Missouri’s diverse landscapes harbor an impressive array of 13 bat species, from the familiar big brown bats roosting in your attic to the endangered gray bats dwelling deep in Ozark caves.
Whether you’re exploring forest trails at dusk or investigating mysterious sounds in your barn, understanding these nocturnal mammals can transform your wildlife encounters from mysterious to meaningful.
Each Missouri bat species has evolved unique characteristics that make identification possible with the right knowledge.
You’ll discover species ranging from the tiny eastern small-footed bat with its 8-inch wingspan to the impressive hoary bat spanning nearly 16 inches.
This guide covers every species you might encounter across Missouri’s forests, caves, wetlands, and urban areas.
Big Brown Bat
The big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) ranks as Missouri’s most commonly encountered bat species, making it likely the first bat you’ll observe around your property. These robust bats measure 4-5 inches in length with wingspans reaching 13-16 inches, displaying glossy brown fur that appears almost bronze under certain lighting conditions.
You’ll frequently spot big brown bats hunting insects around streetlights, porch lights, and other illuminated areas during evening hours. Their flight pattern appears steady and direct compared to the erratic movements of smaller bat species. These adaptable mammals roost in various structures including buildings, tree cavities, and rock crevices.
Pro Tip: Big brown bats often return to the same roosting sites year after year, making them reliable subjects for wildlife observation if you locate their preferred spots.
During winter months, big brown bats hibernate in caves, mines, and buildings where temperatures remain relatively stable. Unlike some species that migrate long distances, these bats typically hibernate within 50 miles of their summer roosts. Their diet consists primarily of beetles, making them valuable natural pest controllers for agricultural areas.
Little Brown Bat
The little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) represents one of Missouri’s most widespread yet increasingly threatened species. These small bats measure just 3-4 inches in body length with wingspans of 8-11 inches, featuring glossy brown fur that can vary from light tan to dark chocolate brown depending on the individual.
You’ll recognize little brown bats by their quick, erratic flight patterns as they pursue small insects like mosquitoes, midges, and mayflies over water sources. They prefer hunting over lakes, ponds, and streams where insect concentrations are highest. These bats demonstrate remarkable longevity, with some individuals living over 30 years in the wild.
| Characteristic | Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 3-4 inches | 4-5 inches |
| Wingspan | 8-11 inches | 13-16 inches |
| Primary Habitat | Near water sources | Urban/suburban areas |
| Flight Pattern | Quick and erratic | Steady and direct |
Summer maternity colonies of little brown bats can contain hundreds or even thousands of individuals, typically roosting in warm attics, barns, or tree cavities. These social roosting behaviors help maintain optimal temperatures for raising young. Unfortunately, white-nose syndrome has severely impacted little brown bat populations across their range, making conservation efforts critical.
Northern Long-eared Bat
The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) stands out among Missouri’s bat species due to its distinctive oversized ears that extend well beyond its nose when laid forward. These medium-sized bats measure 3-4 inches in length with wingspans of 9-10 inches, displaying brown fur with slightly glossy tips.
Unlike many bat species that hunt in open areas, northern long-eared bats specialize in foraging within forest canopies and along woodland edges. Their exceptional hearing allows them to detect and capture insects directly from leaves and bark surfaces, a hunting technique called gleaning. This unique foraging behavior makes them particularly important for controlling forest pest insects.
Important Note: The northern long-eared bat is federally listed as endangered, making it illegal to disturb their roosts. Report any sightings to wildlife authorities.
These bats prefer roosting in tree cavities, under loose bark, or in small crevices during summer months. Winter hibernation occurs in caves and mines where they often cluster in small groups. The species has experienced dramatic population declines due to white-nose syndrome, leading to their endangered species listing in 2022.
Indiana Bat
The Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) represents one of Missouri’s most conservation-critical species, having been federally endangered since 1967. These small bats closely resemble little brown bats but can be distinguished by their slightly smaller size (2.5-3.5 inches) and distinctive keeled calcar – a small projection of cartilage that extends from the ankle.
During summer months, Indiana bats roost primarily under loose bark of dead or dying trees in forested areas near rivers and streams. Pregnant females form maternity colonies of 25-300 individuals, typically selecting trees that receive direct sunlight to maintain warm temperatures for developing young. These specialized habitat requirements make them particularly vulnerable to forest management practices.
