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Description:
The short fur varies in color from dark brown to grayish-brown. Like
other bats in the family Molossidae the tail extends well beyond a short
tail membrane. The upper lips have vertical wrinkles. Long stiff hairs
protrude from the toes and extend beyond the claws. The Brazilian
free-tailed bat has a scent gland that emits a musky odor. A colony of
these bats can be recognized from a distance by the odor alone. The odor
is often mistakenly thought to come from the bat guano.
Wingspan:
11-13 inches
Body length:
2.2-2.9 inches
Weight:
0.4-0.5 ounces
Florida roosting
preferences: Colonial. This
species forms large colonies ranging from a few hundred to several
thousand. It roosts almost totally in man-made structures, primarily,
buildings and bridges. It particularly likes to roost under barrel tile
roofs. This is the most likely species to move into bat houses in
Florida.
Food preferences: Insectivorous. Feeds on moths, flies and beetles.
Reproduction: Females give birth to a single pup, in early June.
Florida status: Common. This is likely Florida's most abundant bat.
Florida range: The Brazilian free-tailed bat is found throughout Florida, except the
Florida Keys.
Note:
This species is commonly referred to as the Mexican free-tailed bat in the
western United States.
Copyright Florida Bat Center 2005
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