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Although bat–insect interactions are often described as an ‘evolutionary arms race’, conclusive evidence for bat counterstrategies to insect defences has been difficult to acquire. Previous studies have indicated that some bats use low-amplitude, ‘stealth’ echolocation to counter moth hearing. However, actual bat–insect interactions have not been documented to validate this finding. We hypothesized that the bat Corynorhinus townsendii uses stealth echolocation to overcome prey defences. We measured C. townsendii call intensities as they attacked tethered moths in the field and in a large outdoor flight cage. We also used three-dimensional videography to document C. townsendii and Myotis volans , which uses intensities more typical of aerial-hawking bats, as they attacked free-flying moths in a flight cage. Source levels of C. townsendii calls were 93.6 ± 6.1 dB at 0.1 m in open field conditions and 81.9 ± 6.9 dB in the more enclosed flight cage, values that are 20–45 dB lower than other aerial-hawking bats under similar conditions. Sound levels arriving at prey were mostly below known thresholds for eliciting late-attack defences. Free-flying moths were 49–66% less likely to exhibit evasive manoeuvring and sonar-jamming defences during attacks by C. townsendii compared to M. volans . Prey also exhibited lower peak velocities and accelerations during attacks, factors that are known to affect bat capture success. Accordingly, C. townsendii had 31% higher capture success against moths overall and 52% higher capture success against the sonar-jamming moth Bertholdia trigona . We conclude that stealth echolocation is an evolutionary counteradaptation to insect defences because there is no known benefit for C. townsendii to use low-amplitude calls outside of predator–prey interactions, and such calls come with considerable cost in reduced prey detection distances.

381. Long-legged Myotis Myotis volans French: Murin a longues pattes / German: Langbeiniges Mausohr / Spanish: Ratonero de patas largas Other common names: Hairy-winged Myotis Taxonomy. Vespertilio volans H. Allen, 1866, Cape St. Lucas [= Cabo San Lucas], Lower [= Baja] Cal[ifornia].,” Mexico. Subgenus Pyzonix; lucifugus species group. See M. evotis. Four subspecies recognized. Subspecies and Distribution. M.v.volansH.Allen,1866—NWMexico(BajaCalifornia). M.v.amotusG.S.Miller,1914—SCMex-ico. M.v.interiorG.S.Miller,1914-SCCan-ada(SSaskatchewan),W&CUSA(SEWashington,EOregon,Idaho,Montana,WNorthDakota,WSouthDakota,Wyoming,E&SCalifornia,Nevada,Utah,Colorado,WNebraska,Arizona,NewMexico,andW&NTexas),andNMexico. M. v. longicrus True, 1886 — W Canada (SW Yukon, British Columbia including Vancouver I, and S Alberta) and W USA (extreme SW Alaska, Washington, W Oregon, and NW & WC California). Descriptive notes. Head—-body 43-63 mm, tail 40-50 mm, hindfoot 8-11 mm, ear 12-15 mm, forearm 38-42 mm; weight 5-10 g. Dorsal pelage of the Long-legged Myotis is dark brown to reddish brown, occasionally blond; venter is lighter. Bare face, ears, and membranes are generally brown, but face and ears often match fur’s color. Snout is short and furred nearly to nose. Ears are medium-sized, with rounded tips; tragus is moderately long and pointed. Calcar is distinctly keeled, and underside of wing is lightly furred near body to a line from elbow to knee; hindfeet are small; and wing attaches to hindfoot at middle of metatarsus. Skull has short rostrum, smoothly rising forehead, and elevated occiput. Chromosomal complement has 2n = 44 and FN = 50. Habitat. Primarily mountainous areas dominated by coniferous forests but also oak and riparian woodlands and deserts at elevations of 60-3770 m (typically 2000-3000 m). Food and Feeding. [.ong-legged Myotis eat a variety of insects (e.g. Diptera, Isoptera, Neuroptera, Hymenoptera, Homoptera, and small Coleoptera) but favor Lepidoptera. In Idaho, feces contained Lepidoptera (49-2% volume, 100% frequency), Coleoptera (31:1%, 100%), and smaller amounts of Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Trichoptera, and Neuroptera. They are rapid and directfliers and have been recorded at speeds of 15-17 km /h. When hunting, they are known to pursue prey through, under, and over forest canopies and can detect prey at 5-10 m. Breeding. [.ong-legged Myotis breed in late summer and autumn beginning in August. Spermatogenesis begins in August in New Mexico but is repressed until winter hibernation months, followed by spermiogenesis primarily in May-August (peak in July). Females store sperm until ovulation occurs after hibernation in March—May. Births of single young occur in May-August. Depending on location, pregnant females have been caught from mid-April to mid-August. Males appear to become sexually active in their first year, at least in Alberta. A banded individuallived up to 21 years old. Activity patterns. Long-legged Myotis leave roosts in early evening well before dark and generally eat their fill in the first 30 minutes of foraging, but there is a peak in general activity in the first 3—4 hours after sunset. Individuals rest in night roosts in buildings, caves, or mines. They have been most active at temperatures of 12-18°C, but they likely have a wider temperature range for activity. During the day, they roost primarily in trees but also occasionally rock crevices and abandoned buildings; caves are not used during the day. In winter, these bats congregate in caves and mines to hibernate. Calls are steep FM sweeps, with average start frequency of 89 kHz, end frequency of 40 kHz, peak frequency of 46 kHz, and maximum duration of 10 milliseconds in Arizona. Movements, Home range and Social organization. During spring and summer, female Long-legged Myotis roost in large maternity colonies that can include hundreds of individuals; males roost alone. They move short distances locally when moving between hibernacula and summer foraging areas. Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. The Longlegged Myotis does not face any major threats, but local roost disturbance is likely a threat to hibernating individuals. DDE, DDT, and DDD residues were found in carcasses and brains of Long-legged Myotis in eastern Oregon, suggesting bioaccumulation of pesticides is a threat. Bibliography. Anderson (1968), Baker & Lacki (2006), Bickham (1979b), Dalquest & Ramage (1946), Druecker (1972), Fenton & Bell (1979, 1981), Fenton et al. (1980), Findley (1954, 1972), Genoways (1967), Herder & Jackson (2000), Johnson et al. (2007), Lacki, Baker & Johnson (2010, 2012), Lacki, Johnson & Baker (2013), Morales & Carstens (2018), Ormsbee (1996a, 1996b), Ormsbee & McComb (1998), Platt et al. (2018), Schowalter (1980), Slough etal. (2014), Solari (2019m), Warner & Czaplewski (1984), West (1993), Whitaker, Maser & Cross (1981), Whitaker, Maser & Keller (1977)., Published as part of Don E. Wilson & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2019, Vespertilionidae, pp. 716-981 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 9 Bats, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 930, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6397752