- Roost exclusively under loose bark of dead/dying trees
- Require trees within 1000 feet of water sources
- Prefer trees receiving 6+ hours of direct sunlight
- Switch roost trees every 1-3 days during summer
Winter hibernation sites are extremely specific, with Indiana bats gathering in large numbers in caves with precise temperature and humidity conditions. Major hibernacula in Missouri can contain thousands of individuals, making them vulnerable to disturbance and disease outbreaks. Conservation efforts focus on protecting both summer habitat and critical winter caves.
Gray Bat
The gray bat (Myotis grisescens) holds the distinction of being Missouri’s only cave-obligate bat species, spending its entire life cycle in cave environments. These medium-sized bats measure 3.5-4 inches in length with wingspans of 11-13 inches, featuring distinctive gray-brown fur that appears uniform from base to tip, unlike other Myotis species whose fur is darker at the base.
You’ll find gray bats exclusively in caves located within close proximity to rivers or large streams, as they specialize in hunting insects over water surfaces. Their diet consists almost entirely of aquatic insects, making them highly dependent on healthy aquatic ecosystems. These bats can travel up to 15 miles from their roost caves to preferred foraging areas.
Common Mistake: Never enter caves during bat hibernation season (October-April) as disturbance can cause bats to use fatal energy reserves attempting to flee.
Gray bat colonies are among the largest mammal aggregations in North America, with some caves hosting over 100,000 individuals. Summer maternity caves require specific temperature conditions, typically maintaining temperatures of 57-77°F. Missouri’s Ozark region contains several critical gray bat caves, making the state essential for the species’ recovery from near-extinction in the 1970s.
The species demonstrates remarkable site fidelity, with individuals returning to the same caves year after year. This behavior, while beneficial for population monitoring, also makes them extremely vulnerable to habitat disturbance. Federal protection efforts have helped stabilize populations, though they remain federally endangered.
Eastern Small-footed Bat
The eastern small-footed bat (Myotis leibii) claims the title of Missouri’s smallest bat species, measuring just 2.5-3 inches in length with tiny wingspans of only 8-9 inches. Despite their diminutive size, these bats are remarkably hardy, often remaining active at lower temperatures than other Missouri species.
Their distinguishing features include distinctively small feet (hence the name), a black facial mask contrasting with golden-brown fur, and black wing membranes. You’ll most likely encounter eastern small-footed bats in rocky, mountainous terrain where they roost in rock crevices, cliff faces, and occasionally buildings. Missouri’s populations are primarily found in the Ozark region.
These bats exhibit unique roosting behaviors, often selecting exposed sites that receive direct sunlight during morning hours. Unlike most bat species that seek dark, protected roosts, eastern small-footed bats frequently roost in partially exposed locations under rock overhangs or in shallow crevices. This behavior may help them regulate body temperature more efficiently given their small size.
Winter hibernation typically occurs in caves, mines, and rock crevices where they often remain near cave entrances in areas with fluctuating temperatures. Their ability to tolerate temperature variations makes them less susceptible to disturbance during hibernation compared to other cave-dwelling species. However, they remain one of Missouri’s least studied bat species due to their secretive nature and specific habitat preferences.
Tricolored Bat
The tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) earned its name from the distinctive three-colored appearance of its fur – dark at the base, yellow-brown in the middle, and dark brown at the tips. These small bats measure 3-3.5 inches in length with wingspans of 8-10 inches, making them one of Missouri’s smaller species.
You’ll recognize tricolored bats by their slow, fluttering flight pattern as they hunt for small insects like mosquitoes, beetles, and flies. They typically forage along woodland edges, over water, and around street lights, often flying lower than many other species. Their diet consists primarily of small, soft-bodied insects that they capture using echolocation calls at frequencies around 45-50 kHz.
Key Insight: Tricolored bats often roost individually or in small groups, unlike species that form large colonies, making them harder to detect during surveys.
Summer roosting sites include tree foliage, Spanish moss, buildings, and occasionally caves. These bats show a preference for roosting in dead leaf clusters that remain attached to trees, providing excellent camouflage. During winter, they hibernate in caves and mines, often selecting sites with higher humidity levels than other hibernating species prefer.
Tricolored bats have experienced severe population declines due to white-nose syndrome, with some regions showing over 90% mortality rates. The species was recently listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, making Missouri’s remaining populations critically important for conservation efforts. Similar population challenges are occurring across their southeastern range.
