Western mastiff bat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Western mastiff bat
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Eumops
Species:	perotis
Geographic Range

The western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis) is a very large bat. It is also known as the western bonneted bat. This bat belongs to the free-tailed bat family, called Molossidae. You can find it in the western parts of the United States, Mexico, and South America. It is the biggest bat living in North America. One special type of this bat, Eumops perotis californicus, is considered a species that needs protection. This type mainly lives in the desert areas of the United States near the Mexican border. However, it can be found as far north as Alameda County, California.

About the Western Mastiff Bat

The western mastiff bat has a body that is about 14 to 19 centimeters (5.5 to 7.5 inches) long. Its wings can spread out to more than 56 centimeters (22 inches) wide! It has chocolate brown fur. This bat also has thirty teeth. An adult bat usually weighs between 60 to 70 grams (2.1 to 2.5 ounces).

How Western Mastiff Bats Behave

The western mastiff bat needs a lot of open space to fly. It needs at least 3 meters (10 feet) of clear area below its resting spot to take off. These bats use a special skill called echolocation to find their way around. They make squeaking sounds that can be heard from up to 300 meters (980 feet) away. This is quite unusual. Most bats make sounds that humans cannot hear.

During the day, these bats live in groups called colonies. These colonies usually have fewer than 100 bats. Unlike many other bats in North America, western mastiff bats do not travel to warmer places in winter. They also do not sleep for a long time (hibernate). Instead, they stay active on and off throughout the winter months.

What Western Mastiff Bats Eat

The western mastiff bat eats insects. A big part of their diet, up to 80%, is made up of moths.

See also

In Spanish: Murciélago gigante de bonete para niños