We conducted a survey of the bat fauna of Desert National Wildlife Refuge (DNWR) in Nevada during 2008–2014. Our objectives were (1) to determine the species present at DNWR by mist-netting at likely bat drinking areas; (2) to compare the bat fauna at White Spot Spring at DNWR to the fauna documented there in 1962–1967; and (3) to assess the possible importance of artificial water sources to bats on this highly arid landscape in relation to an ongoing drought. We captured 480 bats of 10 species in mist nets over drinking water sources; species identifications are documented by voucher specimens. In order of frequency of capture, species and numbers of individuals captured were as follows: canyon bat (Parastrellus hesperus), 223; combined California myotis and western small-footed myotis (Myotis californicus/M. ciliolabrum), 157; long-legged myotis (Myotis volans), 55; long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis), 12; Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), 12; fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes)...

Few studies have examined temperatures inside bark roosts of tree-roosting bats. We measured temperatures beneath plates of exfoliating bark of six species of dead trees used for roosting by long-legged myotis (Myotis volans) from June to July 2003–2006 in Idaho and Oregon, USA, and compared these across tree species and with ambient temperature (TA). Temperature profiles beneath bark oscillated within the range of TA, demonstrating the ability of bark cavities on dead trees to insulate against daily extremes in maximum and minimum TA. Slope position affected the difference in bark cavity temperature from TA during daytime periods, with bark cavities on dead trees in upper slope positions being cooler than TA compared to bark cavities on dead trees in lower slope positions. Differences in bark cavity temperatures from TA varied among dead tree species during nighttime periods, with white fir (Abies concolor) and ponderosa pine (Pinusponderosa) warmer than TA compared to other dead tree species. Mean daily...

We determined the presence of rabies-virus-neutralizing antibodies (RVNA) in serum of 721 insectivorous bats of seven species captured, sampled, and released in Colorado and New Mexico, United States in 2003-2005. A subsample of 160 bats was tested for rabies-virus RNA in saliva. We sampled little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) at two maternity roosts in Larimer County, Colorado; big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) at three maternity roosts in Morgan County, Colorado; and big brown bats at five maternity roosts in Larimer County. We also sampled hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus) and silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) captured while drinking or foraging over water in Bernalillo County, New Mexico and at various locations in Larimer County. Big brown bats, little brown bats, long-legged myotis (Myotis volans), long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis), and fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes) were also sampled over water in Larimer County. All species except long-eared myotis included individuals with RVNA, with prevalences ranging from 7% in adult female silver-haired bats to 32% in adult female hoary bats. None of the bats had detectable rabies-virus RNA in oropharyngeal swabs, including 51 bats of 5 species that had RVNA in serum. Antibody-positive bats were present in nine of the 10 maternity colonies sampled. These data suggest that wild bats are commonly exposed to rabies virus and develop a humoral immune response suggesting some degree of viral replication, but many infections fail to progress to clinical disease.

