The Black Hills Fringe-tailed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes pahasapensis)

By Alyssa Kiesow

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Evil and mysterious creatures emerge at night that may threaten, stalk, and attack people, at least according to folklore and legend. Folklore and legend conjure up our deepest fears. But, what really is fear? Fear is derived from the unknown. Many people fear creatures of the night because little is known about these elusive animals—including bats. Bats are often persecuted for their appearance and their habits. Bats are not ugly, blood-sucking vampires that tangle in one’s hair. Such rumors began long ago, thanks to folklore, legend, and myth. Folklore, legend, and myth depict certain creatures, like bats, as scary, problematic animals. Actually, bats are an important part of the ecosystem and provide economic and ecological benefits to people. As a result, many groups and individuals are beginning to work towards understanding and conserving these organisms in South Dakota.

Twelve bats are found in South Dakota. Throughout South Dakota bats concentrate near insect clusters, which usually occur above or below tree canopies and over water sources. But, these areas are slowly disappearing. Due to loss of habitat (e.g., roosts) and adequate foraging areas, six bats are considered rare in South Dakota. Among these rare bats is the Black Hills fringe-tailed myotis (Myotis thysanodes pahasapensis).

The Black Hills fringe-tailed myotis is a medium-sized bat with black, long ears and dark, long fur. Its fur appears darker along its back than along its belly. Being nearly black, the wing membranes have stiff hairs along the free edge between the hind limbs. These noticeable stiff hairs help distinguish the Black Hills fringe-tailed myotis from other bats in South Dakota.

The Black Hills fringe-tailed myotis is exclusively found in the Black Hills. Habitat in the Black Hills—as most people already know—primarily consists of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and undergrowth vegetation. The Black Hills fringe-tailed myotis selects habitats ranging from dry shrub to pine woodlands at moderate elevations. In these habitats, the Black Hills fringe-tailed myotis roosts in caves, mines, natural rock crevices, and buildings. These roosts are used year round. Therefore, males and females are considered year round residents in South Dakota and often collectively hibernate in caves and mines to survive through the winter.

Before hibernation, these bats mate. Females retain sperm in their reproductive tract until the following spring. At this point, ovulation occurs and the egg is fertilized. One pup is born after 50 to 60 days of development. Because bats are mammals, young are born alive. After the arrival of pups, mothers form nursery colonies. These colonies may grow very large—though most colonies average about 20 individuals—and are usually located in open areas of their roosts. During the summer, males typically roost separate from females and their young.

To feed her young, the female Black Hills fringe-tailed myotis must search for food. Usually, food is collected over vegetative canopy or water from sunset to midnight. Prey includes primarily beetles and moths. The Black Hills fringe-tailed myotis has a very graceful flight that is long, deliberate, and highly maneuverable—this flight pattern is noticeable while this bat is foraging.

As a result of their habits, the Black Hills fringe-tailed myotis and other bats are beneficial to people and the environment. Since many bats are economically important to agriculture and gardening and ecologically important to the ecosystem, it is important to protect bats in South Dakota—particularly bats that are rare as the Black Hills fringe-tailed myotis. Because the Black Hills fringe-tailed myotis is unique to the Black Hills, protecting this bat is very important. Education and knowledge play a large role in protecting bats and their habitats. Some people in South Dakota are actively learning and teaching about bats and their habitats. As more people learn to understand bats and their habitats, we will slowly begin to conserve these animals through knowledge rather than destroy them from folklore, legend, and myth.

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