Evening Bat
The evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis) represents Missouri’s most heat-tolerant species, often remaining active during warm summer nights when other bats seek cooler roosts. These medium-sized bats measure 3.5-4 inches in length with wingspans of 10-11 inches, displaying dark brown fur that appears almost black in certain lighting conditions.
You’ll typically observe evening bats beginning their foraging activities earlier in the evening compared to most species, often appearing before sunset during summer months. They prefer hunting in open areas such as pastures, agricultural fields, and forest clearings where they pursue beetles, moths, and flying ants. Their steady, direct flight pattern makes them relatively easy to distinguish from more erratic species.
Evening bats demonstrate unique roosting preferences, favoring tree cavities, buildings, and bridges rather than caves. Summer maternity colonies can contain several hundred individuals, typically forming in hollow trees or building structures that maintain warm temperatures. These social roosting behaviors are essential for successful reproduction in Missouri’s climate.
- Most active during early evening hours
- Prefer open foraging areas over forests
- Form large maternity colonies in buildings
- Migrate south for winter rather than hibernating
Unlike most Missouri bat species, evening bats are migratory, traveling to southern states for winter rather than hibernating locally. This migration strategy helps them avoid the harsh winter conditions that challenge year-round residents. Females typically give birth to twins, unusual among North American bats where single births are more common.
Eastern Red Bat
The eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) stands out as Missouri’s most colorful bat species, with males displaying bright rusty-red fur and females showing more subdued reddish-brown coloration. These medium-sized bats measure 3.5-4.5 inches in length with impressive wingspans of 11-13 inches, featuring distinctive white patches on their shoulders and wrists.
You’ll rarely find eastern red bats roosting in traditional cave or building sites. Instead, they spend daylight hours hanging from tree branches, often in deciduous trees where their coloration provides excellent camouflage among autumn leaves. This solitary roosting behavior makes them unique among Missouri’s bat species, as they rarely form large colonies.
Pro Tip: Look for eastern red bats roosting 3-40 feet high in trees along forest edges, particularly in areas with dense foliage that provides wind protection.
Eastern red bats are Missouri’s fastest flying species, capable of reaching speeds over 40 mph during migration. They undertake extensive seasonal migrations, traveling hundreds of miles between summer breeding areas and winter habitats in southern states. During migration periods, you might observe large numbers passing through Missouri in spring and fall.
Their diet consists primarily of moths, beetles, and other soft-bodied insects captured during high-speed aerial pursuits. Eastern red bats typically give birth to 2-4 young, the largest litter size among Missouri bats. Mothers carry their young during flight until they become too heavy, then leave them in secure roosting sites while foraging.
Seminole Bat
The Seminole bat (Lasiurus seminolus) represents Missouri’s most geographically restricted species, found primarily in the southeastern counties of the state. These medium-sized bats closely resemble eastern red bats but display distinctive mahogany-brown fur with frosted tips that create a grizzled appearance, particularly in males.
You’ll find Seminole bats almost exclusively in forested areas near water sources, where they roost individually in Spanish moss, palm fronds, or dense tree foliage. In Missouri, they typically select roosting sites in bottomland hardwood forests along major river systems where humidity levels remain higher than surrounding upland areas.
Seminole bats demonstrate specialized habitat preferences that limit their distribution within Missouri. They require areas with specific tree species composition, typically favoring forests dominated by bald cypress, tupelo, and other moisture-loving trees. This habitat specificity makes them particularly vulnerable to forest management changes and development pressures.
| Species | Fur Color | Habitat Preference | Distribution in Missouri |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Red Bat | Bright rusty-red | Various forest types | Statewide |
| Seminole Bat | Mahogany with frosted tips | Bottomland hardwoods | Southeast counties only |
| Hoary Bat | Brown with white frosting | Open woodlands | Statewide during migration |
Like eastern red bats, Seminole bats are migratory and solitary roosters. They typically give birth to 2-4 young in late spring, with mothers providing extended care compared to colonial species. Their diet consists primarily of moths, beetles, and flies captured over forest openings and along woodland edges. Similar habitat requirements exist throughout their southeastern range.
Hoary Bat
The hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) claims the title of Missouri’s largest bat species, with impressive measurements of 5-6 inches in length and wingspans reaching 14-16 inches. Their distinctive appearance features dark brown fur heavily frosted with white tips, creating a grizzled or “hoary” appearance that makes them unmistakable among Missouri’s bat fauna.