Several species of bats in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, including long-legged myotis (Myotis volans), are dependent on snags in coniferous forests during summer for roosting and rearing young. Thus, data on roosting preferences of this species are needed to integrate their habitat requirements into shifting plans for management of forests in this region. Therefore, from 2001 to 2006, we radiotracked adult female long-legged myotis (n = 153) to day roosts (n = 395) across 6 watersheds in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, USA, and compared characteristics associated with roosting sites to those of random snags (n = 260) sampled in the same watersheds using use–availability logistic regression and an information-theoretic approach. Model rankings varied among geographic locations, with quantity of stem surface for roosting the best model for explaining roost-site selection of long-legged myotis in both Washington and Oregon. Model rankings for populations of bats in Idaho found sta...

We investigated food habits and relationships between food resource abundance and activity of bats. We identified prey remains in guano collected from 337 individuals in the Oregon Coast Range. Guano analyses indicated that 2 species, long-legged myotis (Myotis volans) and Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), consumed predominantly Lepidoptera; 4 species, California myotis (M. californicus), little brown myotis (M. lucifugus), Yuma myotis (M. yumanensis), and silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans), consumed predominantly smaller insects likely of aquatic origin (Diptera and Trichoptera); and the remaining 4 species, long-eared myotis (M. evotis), fringed myotis (M. thysanodes), big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), and hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), consumed predominantly larger invertebrates of terrestrial origin (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Araneae). We hypothesized that bat activity in riparian areas would be correlated with abundance of preferred insect prey and used an information-theoretic approach to determine whether variability in bat activity was more strongly associated with captures of all insects, of taxa most frequently occurring in the diet, or of particular size classes of insects. We found strong associations between activity of small Myotis species and number of captures of small insects, but activities of larger Myotis species and of non-Myotis species were not associated with numbers of insects of any category.

In the fall of 2005 and spring and summer of 2006, The Nature Conservancy, in cooperation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Cascadia Research Collective, conducted a mammal inventory on McChord Air Force Base (MAFB). The military has a vested interest in maintaining habitat and species by congressional mandate and the corresponding burden of recovery. Six major habitat types were designated for trap-line transects; additional directed efforts were employed to target specific species. The resulting effort documented the presence of 36 species, eight of which were bats. Documented species of note include the western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus), a state “threatened” species, detected by hair-snag tubes; long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis); long-legged myotis (Myotis volans); and the Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis). Mammalian diversity on MAFB was influenced by three factors: water (either open water or wetland habitat); large, contiguous tracts of undeveloped acreage; and continuity with Fort Lewis, a large military base immediately adjacent to MAFB. Additionally, Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), an invasive woody shrub, was found to support limited mammalian diversity, with the fewest species documented in this habitat type. Given the impending changes due to development, ownership, and climate, this survey will be useful to managers as a baseline for focused species efforts and future comparisons.Environmental Practice 10:116–124 (2008)

What determines whether fleeing prey escape from attacking predators? To answer this question, biologists have developed mathematical models that incorporate attack geometries, pursuit and escape trajectories, and kinematics of predator and prey. These models have rarely been tested using data from actual predator-prey encounters. To address this problem we recorded multi-camera infrared videography of bat-insect interactions in a large outdoor enclosure. We documented 235 attacks by four Myotis volans bats on a variety of moths. Bat and moth flight trajectories from 50 high-quality attacks were reconstructed in 3-D. Despite having higher maximum velocity, deceleration, and overall turning ability, bats only captured evasive prey in 69 of 184 attacks (37.5%); bats captured nearly all moths not evading attack (50 of 51; 98%). Logistic regression indicated that prey radial acceleration and escape angle were the most important predictors of escape success (44 of 50 attacks correctly classified; 88%). We found partial support for the turning gambit mathematical model; however it underestimated the escape threshold by 25% of prey velocity and did not account for prey escape angle. Whereas most prey escaping strikes flee away from predators, moths typically escaped chasing bats by turning with high radial acceleration toward ‘safety zones’ that flank the predator. This strategy may be widespread in prey engaged in chases. Based on these findings we developed a novel geometrical model of predation. We discuss implications of this model for the co-evolution of predator and prey kinematics and pursuit and escape strategies.

