Sola

Info Credit to @/Artificialoddity

Tricolored Bat
Perimyotis subflavus

Lifespan: 4-8 years on average; up to 14 years has been recorded
Diet: Insectivore
Weight: 4.6-7.9 g
Length: 3-3.5 in
Wingspan: 21-26 cm
Max Speed: 11.6 mph

The tricolored bat, previously known as the eastern pipistrelle, is found in a variety of places in North America. This microbat may be small--the smallest in the US--but it is full of personality! Their name is derived from their fur, which has three bands of color on every hair. Due to their small size and sharp canine-like teeth, their prey consists of small beetles, flies, moths, and true insects.

They are cave-dwelling bats that tend to roost alone or in small clusters, seldom hibernating with other bat species. While hibernating, their characteristic fur will collect condensation, giving them a jewel-like appearance. However, due to their cave-dwelling nature, they have been severely impacted by the fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome. Since 2006, the tricolored bat population has declined severely. In 2022, these charismatic bats were proposed for listing as an endangered species.

These little guys are VERY talkative in hand when biologists are conducting field studies! While most of their noises are inaudible to humans, tricolored bats can make a variety of chirps and squeaks that the observing scientists can hear. Never handle wildlife without the proper permits!

• Vulnerable
• Population decreasing