You’ll most likely encounter hoary bats during migration periods in spring and fall, as they’re primarily transient through Missouri rather than year-round residents. These powerful fliers can travel over 1,000 miles during migration, moving between northern breeding areas and southern wintering grounds. Their migration routes often follow major river corridors where insect concentrations are highest.
Hoary bats prefer roosting in coniferous trees, though they’ll also use deciduous species during migration. They typically hang from branches 10-15 feet above ground, often selecting sites with eastern exposure to catch morning sunlight. Their solitary nature means you’ll rarely find multiple individuals roosting together, unlike many colonial species.
Important Note: Hoary bats are one of the species most frequently killed by wind turbines due to their high-altitude migration patterns and attraction to tall structures.
Their diet consists primarily of moths, but they’ll also consume beetles, mosquitoes, and other flying insects. Hoary bats are capable of capturing prey as large as small birds, though this behavior is rarely observed. Their powerful flight capabilities allow them to forage at heights up to 100 feet above ground, higher than most Missouri bat species typically hunt.
Silver-haired Bat
The silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) displays one of Missouri’s most distinctive fur patterns, featuring black or dark brown base coloration with striking silver-white tips that create a frosted appearance. These medium-sized bats measure 3.5-4.5 inches in length with wingspans of 10-12 inches, making them easily recognizable when observed closely.
You’ll encounter silver-haired bats primarily during spring and fall migration periods, as they breed in northern regions and winter in southern states. During migration, they often roost in tree cavities, under loose bark, or in buildings, typically selecting sites that provide protection from wind and temperature fluctuations. Migration patterns bring them through Missouri twice annually.
These bats demonstrate unique foraging behaviors, often hunting over water sources such as ponds, streams, and wetlands where they capture insects just above the water surface. Their flight pattern appears slow and deliberate compared to more erratic species, making them relatively easy to observe during their evening foraging activities.
- Distinctive silver-frosted black fur
- Migratory species present spring and fall
- Prefer foraging over water sources
- Roost in tree cavities and under bark
Silver-haired bats typically give birth to twins in late spring or early summer, with young becoming volant (capable of flight) by mid-summer. Their diet consists primarily of moths, mosquitoes, flies, and termites, with foraging activity typically beginning later in the evening compared to some species. Climate change may be affecting their migration timing, with some populations showing earlier spring arrivals in recent years.
Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat
Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) represents Missouri’s most distinctive-looking species, featuring enormous ears that can measure over one inch in length – nearly half their total body length. These medium-sized bats measure 3.5-4.5 inches in body length with wingspans of 10-12 inches, displaying pale brown to grayish-brown fur.
You’ll find these remarkable bats almost exclusively in forested areas near water sources, where they demonstrate highly specialized roosting requirements. They prefer large, hollow trees with openings near the bottom, allowing them to fly directly into their roosts rather than crawling through small openings like many species. This preference makes them particularly dependent on mature forest ecosystems.
Their oversized ears serve as highly sensitive listening devices, allowing them to detect even the faintest sounds made by prey insects. This exceptional hearing enables them to hunt using passive listening techniques, detecting insects walking on leaves or bark surfaces. They specialize in capturing moths, beetles, and other insects directly from vegetation surfaces.
Key Insight: When roosting, Rafinesque’s big-eared bats fold their enormous ears back along their bodies, making them appear much smaller and harder to identify at rest.
Summer maternity colonies typically contain 20-100 individuals, usually located in large tree cavities in bottomland hardwood forests. These bats show strong site fidelity, returning to the same roosts year after year when conditions remain suitable. Winter hibernation occurs in caves, mines, and large tree cavities where temperatures remain stable.
Rafinesque’s big-eared bats face conservation challenges due to their specific habitat requirements and sensitivity to disturbance. They require large tracts of mature forest with appropriate tree cavities, making them vulnerable to logging and development. Missouri’s diverse wildlife depends on maintaining these critical forest habitats for multiple species conservation.
Understanding Missouri’s 13 bat species enhances your appreciation for these remarkable nocturnal mammals and their ecological contributions. From the common big brown bat in your backyard to the rare Rafinesque’s big-eared bat in pristine forests, each species plays a vital role in controlling insect populations and maintaining healthy ecosystems. By recognizing their unique characteristics and habitat needs, you can contribute to conservation efforts that ensure these fascinating creatures continue to thrive in Missouri’s diverse landscapes for future generations to discover and enjoy.