Las colectas realizadas durante dos años y la revisión de colecciones científicas confirmaron la presencia de 45 especies de mamíferos silvestres en la delegación Milpa Alta. Myotis thysanodes aztecus y Myotis volans amotus se registran por primera vez para el Distrito Federal. Cuatro especies con distribución en la Delegación están consideradas en alguna categoría de riesgo por el Gobierno Mexicano (Choeronycteris mexicana, Leptonycteris yerbabuenae, Cryptotis parva soricina y Romerolagus diazi). La décima parte de los géneros y la cuarta parte de las especies con distribución en la delegación son endémicas a México. Las especies de mamíferos presentes en la delegación Milpa Alta tienen afinidades con dos regiones zoogeográficas con diferentes prioridades de conservación. La parte norte de la delegación Milpa Alta, la más baja, está cubierta principalmente de matorral xerófilo y es la más afectada por las actividades humanas, como son la urbanización y los cultivos agrícolas. La parte sur, que corresponde a las zonas altas donde se ubica el bosque de coníferas, tiene mayor riqueza de especies y es la mejor conservada. Esta última debe ser considerada como refugio de fauna silvestre donde se puedan enfocar los programas para la conservación de mamíferos en el Distrito Federal.

Limited information exists on the foraging ecology of the long-legged myotis (Myotis volans), especially with regard to use of available foraging habitats in large, relatively contiguous forested landscapes. During the summers of 2004 and 2005, we radiotagged adult long-legged myotis (n = 70) in north-central Idaho to estimate the size of home ranges and to evaluate use of available foraging habitats. Size of home range and core areas was measured for individuals with ≥31 locations (n = 30) using the adaptive kernel method, and selection among available foraging habitats was evaluated using Euclidean distance analysis. Home-range estimates did not differ among males, pregnant females, and lactating females (P = 0.52). Core-area estimates also did not differ among males, pregnant females, and lactating females (P = 0.62). Second-order habitat analysis, based on vegetation, showed that home ranges of males (P = 0.01), pregnant females (P = 0.001), and lactating females (P = 0.001) all were closest ...

Bats frequently use basal hollows in trees to gain access to interior roost sites but it has been challenging to verify which species do so because it is difficult to capture bats or identify bats using acoustic methods at these locations. We employed noninvasive genetic sampling of guano to identify the species of bats that use basal hollows in redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) trees in coastal northern California. Guano was collected using screen traps suspended within the hollows of trees in the northern and central range of the redwood, in Del Norte and Mendocino County, California, respectively. A representative sample of 231 guano pellets from 104 trees was selected for analysis; 149 pellets from 63 trees amplified sufficiently for genetic sequencing. Species identification is possible for 8 of the 11 species that were assumed to occur in the study area, based on previous studies using two 190 bp regions of the 16S ribosomal subunit gene. Seven distinct species, subspecies or species groups were identified; all 7 were represented from samples in the northern study area whereas only 5 of these occurred within the central study area. The long-legged bat (Myotis volans) was the most frequent taxa identified. Genetic sampling to identify the species using roosts will be an important contribution to the conservation of bats. This method is noninvasive and appears more efficient than other methods, such as following radio-marked bats to basal hollows or attempting to capture bats as they enter or leave a hollow. New laboratory developments in this field, such as microarrays, when combined with sequencing, will open up domains of research on individual species and species composition at various temporal and geographic scales.

We studied use of day roosts by adult, female long-legged myotis (Myotis volans) in 4 watersheds dominated by ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest east of the Cascade Crest in Washington and Oregon, USA, 2001–2003. To investigate maternity habitat in managed, xeric forests we radiotracked 87 bats to 195 snag roosts and 34 rock crevices totaling 842 roost-days. Bats changed roosts every 2.7 ± 0.1 (SE) days and averaged 3.6 ± 0.3 roosts per bat. Roosts were 2.0 ± 0.1 km from capture sites, and bats moved 1.4 ± 0.1 km between successive roosts. Six bats (6.9%) day-roosted in rock crevices exclusively, 9 bats (10.3%) used snags and rock crevices, and the remaining bats (82.8%) day-roosted in snags exclusively. Most snag roosts were thick-bark ponderosa pine (n = 103; 52.8%) or thin-bark grand fir (Abies grandis) and white fir (Abies concolor) (n = 74; 37.9%). Over half of all snag roosts (n = 101; 52%) were used by solitary bats; 28 snag roosts (14%) housed >50 bats (large-flyout roosts). Ninety-three percent of large-flyout roosts were in ponderosa pine snags. Large-flyout roosts were larger, taller, and retained more exfoliating bark and total bark than small-flyout roosts (P 25 cm diameter, and were lower in elevation than random snags (P < 0.05). Pregnant bats divided roost-days almost evenly between thick and thin-bark snags (52.7 vs. 47.3%), whereas lactating bats roosted in thick-bark snags more often than they did in thin-bark snags (80.3 vs. 19.7%, P < 0.0001). Pregnant bats roosted in both upslope and riparian zones (57.5 vs. 42.5%), but lactating bats spent more days roosting upslope than in riparian zones (73.1 vs. 26.9%, P < 0.0001). These findings suggest that reproductive female long-legged bats choose roosts relative to their changing physiological needs. We recommend that management of forests for sustaining habitat of female long-legged myotis in the east Cascades ensure the continued availability of both thick- and thin-bark snags in early stages of decay, in both riparian and upslope positions.

