Symphony of Horizon Logo
Indiana Bat

Indiana Bat

United States of America
Status
Near Threatened

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Forest, Wetland, Freshwater, Mountain

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
mosquitoes, midges, and small flying bugs

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
nocturnal and crepuscular

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Food and Feeding. Indiana Myotis eat variousinsects, primarily Lepidoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Trichoptera. Females appearto shift diets during pregnancy and lactation; lactating females in Indiana eat larger amounts of Lepidoptera (more than 70 % by volume) than non-lactating females. Diets of pregnant females included ¢. 90 % small, soft-bodied insects of Diptera (41 - 5 %), Lepidoptera (30 - 8 %), and Trichoptera (17 %). During postlactation, females and juveniles feed mostly on Lepidoptera (53 - 7 %) and some Coleoptera (13 - 3 %) and Diptera (12: 5 %). Stomachs of four individuals in Indiana in summer included Hymenoptera (50 % by volume), Coleoptera (24 %), and Homoptera (19 %). There appears to be a shift to larger and harder bodied insects by the end of summer. Southern colonies appear to feed more on terrestrial insect species; northern colonies seem to feed more on insects in wetlands.
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Indiana Bat is officially designated as Near Threatened. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to forest, wetland, freshwater, mountain, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of mosquitoes, midges, and small flying bugs. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a nocturnal and crepuscular activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 15 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Indiana Bat.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeUnited States of America
Habitat RangeForest, Wetland, Freshwater, Mountain
Lifespan15 Yrs
StatusNear Threatened
ScientificMyotis sodalis
Registry Info
Lifespan15 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilyVespertilionidae