Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: BAT, HOARY

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: MAMMALIA

Order: CHIROPTERA

Family: VESPERTILIONIDAE

Genus: AEORESTES

Species: CINEREUS

SubSpecies: CINEREUS

Taxonomic Authority: (PALISOT DE BEAUVOIS)

Taxonomy References: 033 , 030 , 001 , 002

Status

NONGAME
STATE RANK S3

Status References: 032 , 005

Habitat Summary

"Inhabit woodlands with openings, farmyards, parks and yards."

Primary Habitat: "Savanna/Shrub/Woodland - woodl"

References: 002 , 006 , 007 , 013 , 014

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Relatively rare throughout state *02*."

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known Likely Unknown Not Likely Historic Extirpated
ADAIR ANDREW
BARTON ATCHISON
BOONE AUDRAIN
BUCHANAN BARRY
CAPE GIRARDEAU BATES
CHRISTIAN BENTON
CRAWFORD BOLLINGER
JACKSON BUTLER
JEFFERSON CALDWELL
LACLEDE CALLAWAY
LAFAYETTE CAMDEN
LEWIS CARROLL
LINCOLN CARTER
NODAWAY CASS
PIKE CEDAR
PULASKI CHARITON
ST. LOUIS CLARK
WASHINGTON CLAY
CLINTON
COLE
COOPER
DADE
DALLAS
DAVIESS
DEKALB
DENT
DOUGLAS
DUNKLIN
FRANKLIN
GASCONADE
GENTRY
GREENE
GRUNDY
HARRISON
HENRY
HICKORY
HOLT
HOWARD
HOWELL
IRON
JASPER
JOHNSON
KNOX
LAWRENCE
LINN
LIVINGSTON
MACON
MADISON
MARIES
MARION
MCDONALD
MERCER
MILLER
MISSISSIPPI
MONITEAU
MONROE
MONTGOMERY
MORGAN
NEW MADRID
NEWTON
OREGON
OSAGE
OZARK
PEMISCOT
PERRY
PETTIS
PHELPS
PLATTE
POLK
PUTNAM
RALLS
RANDOLPH
RAY
REYNOLDS
RIPLEY
SALINE
SCHUYLER
SCOTLAND
SCOTT
SHANNON
SHELBY
ST. CHARLES
ST. CLAIR
ST. FRANCOIS
STE. GENEVIEVE
STODDARD
STONE
SULLIVAN
TANEY
TEXAS
VERNON
WARREN
WAYNE
WEBSTER
WORTH
WRIGHT

References for distribution: 019 , 020 , 021 , 022 , 023 , 028 , 029 , 001 , 002 , 031

Distribution by Watersheds

Wyaconda R.
North Fabius R. and Middle Fabius R.
South Fabius R.
Miss. R. from Des Moines R. to MO. R.; and North R.
North Fork from Headwaters to South Fork
Salt R.
Cuivre R.
Miss. R. from St. Louis to River Aux Vases
Meramec R.
Bourbeuse R.
Big R.
Miss. R. from River Aux Vases to Ohio R.
Castor R. and Castor R. Diversion Channel
Nodaway R.
Mo.R. from Nodaway to Kansas City
Platte R.
One Hundred and Two R.
Northwest Corner of Jackson County
Chariton R. from Headwaters to Shuteye Creek
Chariton R. from Shuteye Creek to Mo. R.
Little Chariton R.
Pomme De Terre R.
South Grand R.
Osage R. from Warsaw to Bagnell Dam
Osage R. from Bagnell Dam to Mo. R.
Gasconade R. from Headwaters to Big Piney R.
Big Piney R.
Gasconade R. from Big Piney R. to Mo. R.
Mo. R. from Kansas City to Little Chariton R.
Mo. R. from Little Chariton R. to Gasconade R.
Blackwater R.
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.

Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Central Till Plains, Mississippi River Alluvial Plains, Osage Plains, Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Cedar Glades
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest
Southern Floodplain Forest
ALL

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Glaciated Plains
Glaciated Plains: Western
Glaciated Plains: Grand River
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Glaciated Plains: Lincoln Hills
Big Rivers
Big Rivers: Upper Missouri
Big Rivers: Lower Missouri
Big Rivers: Upper Mississippi
Big Rivers: Lower Mississippi
Ozark Border
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Ozark
Ozark: Springfield Plateau
Ozark: Upper Ozark
Ozark: St. Francois Mountains
Ozark: Elk River
Ozark: White River
Ozark: Lower Ozark
Mississippi Lowlands
Mississippi Lowlands: Crowley's Ridge
Mississippi Lowlands: Lowlands
Osage Plains

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Aquatic Associations:

References for Aquatic Associations:

Habitat Types:

Shortleaf Pine Reproduction (0-3" dbh)
Mature Shortleaf Pine (open understory)
Shortleaf Pine Old Growth
Limestone Glade
Wooded Riparian and Bottomland Hardwood
Mature Shortleaf Pine (dense understory)
Cereal Grain
Perennial Grass (Warm season)
Perennial Grass (cool-season)
Shrub-Grass
Fruiting Tree-Shrub
Savanna (Shrub-Fruiting Tree)
Savanna (Grass-Shrub)
Edge (Forest-Field)
Oak-Hickory Regeneration (0-3 years)
Oak-Hickory Regeneration: (3-10 years)
Immature Hardwoods (Poles/Saplings, 3-9" dbh)
Mature Oak-Hickory (9" + dbh, open understory)
Mature Oak-Hickory: (9" + dbh, dense understory)
Oak-Hickory Old Growth

References for Habitat Types: 003

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Forest
Upland forest
Dry Forest
Dry-Mesic Forest
Mesic Forest
Upland Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Dry Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Dry-Mesic Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Mesic Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Upland Chert Forest
Dry Chert Forest
Dry-Mesic Chert Forest
Upland Sandstone Forest
Dry Sandstone Forest
Dry-Mesic Sandstone Forest
Mesic Sandstone Forest
Upland Sand Forest
Dry Sand Forest
Dry-Mesic Sand Forest
Mesic Sand Forest
Upland Igneous Forest
Dry Igneous Forest
Dry-Mesic Igneous Forest
Mesic Igneous Forest
Bottomland Forest
Dry-Mesic Bottomland Forest
Mesic Bottomland Forest
Wet-Mesic Bottomland Forest
Flatwoods
Savanna
Limestone/Dolomite Savanna
Chert Savanna
Sandstone Savanna
Sand Savanna
Igneous Savanna
Prairie
Dry Prairie
Dry-Mesic Prairie
Mesic Prairie
Wet-Mesic Prairie
Limestone/Dolomite Prairie
Dry Limestone/Dolomite Prairie
Dry-Mesic Limestone/Dolomite Prairie
Chert Prairie
Dry Chert Prairie
Dry-Mesic Chert Prairie
Sandstone/Shale Prairie
Dry Sandstone/Shale Prairie
Dry-Mesic Sandstone/Shale Prairie
Sand Prairie
Dry Sand Prairie
Dry-Mesic Sand Prairie
Hardpan Prairie
Primary
Glade
Limestone Glade
Dolomite Glade
Chert Glade
Sandstone Glade
Shale Glade
Igneous Glade

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 003 , 002 , 006 , 007

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Carnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Neuroptera (fishflies, snakeflies, dobsonflies, lacewings, antlions); Not Specified
Coleoptera (beetles); Not Specified
Lepidoptera (butterflies); Not Specified
Diptera (flies, midges, mosquitos, gnats); Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified
Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies); Not Specified

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits 022 , 024

Adult Food Habits

Neuroptera (fishflies, snakeflies, dobsonflies, lacewings, antlions); Not Specified
Coleoptera (beetles); Not Specified
Lepidoptera (butterflies); Not Specified
Diptera (flies, midges, mosquitos, gnats); Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified
Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies); Not Specified

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 024 , 025 , 002 , 009 , 014 , 015

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

References for feeding larvae niche requirements:

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Edge: woodland/old field edge
Edge: woodland/grassland edge
Edge: woodland/water edge

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 002 , 006 , 007

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Aspect: southeast
Aspect: south
Aspect specified in comments(00340)

References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 016 , 024 , 002 , 006 , 007

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Edge: woodland/old field edge
Edge: woodland/grassland edge
Edge: woodland/water edge
Human association: residential lawn/ornamental trees/shrubs
Human association: public city parks
Human association: public residential parks
Human association: wooded farmsteads