I found Carios kelleyi Cooley & Kohls (formerly Ornithodoros kelleyi) (Acari: Ixodida: Argasidae) on five species of bats (Eptesicusfuscus, Myotis lucifugus, Myotis ciliolabrum, Myotis evotis, and Myotis volans) in the prairies of southeastern Alberta and north central Montana. This is the first occurrence of ticks on bats in Canada. This is also the first record of C. kelleyi on M. evotis and M. volans. Dates of parasitization ranged from 22 May to 17 October, and the number of ticks per host ranged from 1 to 44 (median two ticks per host). Number of parasitized individuals was significantly higher in rock-roosting E. fuscus compared with building-roosting E. fuscus, rock- and building-roosting M. lucifugus, and rock-roosting M. ciliolabrum and M. evotis. A significant sex bias was noted in rock-roosting E. fuscus in 2000 with significantly more females parasitized. The number of ticks per bat host was highest in 2001, corresponding to the driest and hottest summer of the survey.

Feces from 60 bats representing 5 species and 4 genera collected in central Wyoming in 2001 were examined for the presence of coccidia. Two species of Eimeria were identified in 4 bats representing 2 species of Myotis. All infected animals harbored a single species; there was no multispecies infection. Eimeria catronensis was recovered from 3 little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus), and Eimeria californicensis was identified from a single long-legged myotis (Myotis volans). Both represent new geographic records and the second a new host record. Eimeria catronensis-like oocysts were recovered from a single silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). Descriptions and taxonomic summaries for the eimerian species are presented in this study.

Ectoparasites of 13 species of molossid, mormoopid, and vespertilionid bats from the Trans-Pecos region of Texas were studied, as follows: Antrozous pallidus (LeConte), Corynorhinus townsendii (Cooper), Eptesicus fuscus (Palisot de Beauvois), Lasiurus cinereus (Palisot de Beauvois), Mormoops megalophylla (Peters), Myotis thysanodes G. S. Miller, Myotis velifer (J. A. Allen), Myotis volans (H. Allen), Myotis yumanensis (H. Allen), Nyctinomops femorosaccus (Merriam), Nyctinomops macrotis (Gray), Pipistrellus hesperus (H. Allen), and Tadarida brasiliensis (I. Geof. St.-Hilaire). The bats were netted, examined for ectoparasites and released. Ectoparasites recovered included three species of flea, three species of streblid, three species of nycteribiid, two species of cimicid, two species of tick, and 17 species of mite. New ectoparasite records are given for hosts in seven instances and for the Trans-Pecos region of Texas in three instances.

Wing morphology and echolocation call design have been used to make predictions regarding habitat—use and resource partitioning in insectivorous bats. Species with very different morphologies and/or calls forage in different habitats or in different ways. However, bat communities contain many morphologically similar species, which would be predicted to overlap ecologically. We tested the reliability of such predictions and assumptions by investigating the habitat use and diet of two similar species, the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and the long—legged bat (Myotis volans), in southern Alberta, Canada. We recorded the echolocation calls of free—flying individuals and measured wing morphology. The echolocation calls of the two species overlapped in design, although on average the calls of M. volans were shorter and had higher maximum frequency than those of M. lucifugus. Both species had low wing loading and aspect ratio although M. lucifugus had significantly higher values than did M. volans and was thus expected to forage in areas with less environmental clutter. Field observations did not substantiate this, however. We assessed the foraging ecology of the bats by: (1) monitoring species—specific echolocation calls of free—flying individuals, (2) capturing bats in mist—nets set in various habitats, (3) observing the foraging behavior of light—tagged individuals, and (4) assessing the diet from fecal samples. There was no evidence of temporal partitioning of resources by the two species, but some spatial partitioning occurred. Although individuals of both species generally fed in open areas, M. lucifugus foraged primarily low over water while M. volans fed high above the ground and along cliff edges. Neither fed consistently in cluttered areas despite wing and echolocation call designs that should permit such behavior. Despite the overlap in foraging areas, the diets of the two species differed significantly. Myotis volans ate primarily lepidopterans while M. lucifugus ate a wider variety of prey, including dipterans, lepidopterans, and coleopterans. Our results suggest that there are several levels at which morphology influences the ecology of insectivorous bats. Large differences may influence foraging—habitat choice by restricting some species to certain habitats. At another level, however, we suggest that small differences influence prey availability rather than habitat availability. Bats may select habitats based on the distribution of suitable prey rather than due to direct limitations imposed by morphology or echolocation call design.

