Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: BAT, SILVER-HAIRED

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: MAMMALIA

Order: CHIROPTERA

Family: VESPERTILIONIDAE

Genus: LASIONYCTERIS

Species: NOCTIVAGANS

Taxonomic Authority: (LE CONTE)

Taxonomy References: 001

Status

NONGAME
STATE RANK S3

Status References: 034 , 005 , 033

Habitat Summary

"Occur in wooded areas adjacent to watercourses. Use snags or den trees greater than 9\" dbh."

Primary Habitat: "Forest matrix"

References: 002 , 006 , 007 , 008

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Occurs in Missouri during spring and fall, probably occurs during winter, no evidence that breeding occurs in Missouri *02*."

County Occurance

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

References for distribution: 001 , 002 , 017 , 018 , 019 , 020 , 025 , 030 , 031 , 032

Distribution by Watersheds

Wyaconda R.
South Fabius R.
Miss. R. from Des Moines R. to MO. R.; and North R.
North Fork from Headwaters to South Fork
Miss. R. from St. Louis to River Aux Vases
Meramec R.
Bourbeuse R.
Big R.
St. Francis R. from Headwaters to Wappapello Dam
Nodaway R.
Platte R.
One Hundred and Two R.
Chariton R. from Headwaters to Shuteye Creek
Chariton R. from Shuteye Creek to Mo. R.
Little Chariton R.
Pomme De Terre R.
Osage R. from Warsaw to Bagnell Dam
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.
North Fork White R.
Current R.
Eleven Point R.

Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence. No reproduction known in mo.*20*"

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

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:

Mature Shortleaf Pine (open understory)
Shortleaf Pine Old Growth
Wooded Riparian and Bottomland Hardwood
Mature Shortleaf Pine (dense understory)
Cereal Grain
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

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 002 , 003 , 006 , 007 , 008 , 020

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Carnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits 020

Adult Food Habits

Hemiptera (water bugs, water boatmen, stink bugs); Not Specified
Homoptera (cicadas, hoppers, aphids, scale insects); Not Specified
Coleoptera (beetles); Not Specified
Diptera (flies, midges, mosquitos, gnats); Not Specified
Hymenoptera (sawflies, ants, wasps, bees); Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Not Specified
Isoptera (termites); Not Specified
Lepidoptera (butterflies); Adult Stage

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 009 , 010

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)
Natural features: bottomland
Edge: woodland/water edge

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 002 , 007 , 008

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Diseased/decaying trees or plants specified in comments(00470)
Human association specified in comments(00690)

References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 002 , 007 , 008

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Natural features specified in comments(00280)
Slope specified in comments(00330)
Trees with dead limbs
Tree cavities specified in comments(00490)
Tree cavities
Snags specified in comments(00510)
Canopy closure (%) specified in comments(00530)
Height of nest trees specified in comments(00580)
Dbh of nest trees specified in comments(00590)

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 002 , 011 , 021 , 026 , 027

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Natural features: bottomland
Edge: woodland/water edge
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Forest openings specified in comments(00377)
Canopy closure (%) specified in comments(00530)
Subcanopy closure specified in comments(00600)
Agricultural crops: small grains

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 002 , 007 , 008 , 020 , 028 , 029

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Natural features: bottomland
Edge: woodland/water edge
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Forest openings specified in comments(00377)
Canopy closure (%) specified in comments(00530)
Subcanopy closure specified in comments(00600)
Agricultural crops: small grains

References for resting adult niche requirements: 002 , 007 , 008 , 021 , 022 , 023 , 028

Niche Requirement Summary

Agricultural crops: small grains
Canopy closure (%) specified in comments(00530)
Dbh of nest trees specified in comments(00590)
Diseased/decaying trees or plants specified in comments(00470)
Edge: woodland/water edge
Forest openings specified in comments(00377)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Height of nest trees specified in comments(00580)
Height of understory specified in comments(00610)
Human association specified in comments(00690)
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
Natural features specified in comments(00280)
Natural features: bottomland
Natural features: cliffs, ledges
Natural features: rock shelters or crevices
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Slope specified in comments(00330)
Snags specified in comments(00510)
Subcanopy closure specified in comments(00600)
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Tree cavities
Tree cavities specified in comments(00490)
Trees with dead limbs