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 006

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Edge: woodland/old field edge
Edge: woodland/grassland edge
Edge: woodland/water edge
Successional stage: abandoned field
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Successional stage: climax grassland
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Canopy closure (%) specified in comments(00530)
Agricultural crops specified in comments(00670)

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 022 , 026 , 027 , 002 , 006 , 007

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Edge: woodland/old field edge
Edge: woodland/grassland edge
Edge: woodland/water edge
Successional stage: abandoned field
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Successional stage: climax grassland
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Canopy closure (%) specified in comments(00530)
Agricultural crops specified in comments(00670)

References for resting adult niche requirements: 016 , 024 , 026 , 002 , 006 , 007

Niche Requirement Summary

Agricultural crops specified in comments(00670)
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Aspect specified in comments(00340)
Aspect: south
Aspect: southeast
Canopy closure (%) specified in comments(00530)
Edge: woodland/grassland edge
Edge: woodland/old field edge
Edge: woodland/water edge
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Human association: public city parks
Human association: public residential parks
Human association: residential lawn/ornamental trees/shrubs
Human association: wooded farmsteads
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Successional stage: abandoned field
Successional stage: climax grassland
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Trees with dead limbs

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
018 1-2 young *02*. Usually 2 *06,08*
024 In IA study, young sex ratio 5 males: 1 female *10*
005 Forage above the forest canopy, over wetlands and water *26*, sometimes over cropfields and grassland *22*.
007 Breed late summer/early fall in MO, eggs shed in spring, young born late May to early July *02*. In NM study, copulation started September 8 and May continue during winter and spring, most females were pregnant when they arrived in April *18*
008 Sexes segregated late spring/summer *07*. No nursery colonies formed, but several individuals may occur together. *02*
099 Roost sites generally provide dense cover above and at sides, with open space below. *16*. Roost sites usually 10-15' above ground and at edge of clearing *02*. Lactation period about 30 days *18*. Young are left clinging to leaf while females forages *08*. Young can fly about 1 month old *07*. In IA, 1st volant young captured July 22 *10*. Life expectancy: 6-7 years. Potential longevity: 12-14 years. *06*. Emerge late in evening to hunt. *07,06,08*. In IA, forage 4-5 hours after sunset *11*. Often select night roosts near foraging areas during warm months. Maximally utilized once young-of-year weaned *11*. Heavy precipitation usually terminated activity *11*. Though considered tree bats, many have been found in 3 caves in pulaski county, MO where bats apparently entered deep into caves and died. Climate averaged 58.7 degrees F. and humidity averaged 93% in these caves. Phenomena not explained *17*.
017 Gestation apparently 8 months, but fertilization may take place in spring when eggs released, making gestation about 90 days *06*
033 In IA, earliest spring record - May 29. No adult males recorded from state *12*. Most migrate from MO in October and November to more southern latitudes, return spring *02*. In WI, migrate by mid October *06*
035 Predators include: minks, raccoons, cats, rats, raptors, and snakes. Man destroys some. Mites, tick, fleas common. Heavy winds and storms adverse *02*

Life History Information

Periodicity: active at night
Migration patterns specified in comments(033)
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: spring/summer/fall
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Foraging strategy: flycatching
Foraging sites: air
Foraging sites specified in comments(005)
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Mating system specified in comments(008)
Nest/den site: trees
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Development of young at birth/hatching: altricial
Parental care of young: female
Sex ratio specified in comments(024)

