. The author has presented evidence in a previous paper (Jour. Mamm., 38: 461–466, 1957) that adult Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana (Saussure) and Myotis velifer incautus (J. A. Allen) undergo a single molt each year, at which time an apparently faded coat is replaced by a darker, fresh coat. The same may be true of Mormoops , but in the absence of year-round collections, this cannot be substantiated. Therefore, for convenience …

The occurrence of bat caves in Kansas has been known by only a few persons. Apparently the only reference in literature is that given by Vernon Bailey in his "Mammals of New Mexico," North American Fauna No. 53, 1931, p. 387, where he states: "in a cave near Sun City, Kan., hundreds were found (Myotis velifer incautus) by Theo. H. Scheffer, on March 8, 1911, in a largely dormant condition." With the intention of exploring this cave, a collecting trip was organized, and in company with Hobart Smith, the writer left for Sun City, September 1, 1933. Here we located and explored this cave and some 15 other caves and sinkholes south of Sun City, Kan. The caves of this region occur in the Medicine Lodge gypsum, which caps the hills of this country. This formation is from 27 to 30 feet thick. The region is semiarid. The elevation varies from 1,900 feet in Barber county to 2,200 feet in Comanche county. The openings of the sinkholes, through which one must descend by the aid of a rope, are some 15 to 20 feet deep. The caves are stream beds which are fed by surface water during the rainy season. They are generally long, but of small diameter, in many cases so narrow that one must slide along on his side some 200 or 300 feet before gaining entrance to a room that will permit one to stand erect. We spent three days exploring the country just south of Sun City and collecting bats in that region. On the afternoon of September 4, we heard of some caves near Belvidere, Kan., but were unable to locate them. The country was explored south of Belvidere to Arrington, Kan. Here we met Mr. C. T. Brooks, who gave us much information in regard to caves of that region. He advised us to examine Swartz Canyon, since our time was limited. We visited Swartz Canyon September 6, finding some 12 caves and large sinkholes. That afternoon we visited the Marehew cave in Woods county, Oklahoma. We learned of many other regions with caves and sinkholes which we plan to examine in the near future. A return trip was made November 3 to 5, inclusive, by Hobart Smith, A. B. Leonard and myself, to study the bats during hibernation. A list of the bats collected together with notes concerning their habitat follows. The specimens collected are in the University Museum of Birds and Mammals, at Lawrence.

Previous treatment of color variation in practically all species of bats has been quite arbitrary, with no consideration of molt and subsequent changes in color. The present paper attempts to interpret certain heretofore undescribed aspects of color variation in Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana (Saussure) and Myotis velifer incautus (J. A. Allen), necessarily describing the time and sequence of molting. Indications are that once each year adults of both species molt into a fresh, dark-colored coat, and this coat eventually fades or bleaches to a markedly lighter color. Molting specimens were designated as such by direct observation, confirmed by microscopic examination of cleared skin and skin sections, which showed that old pelage areas were invaded by the pigmented follicles and early growth stages of new hair. Live bats were examined to provide a quantitative check on interpretations, which are based on skins. Specimens were designated as immature when they showed combinations of small size, lack of fusion of epiphyses of finger joints, incomplete cranial development, and little or no tooth wear. Color assignments are from Ridgway (color standards and color nomenclature, Washington, 1912). Specimens examined in this study are from all parts of the recognized geographical range of the subspecies except Nevada, Utah, Colorado and the northwestern mainland of Mexico. Molt .—One hundred and thirty molting adults were examined, and all were collected in summer and fall. Of 878 Tadarida collected at Frio Cave, Uvalde County, Texas, during July, 1948, 90 per cent were females; 98 per cent of the females were in old pelage, and the remainder were molting. One per cent of the males were in old pelage, 95 per cent were molting, and 4 per cent were in fresh pelage. During August, 1944, 17 female Tadarida were collected at Frio Cave. Two were in faded pelage and the others …

Several field trips to two little known caves in the Edwards Plateau of Texas have yielded some information on the habits and occurrence of three species of bats. Mormoops megalophylla, Tadarida mexicana and Myotis velifer were observed in association in Valdina Farms Sinkhole, Medina County. Valdina Farms Sinkhole and Webb Cave, Kinney County represent two new locality records for Mormoops megalophylla.

On March 20, 1957, H. P. Kirby and the writer found Mexican free-tailed bats, Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana Saussure, and cave myotis, Myotis velifer incautus (J. A. Allen), occupying abandoned nests of the cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonata , under a high bridge over a stream, locally known as Pinto Creek, 18.6 miles southeast of Del Rio, in Kinney County, Texas. The typical mud cliff swallow nests were located in the corners of cavities of “inverted box” shape formed by the concrete and steel under-girding and the bottom of the bridge. Possibly 100 such nests were present at the time of our visit; stains on the concrete at points of attachment attested to the former presence of many more. At …

The cave bat, Myotis velifer incautus (J. A. Allen), long has been known to inhabit the gypsum mines and caves of Barber and Comanche counties in south-central Kansas. In this area, populations of M. velifer range from one or two individuals in some of the smaller caves to an estimated 50,000 to 75,000 individuals in one large gypsum mine. Because of the relative abundance and availability of this species, it is an excellent subject for studies on seasonal movements, seasonal fluctuations in sex ratios, and homing ability. Three important studies of M. velifer in south-central Kansas are those of Hibbard (1934) on distribution, Cockrum (1952) on dispersal of populations, based on a total of 2,000 individuals banded in the spring of 1948, and Twente (1955) who investigated seasonal movements, sex ratios, survival rates, and age composition in 1952 and 1953. A study was initiated by us in August 1963 to gather additional data on the seasonal movements of populations of M. velifer between roosting areas in Barber and Comanche counties. This report discusses the results of that study to April 3, 1966.