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
018 1-2 young. *02*. Usually 2 young in WI and IA *08,13*
002 Occurs spring, fall, and probably winter, no evidence that it breeds here *02*. Southernmost breeding colony reported from midwest was located 32.5 miles north of MO line in southwest IA *11*
005 Often forages over water *02,07,08*
006 Will forage up to 40' or more above ground in m0 *02*. In NM, found to be between, within, and below-canopy forager. *12*
031 Highest mortality occurs first few weeks of life *02*. Heavy losses may occur 1st winter, as juveniles don't store fat as well as adults *02*
033 Generally migratory, southern part range in fall, northern part in spring, some may stay north and hibernate in buildings *02*. In WI, leaves around October 1 and returns April/May *08*
035 Predators include: minks, raccoon, cats, rats, raptors, and snakes. Humans often destroy bats. Mites, ticks, and fleas are common parasites. Heavy storms and strong wind can be adverse *02*
099 Lactation lasts about 36 days in IA *13*. Young can fly at 3-4 weeks *02*. Young cling to mother's breast until about 3 weeks old *08*. Will hibernate in buildings, rock crevices, and under bark of trees *07*. In IA, forages in 2 distinct periods: 3-4 hours after sunset, and 6-8 hours after sunset *15*. In warm months bats often select night roosts near foraging areas. These most utilized when young-of-year weaned *15*. In or, used more than 1 summer roost and changed roosts frequently. Tended to remain in the same drainage; average distance between roosts .12 km *26*. In British Columbia, average maternity colony size was 12 *27*.
007 In WI, young born late June/early July *08*. In IA, pregnant females captured as late as June 21, median parturition date: June 16. *13*. Mate-late August/September *02*. Copulation started late September in NM study, may continue during winter and spring *14*
017 Gestation about 50-60 days after ovulation and fertilization in nm. *14*
022 Apparently, most mature during first summer in NM *14*
024 Adult males noted only in early June and early September in IA, ratio at this time: 5 adult females to 1 adult male. *13*. Young sex ratio in IA - 1:1 *13*. Evidence suggests that adult females remain in IA throughout warm mos. To rear young, while adult males occur only as they migrate in spring and late summer/fall *13*
030 Reduced activity-evident during spring and fall in IA *15*

Life History Information

Periodicity: active at night
Periodicity specified in comments(030)
Mortality rate specified in comments(031)
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 specified in comments(002)
Foraging strategy: gleaning
Foraging strategy: flycatching
Foraging sites: air
Foraging sites: leaves of tree
Foraging sites specified in comments(005)
Foraging height specified in comments(006)
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Nest/den site: secondary cavity (uses existing cavity)
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Number of broods/litter per year: one
Development of young at birth/hatching: altricial
Parental care of young: female
Age at sexual maturity specified in comments(022)
Sex ratio specified in comments(024)

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
018 1-2 young. *02*. Usually 2 young in WI and IA *08,13*
002 Occurs spring, fall, and probably winter, no evidence that it breeds here *02*. Southernmost breeding colony reported from midwest was located 32.5 miles north of MO line in southwest IA *11*
005 Often forages over water *02,07,08*
006 Will forage up to 40' or more above ground in m0 *02*. In NM, found to be between, within, and below-canopy forager. *12*
031 Highest mortality occurs first few weeks of life *02*. Heavy losses may occur 1st winter, as juveniles don't store fat as well as adults *02*
033 Generally migratory, southern part range in fall, northern part in spring, some may stay north and hibernate in buildings *02*. In WI, leaves around October 1 and returns April/May *08*
035 Predators include: minks, raccoon, cats, rats, raptors, and snakes. Humans often destroy bats. Mites, ticks, and fleas are common parasites. Heavy storms and strong wind can be adverse *02*
099 Lactation lasts about 36 days in IA *13*. Young can fly at 3-4 weeks *02*. Young cling to mother's breast until about 3 weeks old *08*. Will hibernate in buildings, rock crevices, and under bark of trees *07*. In IA, forages in 2 distinct periods: 3-4 hours after sunset, and 6-8 hours after sunset *15*. In warm months bats often select night roosts near foraging areas. These most utilized when young-of-year weaned *15*. In or, used more than 1 summer roost and changed roosts frequently. Tended to remain in the same drainage; average distance between roosts .12 km *26*. In British Columbia, average maternity colony size was 12 *27*.
007 In WI, young born late June/early July *08*. In IA, pregnant females captured as late as June 21, median parturition date: June 16. *13*. Mate-late August/September *02*. Copulation started late September in NM study, may continue during winter and spring *14*
017 Gestation about 50-60 days after ovulation and fertilization in nm. *14*
022 Apparently, most mature during first summer in NM *14*
024 Adult males noted only in early June and early September in IA, ratio at this time: 5 adult females to 1 adult male. *13*. Young sex ratio in IA - 1:1 *13*. Evidence suggests that adult females remain in IA throughout warm mos. To rear young, while adult males occur only as they migrate in spring and late summer/fall *13*
030 Reduced activity-evident during spring and fall in IA *15*

References for life history: 002 , 007 , 011 , 012 , 013 , 014 , 015 , 021 , 026 , 027

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - develop/maintain streamside vegetation
Water - restrict human disturbance
Forest - seasonal restriction of human use of habitats
Forest - maintain wilderness environment
Forest - maintain riparian habitats
Forest - maintain streamside vegetation
Forest - maintain habitat diversity
Forest - maintain old growth forests

Beneficial Management References: 002 , 016 , 020

Adverse Managment Practices:

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
Forest - application of pesticides
Forest - application of insecticides

Adverse Management References: 016

Comments on Management:
Important to educate public so people are convinced that bats are worth protecting. Some beneficial practices: signs at caves with interpretive messages, naturalists working at parks and natural areas, school programs, and brochures *16*. Recruitment and retention of snags to provide roost sites, and maintenance of structural complexity in forests are beneficial *23*. Beneficial to retain large trees when planning timber sales and tsi *26*. Selection harvest may be more suitable than clearcutting. Selective removal of understory and periodic low intensity burning of selectively harvested stands is beneficial *27*. In or, use of riparian habitat (alder/maple) was higher in areas that had been logged *29*.

