Vespertilionidae

  Lasiurus

  cinereus

lay-zee-your-us sa-near-ee-us

Fur is yellowish or brownish with frosty (hoary) appearance; white-tipped fur. Uropatagium is completely furred. The patagium is brownish-black, yellowish along forearm. White patches are present at elbow and wrist. Top of feet and ears are furred. Wingspan 13-16".

Insects - The Hoary bat's insect of choice is the moth, but it has also been known to eat other bats.

The Hoary bat is the most widespread bat in the Americas and is found throughout the lower 48 states with the exception of the southern half of Florida.  They are found in forested areas, especially at the edge of clearings,  normally roosting 3-5m aboveground in a site that is leafy above and open below.  They are frequently found roosting in evergreen trees rather than deciduous environments. 

Hoary bats are solitary for most of their summer range and in some areas during spring migration.  They come together only during mating and most of their long seasonal migrations which are made to and from warm winter habitats in sub-tropical or tropical America.  Traveling in waves, Hoarys are often found in the company of birds which also migrate in groups.

Wisconsin's hoary bats produce twins in June. The young cling to the mother during the day, but are left behind when she leaves to forage at night. In areas of low disturbance, mother hoary bats are quite loyal to particular roost sites. The casual observer seldom encounters hoary bats. When grounded, they may put up a fierce display, including jumping a foot or more at a time toward their adversary.