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Description: The hoary bat
is Florida's second-largest bat species. Its long thick fur includes
a mix of colors including black, brown, yellow and cream. Most of
the hairs are tipped with white, giving it a frosted appearance, from
which it receives its common name. Because of its unusual fur, the
hoary bat is likely one of the worlds most beautiful bats.
Wingspan:
13-16 inches
Body length:
2.8-3.1 inches
Weight:
0.7-1.2 ounces
Florida roosting preferences:
Solitary. Roosts in tree foliage, tree cavities, behind loose
bark and in Spanish moss. The multicolored, frosted fur of the hoary
bat enables it to roost openly on tree trunks while camouflaged against
the bark.
Food preferences:
Insectivorous. Feeds on moths, beetles, flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers,
dragonflies, wasps, flying termites, and other insects.
Reproduction: Females
usually give birth to two pups, but may give birth to one to four.
Young are born from mid-May to early July.
Florida status: Rare.
Florida range: Found
in north and north-central Florida during the months of October through
April.
Copyright Florida Bat Center 2005
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