References for Management Comments: 016 , 023 , 026 , 027 , 029

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 Barbour, R.W. and W.H. Davis. 1969. Bats Of America. Univ. Press Of Kentucky. Lexington. 285 Pp.
007 Kunz, T.H. and D.A. Schlitter. 1968. An Annotated Checklist Of Bats From Iowa. Trans. Ks Acad. Sci. 71(2):166-175.
008 Jackson, H.H.T. 1961. Mammals Of Wisconsin. The Univ. Of Wisconsin Press. Madison. 504pp.
009 Whitaker, J.O., Jr., C. Maser, and S.P. Cross. 1981. Foods Of Oregon Silver-Haired Bats, Lasionycteris Noctivagans. Nw Sci. 55(1):75-77.
010 Whitaker, J.O., Jr. 1972. Food Habits Of Bats From Indiana. Can. J. Zool. 50:877-883.
011 Easterla, D.A. and L.C. Watkins. 1970. Breeding Of Lasionycteris Noctivagans And Nycticeiushumeralis In Southwestern Iowa. Am. Midl. Nat. 84(1):254-255.
012 Black, H.L. 1974. A North Temperate Bat Community: Structure And Prey Populations. J. Mammal. 55(1):138-157.
013 Kunz, T.H. 1971. Reproduction Of Some Vespertilionid Bats In Central Iowa. Am. Midl. Nat. 86(2):477-486.
014 Unpb Druecker, J.S. 1972. Aspects Of Reproduction In Myotis Volans, Lasionycteris Noctivagans, And Lasiurus Cinereus. Ph.D. Dissertation Univ. Of New Mexico. 70pp.
015 Kunz, T.H. 1973. Resource Utilization: Temporal And Spatial Components Of Bat Activity In Central Iowa. J. Mammal. 54(1):14-32.
016 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.
017 Unpb Elder, W.H. Collection Records. 112 Stephens Hall. Umc. Columbia, Mo 65211. (573)882-3436.
018 Unpb Clawson, R. (Laval Field Notes) Mo Dept. Conserv. 1110 S. College Ave. Columbia, Mo 65201. (573)882-9880.
019 Unpb Easterla, D. Biol. Dept. Nw Mo St. Univ. Maryville, Mo 64468.
020 Unpb Clawson, R. Mo Dept. Conserv. 1110 S. College Ave. Columbia, Mo 65201. (573)882-9880.
021 Missouri Dept. Of Conservation and U.S. Forest Service. 1985. Management Of Snags And Cavity Trees In Missouri. Mo Cons. Comm, Jefferson City, Mo. 21 Pp.
022 Barclay, R.M.R, P.A. Faure, and D.R. Farr. 1988. Roosting Behavior And Roost Selection By Migrating Silver-Haired Bats (Lasionycteris Noctivagans). J. Mammal. 69(4):821-825.
023 Campbell, L.A., J.G. Hallett and M.A. O'Connell. 1996. Conservation Of Bats In Managed Forests: Use Of Roosts By Lasionycteris Noctivagans. J. Mammal. 77(4):976-984.
024 Unpb Murray, D.K. 1991. Mammals Of The Ozark National Scenic Riverways. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Of Missouri-Columbia. 457 Pp.
025 Gardner, J.E. and J.B. Taft. 1983. Cave Resources Of Ozark National Scenic Riverways - An Inventory And Evaluation. Nat. Park Serv. Scenic Riverways, Van Buren, Missouri. 84 Pp. (Cited In Ref. 24)
026 Betts, B.J. 1996. Roosting Behavior Of Silver-Haired Bats (Lasionycteris Noctivagans) And Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus Fuscus) In Northeast Oregon. Pp. 55-61 In Barclay, R.M.R and R.M. Brigham, Eds. 1996. 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 Roost-Site Preferences Of Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus Fuscus) And Silver-Haired Bats (Lasionycteris Noctivagans) In The Pend D'Orielle Valley In Southern British Columbia. Pp. 55-61 In Barclay, R.M.R and R.M. Brigham, Eds. 1996. 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.
028 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.
029 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
030 Unpb Mccarty, K. 1997 Collector's Permit Report. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. 573-751-4115.
031 Unpb Derting, T. 1999 Collector's Permit Report. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. 573-751-4115.
032 Lynn W. Robbins. 2005. Personal communication. Prairie State Park, Barton County.
033 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2010. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 53 Pp.
034 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2013. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department of Conservation. Jefferson City, MO. pp. 52.