California Myotis
Myotis californicus
DescriptionThe California myotis is easily confused with the western small-footed myotis. Defining characteristics include: short muzzle that is about the same length as width, a sharply sloping forehead, and a tail that does not protrude past the tail membrane.
The California myotis is one of the smallest myotis with a body weight of 3-5 grams and wingspan of 9-10 inches (22-26 cm). |
DistributionThis species occurs over most of western North America excluding northern Canada.
In Utah, records of the California myotis have been across the state but this species has been captured more frequently in southern Utah. 
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Ecology and BehaviorSince this bat is commonly found in arid regions they are found near water sources. They use rock crevices, trees, and buildings for day roosts and will hibernate in caves and mines. They forage over riparian areas and water sources and feed on moths, flies, and lacewings.
Red dots indicate captures prior to 2009 and yellow dots indicate captures after 2009. The yellow line separates the Great Basin ecoregion on the left from the southern Rockies region on the right.
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Echolocation Signature
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The California myotis produces high frequency calls for a myotis species. Their calls are 47-50 kHz. The call signature starts steep and curves at the bottom. It also has a pointed bottom.
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