Bats are reservoirs for many different coronaviruses (CoVs) as well as many other important zoonotic viruses. We sampled feces and/or anal swabs of 1,044 insectivorous bats of 2 families and 17 species from 21 different locations within Colorado from 2007 to 2009. We detected alphacoronavirus RNA in bats of 4 species: big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), 10% prevalence; long-legged bats (Myotis volans), 8% prevalence; little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus), 3% prevalence; and western long-eared bats (Myotis evotis), 2% prevalence. Overall, juvenile bats were twice as likely to be positive for CoV RNA as adult bats. At two of the rural sampling sites, CoV RNAs were detected in big brown and long-legged bats during the three sequential summers of this study. CoV RNA was detected in big brown bats in all five of the urban maternity roosts sampled throughout each of the periods tested. Individually tagged big brown bats that were positive for CoV RNA and later sampled again all became CoV RNA negative. Nucleotide sequences in the RdRp gene fell into 3 main clusters, all distinct from those of Old World bats. Similar nucleotide sequences were found in amplicons from gene 1b and the spike gene in both a big-brown and a long-legged bat, indicating that a CoV may be capable of infecting bats of different genera. These data suggest that ongoing evolution of CoVs in bats creates the possibility of a continued threat for emergence into hosts of other species. Alphacoronavirus RNA was detected at a high prevalence in big brown bats in roosts in close proximity to human habitations (10%) and known to have direct contact with people (19%), suggesting that significant potential opportunities exist for cross-species transmission of these viruses. Further CoV surveillance studies in bats throughout the Americas are warranted.

Myotis volans (H. Allen, 1866). Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, 18:282. TYPE LOCALITY: Mexico, Baja California, Cabo San Lucas. DISTRIBUTION: Jalisco to Veracruz (Mexico); Alaska Panhandle (USA) to Baja California (Mexico), east to N Nuevo Leon (Mexico), South Dakota (USA), and C Alberta (Canada). SYNONYMS: altifrons, amotus, capitaneus, interior, longicrus, ruddi. COMMENTS: Subgenus Leuconoe. Revised by Miller and Allen (1928:135-147). See Warner and Czaplewski (1984, Mammalian Species, 224)., Published as part of Karl F. Koopman, 1993, Order Chiroptera, pp. 137-241 in Mammal Species of the World (2 nd Edition), Washington and London :Smithsonian Institution Press on page 216, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7353060, {"references":["Miller, G. S., Jr., and G. M. Allen. 1928. The American bats of the genera Myotis and Pizonyx. Bulletin of the United States National Museum, 144: 1 - 218.","Warner, R. M., and N. J. Czaplewski. 1984. Myotis volans. Mammalian Species, 224: 1 - 4."]}

