Rafinesque's big-eared bat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rafinesque's big-eared bat |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Corynorhinus
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| Species: |
rafinesquii
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| Species distribution (in the southeastern United States) based on data from the IUCN. | |
| Synonyms | |
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Plecotus rafinesquii |
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The Rafinesque's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) is a fascinating type of vesper bat. It's sometimes called the southeastern big-eared bat because it lives in the southeastern United States. These bats are known for their very large ears, which help them find food in the dark.
Contents
What Does Rafinesque's Big-Eared Bat Look Like?
This bat is fairly small. It grows to be about 7.5 to 10 centimeters (3 to 3.9 inches) long. Its wings can spread out to about 25 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 inches) wide. These bats are also very light, weighing only 6 to 13 grams (0.21 to 0.46 ounces).
Their fur is gray on their back and white on their belly. Their large ears and face are a pinkish-brown color. Their arms and wings are dark brown. These colors help them blend in with their surroundings.
Where Do These Bats Live?
Rafinesque's big-eared bats are found across the southeastern United States. They can live in many different places. You might find them in flat coastal areas or near rivers. They also live in mountainous regions. A good example is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
They often choose to live in old buildings, caves, or hollow trees. These spots offer safe places to rest during the day. They also use these places to raise their young.
How Do They Find Food?
Rafinesque's big-eared bats are insectivorous, which means they eat only insects. They are nocturnal animals, so they hunt for food at night. They use a special skill called echolocation to find their meals.
Echolocation is like using sound to "see." The bat sends out high-pitched sounds. These sounds bounce off objects, like insects. The bat then listens to the echoes that come back. This helps them figure out where the insects are and how far away they are. They eat many different kinds of insects.
Images for kids
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A hibernating Rafinesque's big-eared bat in a North Carolina cave
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See also
In Spanish: Corynorhinus rafinesquii para niños
