Order Chiroptera Genus Myotis Higher classification Mouse-eared bat | Phylum Chordata Family Vespertilionidae Scientific name Myotis keenii Rank Species | |
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Similar Mouse‑eared bat, Bat, Long‑eared myotis, Southwestern myotis, California myotis | ||
Keen's myotis (Myotis keenii) is a species of vesper bat. It is found in British Columbia in Canada and in Washington and Alaska in the United States. It is named after the Rev. John Henry Keen, who collected the specimen that formed the basis for the first scientific description of the species. Classification for Keen's myotis formerly included the Northern long-eared Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis), resulting in older studies confusing the species for one another.
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Description
Measurements: Forearm 1.4-1.6 in., WT 0.25-0.33 oz (7-9 g). Average body length 8–9 cm, tail length 4–5 cm. In appearance, Keen's myotis is very similar to other long-eared bats of the same range, with characteristic dark brown patches on the shoulders.
Behavior
Keen's myotis prefers coastal habitats, but is often found in urban areas as well. It frequently roosts in trees and rock crevices. It is nocternal and insectivorous. Keen's Myotis probably exhibits the same breeding habits of other temperate vespertilionids, but there is little data available.
Lifespan
In the wild, Keen's myotis is recorded living upwards of 12 years, while in captivity, it is reported living 19 years.