Twenty species of bats (Molossidae, Vespertilionidae) were collected from California, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Baja California Norte (Mexico), and 29 of 404 (7%) animals, including Antrozous pallidus, Eptesicus fuscus, Myotis auriculus, Myotis californicus, Myotis ciliolabrum, Myotis evotis, Myotis lucifugus, Myotis thysanodes, Myotis vivesi, Myotis volans, Myotis yumanensis, and Nycticeius humeralis were infected with Eimeria spp., which represent 6 new species. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from A. pallidus are subspheroidal, 24.8 x 21.6 (22-27 x 19-24) microm with a polar granule and a large globular residuum. The oocyst wall is sculptured, with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.5 x 7.8 (9-13 x 7-10) microm, with Stieda body and residuum of many large granules. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. californicus are subspheroidal, 20.7 x 18.2 (19-23 x 16-20) microm, with 1-7 tiny polar granules, but without oocyst residuum. The oocyst wall is rough, with 2 layers, approximately 1.4 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.2 x 7.3 (10-12 x 7-8) microm, with Stieda body and a globular residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a second new species from M. californicus are subspheroidal, 23.1 x 20.7 (20-26 x 19-23) microm, with residuum and 1 polar granule, but a micropyle is absent. The oocyst wall is rough with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 12.5 x 7.2 (11-14 x 7-8) microm, with a Stieda body and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. ciliolabrum are subspheroidal, 24.9 x 20.1 (18-27 x 17-23) microm, with 1-2 polar granules, but without micropyle and residuum. The oocyst wall is rough with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ellipsoidal sporocysts are 12.5 x 9.0 (8-14 x 7-10) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. evotis are subspheroidal, 21.3 x 18.6 (20-24 x 15-20) microm, with a prominent polar granule, but without micropyle and residuum. The oocyst wall is smooth with 2 layers, approximately 1.0 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 12.2 x 8.0 (11-13 x 7.5-9) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of the new species from N. humeralis are subspheroidal, 22.4 x 18 (21-24 x 17-20) microm, with 1-3 polar granules, but residuum and micropyle are absent. The oocyst wall is lightly sculptured with 2 layers, approximately 1.4 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 10.9 x 7.7 (9-12 x 6-8) microm, with Stieda body and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of E. pilarensis Scott and Duszynski, 1997 and those of at least 12 other morphological forms were seen in the other infected bats; these latter forms were seen in too few numbers to be adequately described as new species.

We radiotracked 16 female long-legged myotis (Myotis volans) in the central Oregon Cascade Range that used a total of 41 day roosts. Large Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) snags averaging 97 ± 7 (SE) cm diameter at breast height (dbh) and 38 ± 3 m in height were the most commonly used roost structures (88%). The odds that a snag was used as a day roost increased as snag height increased (P < 0.001); after snag height was accounted for, the odds of use decreased as stand height within 20 m of the snag increased (P = 0.024). The frequency of occurrence of roosts between young and late seral stands did not differ from that by chance in these 2 stand conditions (P = 0.76). Day roosts generally occurred in upland habitats associated with streams that contained night roosts. Management of large diameter, tall snags that extend above the canopy will provide 1 component of day-roost habitat for long-legged myotis in managed landscapes.

We have compared the echolocation and feeding behaviours of Myotis lucifugus, M. californicus, M. volans, and M. auriculus based on observations and recordings of bats in the field. Myotis lucifugus and M. californicus appeared to detect prey at close range (≤ 1 m) and regularly made several attempts to capture insects over short distances; both used similar frequency-modulated echolocation calls. Myotis volans detected prey at greater distances (5–10 m), made only one attempt to capture insects per pass through a feeding area, and used an echolocation call with a distinct constant-frequency component. Myotis auriculus fed mainly on resting insects, mostly moths. The echolocation calls of this species were of shorter duration, lower intensity, broader frequency range with a higher frequency of maximum energy, and showed an initial upward sweep in frequency relative to the calls of the other Myotis we studied. Myotis auriculus did not increase their pulse repetition rate as they closed with stationary prey, and they appeared to fix on resting insects from about 2 m. This species rarely made more than one attempt to capture an insect per pass through a feeding area.

Jaw and skull morphologies were analyzed in two morphologically distinct species of bats, Myotis evotis (substrate gleaner) and Myotis volans (aerial insectivore). Force vector analyses were performed on five major muscle-bone lever systems to compare the relative adductive forces produced at three functional points (the incisors, canines, and protoconids of the lower second molar) during jaw closure. Relative force produced by contraction of a given adductor was approximated using a modified muscle mass value. Seven angles of dentary position were analyzed for changes in mechanical advantage due to changing muscle fiber orientation. Results of the analyses suggest that M. evotis has a more forceful bite than M. volans , but only as the upswinging dentary approaches closure. Moreover, M. evotis has the potential for a quicker jaw closure than M. volans and the ability to produce series of rapid nipping motions. The masticatory apparatus of M. volans appears well suited for capture of insect prey using a wide gape followed by a forceful closure. These results are interpreted in view of available ecological data concerning the foraging behavior of the two species.

