Arizona myotis explained

The Arizona myotis (Myotis occultus) or southwestern little brown myotis[1] is a vesper bat species inhabiting much of the southwestern United States and central Mexico as far south as the Distrito Federal.[2]

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 1909 by American zoologist Ned Hollister.The holotype was collected near Needles, California, in 1905.[3] Its specific name "occultus" is Latin for "hidden or concealed".

Description

It is a small species with a total length of 96mm - of the total length, 40mm consists of its tail. Its fur is glossy brown with a cinnamon tint. The ventral fur and its face are paler brown.[3]

Range and habitat

Its range includes parts of the Southwestern United States and the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is found in a range of elevations from near sea level to 2806m (9,206feet) above sea level.[2]

Conservation

As of 2018, it is evaluated as a least-concern species by the IUCN. It meets the criteria for this classification because it has a wide geographic range, its range includes protected areas, and it is not likely experiencing rapid population decline.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Mammals of Texas . Natural Science Research Laboratory . Texas Tech University . 17 October 2023.
  2. Solari. S.. 2018. Myotis occultus . The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018. e.T136650A21990499. 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T136650A21990499.en. free.
  3. Hollister. N.. 1909. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington. Two new bats from the southwestern United States. 22. 43–44.