Habitat:
Diet:
Main Threats:
Fun Fact:
Additional Information
The Indiana bat is a small, brown mammal about 1.5 to 2 inches long. This species closely resembles the little brown bat, from which it can be distinguished by small differences in fur coloration and the structure of the feet. As with all eastern U.S. bat species, Indiana bats feed almost exclusively on insects.
Each fall from late August through October, Indiana bats migrate from their summer habitats to congregate in the vicinity of their hibernation sites, which include caves and abandoned mine shafts. During this time, the bats engage in mating activity and feed in the surrounding area to build the fat reserves needed during hibernation. The bats then hibernate from late October to April, the precise timing dependent on climatic conditions. After emerging from hibernation, Indiana bats forage in the vicinity of the hibernation site before migrating to summer habitats. Studies indicate that Indiana bats typically forage within 10 miles of hibernacula before and after hibernation.
When not hibernating, Indiana bats roost under loose tree bark by day, and forage for flying insects in and around the tree canopy at night. A variety of upland and wetland habitats are used as foraging areas, including flood plain, riparian (along rivers), and upland forests; pastures; clearings with early successional vegetation; cropland borders; and wooded fencerows. Preferred foraging areas are streams, associated flood plain forests, and impounded bodies of water such as ponds and reservoirs.
Protection of Indiana bats during all phases of their annual life cycle is essential to preserving this species. Threats to the Indiana bat include disturbance or killing of hibernating and maternity colonies; vandalism and improper closure of hibernacula; fragmentation, degradation, and destruction of forested summer habitats; and use of pesticides and other environmental contaminants.
Distribution in New Jersey:
The Indiana bat is known to occur in Sussex, Passaic, Morris, Union, Essex, Somerset, and Hunterdon Counties. The species' geographic range (where bats may occur) also includes Warren and parts of Bergen, Middlesex, and Mercer Counties. See Federally Listed Species Occurrences by Municipality and County [PDF].
Winter- caves and mines
Summer- wooded areas
Flying insects (including mosquitos!)
Highly social, female Indiana bats form in maternity colonies to raise their pups.
Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) [endangered]
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Overview
The Indiana bat was federally listed in 1967 and classified as an endangered species in 1973.
During the summer months, numerous female bats roost together in maternity colonies under the loose bark of dead or dying trees within riparian, flood plain, and upland forests. Maternity colonies use multiple roosts in both living and dead trees. Female Indiana bats raise a single offspring each year. Adult males usually roost in trees near maternity roosts, but some males remain near the hibernaculum and have been found in caves and mines during the summer.
Distribution
Species Range:
Indiana bats occur in the forests and caves of the Northeast and Southeast but primarily in the Midwest.