Little Brown Bat (Myotis)

The little brown bat, or little brown myotis, is a diminutive, mouse-eared bat prevalent throughout North America. Exhibiting sleek brown fur, it shares close ties with other mouse-eared bats, such as the Indiana bat and the northern long-eared bat, but is not closely related to the big brown bat, despite the similarity in name. Little brown bats exhibit a unique mating system wherein both males and females engage in multiple partnerships, typically producing only one pup annually.

On average, little brown bats have a lifespan of about 6.5 years, though some have been documented to live up to an astonishing 34 years. These nocturnal creatures rely on echolocation to navigate in darkness and to hunt their insect prey.

However, life presents significant challenges for these bats. Predators like owls and raccoons pose constant threats, and they are susceptible to diseases such as rabies and white-nose syndrome—a devastating condition that has drastically reduced their populations since 2006. People often find little brown bats roosting in buildings. While they are sometimes viewed as pests, they rarely carry rabies. In fact, many individuals install bat houses to attract them, valuing their role in pest control.

John Eatton Le Conte first described the little brown bat in 1831. The species belongs to the Vespertilionidae family and the Myotinae subfamily, with five recognized subspecies. These bats boast fascinating characteristics: small eyes, the ability to echolocate, and the capacity to enter torpor or hibernation to conserve energy.

Biologically and ecologically, little brown bats exhibit a promiscuous mating system and form maternity colonies. They hunt nocturnally, preying on a variety of insects, particularly mosquitoes. Their roosting habitats are diverse, including caves, trees, and buildings, and their range extends widely across North America.

The severe impact of white-nose syndrome has intensified conservation efforts, and these bats are now considered endangered in some regions. Despite declining populations, dedicated conservation initiatives aim to protect these bats and ensure their survival.

In their interactions with humans, little brown bats are frequently found in buildings, sometimes undergoing rabies testing. Bat houses are a common method to attract them for their natural pest control benefits.