Posted on 02/12/2004 9:29:52 AM PST by Coop
Who would I be? I am a Southwestern myotis. That is I am a bat. I am very similar to the long-eared myotis, except my ears are shorter.
How big would I be? I have an average wingspan of 10 1/2 inches. My body is about 2 inches long.
Where would I live? I can be found in the ponderosa-pine mountain islands of Central and Southern Arizona and New Mexico. I like woods with mixed pine and oak, also chaparral and riparian forests. I am a summer resident in these states, but I am very secretive as to where I spend my winters.
What's on the menu? I am especially fond of soft-bodied moths, just like my long-eared cousin. But if we are both in the same area, those other guys will switch to beetles, and the moths are left to me. We forage for insects by hovering or flying slowly over vegetation, rocks or the ground.
What else do you know about me? Not much, although it is believed that I am widespread, if not common in the areas that I like. Since my survival is so dependent on secure roost sites, it is important that you learn as much as you can about my habits. If you can help preserve my favorite haunts, you can help assure my survival.
Elaine Raines, based on information from Arizona Wildlife Views Special Edition.
-----
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.