Fringed myotis

Myotis thysanodes, or the fringed myotis, has the shortest ears of the long-eared myotis group. The fringed myotis gets its name from the distinct fringe of short, wire-like hairs found on the membrane between its hind legs. Ear length is about and they project roughly beyond its snout. Sexual dimorphism is seen in this species with males being much smaller than their female counterparts. Northern populations tend to have darker coloration. The dental formula of Myotis thysanodes is . == Ecology ==

Diet The diet of the fringed myotis consists mainly of beetles (60 to 73%) and other flying insects, mainly moths (36-40%), which appear later in the evening, as well as arachnids and orthopterans. Additionally, it has been suggested that the wire-like hairs along its interfemoral membrane act to help trap the insects it catches in flight. The fringed myotis has been known to hover, and to land on the ground in search of prey. The fringed myotis typically inhabits elevations of 1,200-2,100 m but has been observed at altitudes as high as 2,850 m in New Mexico and as low as 150 m in California. == Behavior ==

Roosting This species has been reported to have used a wide variety of structures such as caves, mines, and buildings as day roosts during the summer months. Unfortunately, roosting behaviors during the winter months are largely unknown. Activity The fringed myotis is nocturnal, being active within five hours after sunset and having the greatest activity one to two hours after sunset. The gestation period will typically last from 50 to 60 days resulting in the young being born in late June to mid-July. Each litter produces only one pup and in this species, it's extraordinarily large. The newborn's weight can be up to 22%, and its length up to 54%, of the mother's. For the first couple weeks of their life, the young will stay in special "maternity roosts" where several females will stay behind to nurse the young while the other females leave the roost each night to forage. Although not entirely precocial, the pups are able to fly just over two weeks after birth. ==See also==