Myotis volans (H. Allen, 1866). Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 18: 282. TYPE LOCALITY: Mexico, Baja California, Cabo San Lucas. DISTRIBUTION: W. Jalisco to C. Veracruz and Mexico (Mexico); Alaska Panhandle (U.S.A.) to Baja California (Mexico), east to N. Nuevo Leon (Mexico), W. South Dakota (U.S.A.), and C. Alberta (Canada). COMMENT: Revised by Miller and Allen, 1928, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., 144:135- 147. ISIS NUMBER: 5301405014014065001., Published as part of James H. Honacki, Kenneth E. Kinman & James W. Koeppl, 1982, Order Chiroptera, pp. 111-215 in Mammal Species of the World (1 st Edition), Lawrence, Kansas, USA :Alien Press, Inc. & The Association of Systematics Collections on page 192, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7352990, {"references":["Miller, G. S., Jr., and G. M. Allen. 1928. The American bats of the genera Myotis and Pizonyx. Bulletin of the United States National Museum, 144: 1 - 218."]}

Maseria vespertilionis n. g., n. sp. (Dorylaimina : Muspiceidae) is described from nearctic bats (Vespertilionidae). In addition to the type host, Eptesicus fuscus (P. de Beauvois), in Oregon, M. vespertiUonis was recorded from Myotis volans (Allen) in Oregon, and from M. luci-fugus (Le Conte) in Oregon and Alaska. The nematode was found only in subcutaneous tissues near the plantar surface of the rear feet of the host. The genus Maseria is distinguished from other genera in Muspiceidae by various morphological characteristics, among which the presence of a Demanian system is important. The lesions produced in the feet of the host are described, and other biological characteristics of the nematode are discussed.

The 0. P. Silliman collection of mammals came to the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology as a gift from Mr. Robert L. Rudd. Most of the specimens were collected and prepared by J. C. von Bloeker and R. L. Rudd. Identifications on the labels are in the handwriting of von Bloeker. Recently, while arranging the collection for cataloging, I examined the specimens upon which the name Myotis ruddi Silliman and von Bloeker (Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 51: 167, 1938) was based. All these, except two already in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology collection, were present in the Silliman collection and with the name Myotis ruddi on the labels. I found that these specimens actually included four species, and that Myotis ruddi is a synonym of Myotis volans longicrus (True). Errors in the technique of labelling and preparing skulls and in identification were evident. All specimens assigned to ruddi were melanistic or nearly so. Six, including the type, are M. volans longicrus, one is Myotis yumanensis saturatus, two are skins of Myotis lucifugus alascensis of which one is accompanied by a skull of Myotis yumanensis and the other by a skull of Myotis californicus. The specimens originally in the Silliman collection were from Monterey County, California. The describers also included one in the collection of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology from San Benito County, California. Taking the specimens in the order listed in the original description the specimen numbers are now as follows: Lake Espinosa, 50 feet elevation, Salinas Valley, Monterey County: orig. no. 6895, J. C. von Bloeker; 87, 0. P. Silliman; 107900, Mus. Vert. Zool. This specimen is represented by the skin of an immature Myotis lucifugus alascensis. It agrees with other skins of this species from the same locality except that it is slightly darker than the darkest (also an immature) of the other specimens. This series of sixteen specimens exhibits a considerable amount of variation in color. The paler specimens had been labeled Myotis yumanensis sociabilis and the darker ones, except for the one referred to ruddi, correctly assigned to Myotis lucifugus alascensis. The skull accompanying this skin represents an adult Myotis californicus. Fading of the writing on the original skull label may have been the cause for the error since the original label shows that the original number had been retraced, mistakenly, after the skull and label had gone through the cleaning process. It is also evident that some error had been made in recording measurement data on the skin label for some of the measurements had been written over and now are larger than those recorded in the field catalogue of the collector. Chews Ridge, 5000 feet elevation, Santa Lucia Mountains, Monterey County: orig. no. 6457, J. C. von Bloeker; 88, 0. P. Silliman; 107893, Mus. Vert. Zool. This specimen includes a skin of an immature Myotis lucifugus alascensis which had been badly damaged when the bat was shot. The skull associated with the skin is that of an adult Myotis yumanensis. Complete evidence that it is not to be correctly associated with the skin is that the skull is perfect and undamaged 48 Vol.30, No. 1

The first record of the long-legged myotis, Myotis volans interior, in North Dakota was reported by Jones and Genoways (Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 69:89, 1966) on the basis of a single male from 1 mi. S and 1 mi. W Medora, Billings County. On 25 May 1966, nine adult females (KU 10693240) of this bat were obtained by Donald R. Johnson in Granville, McHenry County. These specimens extend the known geographic distribution of M. v. interior approximately ld0 miles to the northeast from the previously reported North Dakotan locality and represent the northeasternmost locality of record for the species in North America. The bats were captured in a mist net stretched along the eaves of a house. Johnson estimated that the attic of the house contained a colony of approximately 40 individuals. Because only females were netted, it is presumed that they represented an incipient maternity colony, but none of the specimens yet evidenced gross reproductive activity. Mean and extremes of length oif forearm for the nine specimens, all preserved in spirits, are 37.9 (36.3-39.4) mm.