Internal cavity characteristics of northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) maternity day-roosts

This report discusses characteristics of seven tree cavities used as day-roosts by female northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) during the maternity season in a deciduous forest in north-central Kentucky. Understanding the characteristics of cavities selected by bats will help us better understand the ecology of cavity roosting bats and the tree species and condition necessary for providing day-roost habitat. Cavity openings were created by either fungal decay or primary excavators. Length and volume of cavities were positively related to number of entrances. Mean area of entrances was positively related to the proportion of entrances created by primary excavators.