Animal of the Day #2

Today’s animal is... the Pallid Bat (Antrozous Pallidus)!!

The pallid bat is found in arid and semi-arid habitats, from Canada all the way to Mexico! They are common in their distribution, often roosting in tile roofs, tree bark, and rocky outcrops. They also might roost nightly in open porches.

        Pallid bat distribution map 

Pallid bats are about 2.75 in. long (4.5 in. including tail length), have a wingspan of 15–16 in., and weigh 14–25 grams. They have brown fur with pale roots on their back and a light underside. Pallid bats also have characteristically long, forward-pointing ears. 

Pallid bats are insectivores, meaning they eat mostly insects, mainly arthtopods like grasshoppers. They hunt by gleaning, flying low over the ground, and taking prey back to their roosts to eat. During spring and summer, pallid bats have been observed feeding on cactus nectar and cactus fruits. 

Some facts about the pallid bat:

• The pallid bat is listed as of least concern and stable on the IUCN red list.

• Pallid bats are often more effective pollinators than the nectivorous bats they compete with.

• Pallid bats can vary greatly in size depending on their habitat.

• Pallid bats have been identified in the fossil record from late Pleistocene deposits.

• Pallid bats have been observed eating Arizona bark scorpions, the most venomous scorpion in North America.

  A pallid bat being held     A group of pallid          A pallid bat in flight

                                 bats roosting             carrying a centipede

comment below if you have any animals you'd like to see in the future! :]