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
018 1-2 young *02*. Usually 2 *06,08*
024 In IA study, young sex ratio 5 males: 1 female *10*
005 Forage above the forest canopy, over wetlands and water *26*, sometimes over cropfields and grassland *22*.
007 Breed late summer/early fall in MO, eggs shed in spring, young born late May to early July *02*. In NM study, copulation started September 8 and May continue during winter and spring, most females were pregnant when they arrived in April *18*
008 Sexes segregated late spring/summer *07*. No nursery colonies formed, but several individuals may occur together. *02*
099 Roost sites generally provide dense cover above and at sides, with open space below. *16*. Roost sites usually 10-15' above ground and at edge of clearing *02*. Lactation period about 30 days *18*. Young are left clinging to leaf while females forages *08*. Young can fly about 1 month old *07*. In IA, 1st volant young captured July 22 *10*. Life expectancy: 6-7 years. Potential longevity: 12-14 years. *06*. Emerge late in evening to hunt. *07,06,08*. In IA, forage 4-5 hours after sunset *11*. Often select night roosts near foraging areas during warm months. Maximally utilized once young-of-year weaned *11*. Heavy precipitation usually terminated activity *11*. Though considered tree bats, many have been found in 3 caves in pulaski county, MO where bats apparently entered deep into caves and died. Climate averaged 58.7 degrees F. and humidity averaged 93% in these caves. Phenomena not explained *17*.
017 Gestation apparently 8 months, but fertilization may take place in spring when eggs released, making gestation about 90 days *06*
033 In IA, earliest spring record - May 29. No adult males recorded from state *12*. Most migrate from MO in October and November to more southern latitudes, return spring *02*. In WI, migrate by mid October *06*
035 Predators include: minks, raccoons, cats, rats, raptors, and snakes. Man destroys some. Mites, tick, fleas common. Heavy winds and storms adverse *02*

References for life history: 016 , 017 , 018 , 022 , 026 , 002 , 006 , 007 , 008 , 009 , 010 , 011 , 012

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Shrub/brush - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Shrub/brush - maintain riparian habitats
Shrub/brush - develop/maintain edge (ecotones)
Shrub/brush - maintain streamside vegetation
Water - develop/maintain lakes/ponds
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - develop/maintain streamside vegetation
Water - restrict human disturbance
Agricultural - seasonal restriction of human use of habitat
Agricultural - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Agricultural - maintain riparian habitats
Agricultural - develop/maintain edge (ecotones)
Agricultural - maintain streamside vegetation
Agricultural - maintain habitat diversity
Agricultural - develop/maintain hedgerows
Agricultural - maintain woodlots
Agricultural - develop/maintain windbreaks
Forest - seasonal restriction of human use of habitats
Forest - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Forest - maintain early stage of ecological succession
Forest - maintain wilderness environment
Forest - maintain riparian habitats
Forest - develop/maintain edge (ecotones)
Forest - maintain streamside vegetation
Forest - maintain habitat diversity
Forest - even age timber management
Forest - reforestation
Forest - maintain old growth forests
Grassland - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Grassland - maintain riparian habitats
Grassland - develop/maintain edge (ecotones)
Grassland - maintain streamside vegetation

Beneficial Management References: 022 , 002 , 013

Adverse Managment Practices:

Shrub/brush - application of pesticides
Shrub/brush - application of insecticides
Water - application of pesticides
Water - application of insecticides
Water - dredging and filling
Water - navigational improvements (channelization, dams, locks)
Water - stream channelization
Water - drainage of wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Agricultural - application of pesticides
Agricultural - application of insecticides
Forest - application of pesticides
Forest - application of insecticides
Grassland - application of pesticides
Grassland - application of insecticides

Adverse Management References: 002 , 013

Comments on Management:
Important to educate public so people are convinced that bats are worth protecting. Beneficial practices: interpretive signs at caves, school programs, naturalists working at parks, and distribution of informative brochures. *13*

