Species MammalsCave Myotis

Cave Myotis

Myotis velifer

CommonMammal
Illustration of Cave Myotis (Myotis velifer)
Safety note: May carry rabies — do not approach or handle.

The Cave Myotis is one of the largest cave-roosting bats in the southwestern United States, forming dense maternity colonies of up to one million in large caverns. It is a robust, medium-brown bat with broad wings adapted for strong, direct flight over open desert landscapes. Cave myotis colonies in Texas caves consume millions of insects nightly and provide significant agricultural pest control.

Habitat
Desert caves, mines, and buildings of the Southwest
Diet
Beetles, moths, flying ants, and other insects
How common
Common

Best time to see a Cave Myotis

The best time to see a Cave Myotis is February–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 158 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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