Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)
Description: The Brazilian free-tailed bat is a medium-sized bat. Its fur is short and varies in color from dark to grayish brown. They have a scent gland located at the base of their throat that secretes a musky odor. Colonies of this species can often be detected by this odor.
Roosting behavior: Traditionally roosting in the hollows of dead trees, this species now favor manmade structures such as bridges and bat houses. They are known to occupy barrel tile roofs year-round in Florida. They live in large colonies (1,000-500,000 individuals) and often roost alongside evening bats, big brown bats, and southeastern bats.
Diet: Brazilian free-tailed bats are high, fast flyers that eat a variety of insects including moths, flies, and beetles. They travel long distances to forage, with large colonies spread out over many miles. They are major agricultural pest controllers in parts of the country.
Morphological characteristics: . They are called "free-tailed" bats because their tail extends well beyond a narrow tail membrane. This species has broad and rounded ears that almost meet at the midline of the head but do not join together.
Range: The Brazilian free-tailed bat is likely the most common bat in Florida. In Florida, they are found in all parts except the Florida Keys.
Remarks: Because they roost in large colonies as opposed to scattered, small colonies, they are vulnerable to threats from humans. It is important that proper exclusion methods are utilized to avoid harming this species, as well as ensuring buildings are designed to prevent them from bat occupation in the first place. Once they are excluded from a building, it is vital to provide alternate roosting habitat (such as in the form of bat houses).
Roosting behavior: Traditionally roosting in the hollows of dead trees, this species now favor manmade structures such as bridges and bat houses. They are known to occupy barrel tile roofs year-round in Florida. They live in large colonies (1,000-500,000 individuals) and often roost alongside evening bats, big brown bats, and southeastern bats.
Diet: Brazilian free-tailed bats are high, fast flyers that eat a variety of insects including moths, flies, and beetles. They travel long distances to forage, with large colonies spread out over many miles. They are major agricultural pest controllers in parts of the country.
Morphological characteristics: . They are called "free-tailed" bats because their tail extends well beyond a narrow tail membrane. This species has broad and rounded ears that almost meet at the midline of the head but do not join together.
Range: The Brazilian free-tailed bat is likely the most common bat in Florida. In Florida, they are found in all parts except the Florida Keys.
Remarks: Because they roost in large colonies as opposed to scattered, small colonies, they are vulnerable to threats from humans. It is important that proper exclusion methods are utilized to avoid harming this species, as well as ensuring buildings are designed to prevent them from bat occupation in the first place. Once they are excluded from a building, it is vital to provide alternate roosting habitat (such as in the form of bat houses).
At a glance:
Measurements |
Categories |
Wingspan: 290-325 mm (12 inches) |
Family: Molossidae |
Body length: 57-74 mm (2 and 1/2 inches) |
Florida occurrence: Resident |
Total length: 90-109 mm (3 and 3/4 inches) |
Florida status: Common |
Forearm length: 36-46 mm |
Roosting behavior: Colonial |
Weight: 10-15 g |
Regional classification: Tropical |
Bats of Florida by
Cynthia S. Marks and George E. Marks; Sep 26, 2006
Cynthia S. Marks and George E. Marks; Sep 26, 2006
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