References for Management Comments: 013

References

Reference Code Citation
001 Hall, E.R. 1981. The Mammals Of North America, 2nd Ed. John Wiley And Sons, Inc. New York. 1181pp.
002 Schwartz, C.W. and E.R. Schwartz. 1981. The Wild Mammals Of Missouri 2nd Ed. Univ. Of Missouri Press And Mo Dept. Of Conservation, Columbia, Mo. 356 Pp.
003 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
004 Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
005 The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
006 Jackson, H.H.T. 1961. Mammals Of Wisconsin. The Univ. Of Wisconsin Press. Madison. 504pp.
007 Banfield, A.W.F. 1974. The Mammals Of Canada. Univ. Of Toronto Press Toronto and Buffalo. 438pp.
008 Barbour, R.W. and W.H. Davis. 1969. Bats Of America. Univ. Press Of Kentucky. Lexington. 285 Pp.
009 Black, H.L. 1974. A North Temperate Bat Community: Structure And Prey Populations. J. Mammal. 55(1):138-157.
010 Kunz, T.H. 1971. Reproduction Of Some Vespertilionid Bats In Central Iowa. Am. Midl. Nat. 86(2):477-486.
011 Kunz, T.H. 1973. Resource Utilization: Temporal And Spatial Components Of Bat Activity In Central Iowa. J. Mammal. 54(1):14-32.
012 Kunz, T.H. and D.A. Schlitter. 1968. An Annotated Checklist Of Bats From Iowa. Trans. Ks Acad. Sci. 71(2):166-175.
013 Laval, R.K. and M.L. Laval. 1980. Ecological Studies And Management Of Missouri Bats, With Emphasis On Cave Dwelling Species. Mo. Dept. Of Conserv. Terr. Ser. #8. 53 Pp.
014 Whitaker, J.O., Jr., C. Maser, and L.E. Keller. 1977. Food Habits Of Bats Of Western Oregon. Nw Sci. 51(1):46-55.
015 Whitaker, J.O., Jr. 1972. Food Habits Of Bats From Indiana. Can J. Zool. 50:877-883.
016 Constantine, D.G. 1966. Ecological Observations On Lasiurine Bats In Iowa. J. Mammal. 47(1):34-41.
017 Myers, R.F. 1960. Lasiurus From Missouri Caves. J. Mammal. 41(1): 114-117.
018 Unpb Druecker, J.D. 1972. Aspects Of Reproduction In Myotis Volans, Lasionycteris Noctivagans, And Lasiurus Cinerius. Ph.D. Dissertation Univ. Of New Mexico. 70pp.
019 Unpb Elder, W.H. Collection Records. 112 Stephens Hall. Umc. Columbia, Mo 65211. (573)882-3436.
020 Unpb Clawson, R. (Laval Field Notes) Mo Dept. Conserv. 1110 S. College Ave. Columbia, Mo 65201. (573)882-9880.
021 Unpb Easterla, D. Biol. Dept. Nw Mo St. Univ. Maryville, Mo 64468.
022 Unpb Clawson, R. Mo Dept. Conserv. 1110 S. College Ave. Columbia, Mo 65201. (573)882-9880.
023 Unpb Gardner, G. and T. Gardner. #30 Rolla Gardens. Rolla, Mo 65401. (573)364-5421.
024 Rolseth, S.L., C.E. Koehler and R.M.R. Barclay. 1994. Differences In The Diets Of Juvenile And Adult Hoary Bats, Lasiurus Cinereus. J. Mammal. 75:394-398.
025 Hickey, M.B., L. Acharya and S. Pennington. 1996. Resource Partitioning By Two Species Of Vespertilionid Bats (Lasiurus Cinereus And Lasiurus Borealis) Feeding Around Street Lights. J. Mammal. 77(2):325-334.
026 Marcot, B.G. 1996. An Ecosystem Context For Bat Management: A Case Study Of The Interior Columbia River Basin, U.S.A. Pp 19-36 In Barclay, R.M.R. and R.M. Brigham. (Eds.) Bats And Forest Symposium, October 19-21, 1995. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Res. Br., B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C. Work Pap. 23/1996. 292 Pp.
027 Jung, T.S., I.D. Thompson, R.D. Titman and A.P. Applejohn. 1999. Habitat Selection By Forest Bats In Relation To Mixed-Wood Stand Types And Structure In Central Ontario. J. Wildl. Manage. 63(4):1306
028 Unpb Bossi, D. 1997 Collector's Permit Report. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. 573-751-4115.
029 Unpb Mccarty, K. 1996 Collector's Permit Report. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. 573-751-4115.
030 Baker, R.J., L.C. Bradley, R.D. Bradley, J.W. Dragoo, M.D. Engstrom, R.S. Hoffman, C.A. Jones, F. Reid, D.W. Rice, and C. Jones. 2003. Revised checklist of North American mammals north of Mexico, 2003. Occasional Papers. Museum of Texas Tech University Number 229. 23p.
031 Lynn W. Robbins. 2005. Personal communication. Prairie State Park, Barton County.
032 MISSOURI NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM. 2019. MISSOURI SPECIES AND COMMUNITIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN CHECKLIST. MISSOURI DEPT. OF CONSERVATION. JEFFERSON CITY, MO. PP.54.
033 The Mammal Diversity Database of the American Society of Mammalogists. 02/22/2023. https://www.mammaldiversity.org/index.html