Florida Bat Conservancy

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All About Florida's Bats

Learn about Florida’s incredible bats, their importance to our environment, and how you can help protect them.

Bats are Unique

Although some mammals can glide, bats are the only mammals that can truly fly. Scientists have classified bats into a unique group or order called Chiroptera, meaning “hand wing.” Their wings are much like our hands, but with longer fingers connected by a thin, durable membrane. Worldwide, there are over 1,000 species of bats. Fossil records indicate that bats have existed for more than 65 million years. Today they inhabit nearly every part of the world except Antarctica and the most extreme desert regions, with the greatest diversity found in tropical climates. Bats eat a variety of foods including insects, fruit, nectar, fish, and small vertebrates. Only three species feed on blood. Bats also vary greatly in size, shape, and color. The largest is the Malayan Flying Fox, while one of the smallest is the Bumblebee Bat of Thailand. Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind. Along with excellent eyesight, many species use ultrasonic echolocation to navigate and locate prey in total darkness.

Bats are Beneficial

Approximately seventy percent of the world’s bats feed primarily on insects. A single bat can consume thousands of insects in one night, making bats one of nature’s most effective forms of natural pest control. The estimated 22 million Mexican free-tailed bats that roost in Bracken Cave, Texas consume approximately 250 tons of insects each night, many of which are agricultural pests. Fruit- and nectar-feeding bats play an equally important role by dispersing seeds and pollinating plants throughout tropical ecosystems. Crops such as bananas, mangoes, figs, avocados, and agaves benefit directly from bats.

Bats are Misunderstood

Bats are surrounded by myths and misconceptions. They are not blind, they do not intentionally attack people, and they are not rodents. Instead, bats belong to their own scientific order known as Chiroptera. Vampire bats are not found in the United States. They occur naturally only in parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. While rabies can occur in bats, only a very small percentage of wild bats are infected. Like any wild animal, bats should never be handled with bare hands. If a bat appears sick or injured, contact a licensed wildlife professional. Never handle or attempt to play with any wild animal. Wildlife should always be observed from a safe distance.

Bats are Threatened

Habitat destruction and disturbance of roosting sites remain the greatest threats facing Florida’s native bats. Loss of mature trees, cave disturbance, and urban development continue to reduce available habitat. Education, conservation, and the protection of natural roosting sites are essential to maintaining healthy bat populations throughout Florida.

Bats Need Help

Everyone can help protect bats by learning more about them and sharing accurate information with others. Installing properly designed bat houses provides safe places for bats to roost while also reducing insect populations around homes and neighborhoods. Supporting wildlife conservation organizations and protecting natural habitats helps ensure that Florida’s native bat populations continue to thrive for future generations.

Florida's Bats

Florida is home to thirteen native bat species that are either year-round or seasonal residents. Every native Florida bat feeds primarily on insects, providing enormous ecological benefits throughout the state. Seven additional species have occasionally been documented in Florida but are considered accidental visitors rather than permanent residents.

Big Brown Bat

Scientific Name: Eptesicus fuscus Family: Vespertilionidae Description: The fur is long and silky, varying from chocolate brown to reddish- or golden-brown. The ears and wing membranes are dark brown to nearly black. The big brown bat closely resembles the evening bat but is noticeably larger.
  • Wingspan: 13–14 inches
  • Body Length: 2.1–3.2 inches
  • Weight: 0.4–0.8 ounces
  • Roosting Preference: Colonial. Commonly roosts in dead tree cavities, buildings, bridges, and bat houses.
  • Diet: Beetles, planthoppers, true bugs, flies, mosquitoes, flying termites, flying ants, and many other insects.
  • Reproduction: Females usually give birth to two pups in May or June.
  • Florida Status: Uncommon in north and central Florida; rare in south Florida.
  • Florida Range: Throughout Florida except the Florida Keys.

Tricolored Bat (Eastern Pipistrelle)

Scientific Name: Perimyotis subflavus Previously Known As: Eastern Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus) Family: Vespertilionidae Description: Florida’s smallest bat species. Fur ranges from silvery gray to light brown. Pink forearms contrast sharply with the dark wing membranes, and the ears are relatively long.
  • Wingspan: 8–10 inches
  • Body Length: 1.4–2.0 inches
  • Weight: 0.2–0.3 ounces
  • Roosting Preference: Colonial or solitary. Roosts in caves, tree foliage, tree cavities, rock crevices, Spanish moss, and occasionally buildings.
  • Diet: Small moths, flies, mosquitoes, leafhoppers, flying ants, and small beetles.
  • Reproduction: Females usually give birth to two pups during May or June.
  • Florida Status: Uncommon.
  • Florida Range: Throughout Florida except the Florida Keys.

Evening Bat

Scientific Name: Nycticeius humeralis Family: Vespertilionidae Description: Usually dark brown with a possible bronze or reddish tint. The muzzle is broad and nearly black. Similar to the big brown bat but smaller.
  • Wingspan: 10–11 inches
  • Body Length: 1.9–2.6 inches
  • Weight: 0.2–0.4 ounces
  • Roosting Preference: Colonial. Roosts behind loose bark, tree cavities, Spanish moss, buildings, bridges, utility pole brackets, and bat houses.
  • Diet: Beetles, flies, mosquitoes, moths, termites, flying ants, and other insects.
  • Reproduction: Females usually give birth to two pups in late April or May.
  • Florida Status: Common.
  • Florida Range: Throughout Florida except the Florida Keys.

Gray Myotis

Scientific Name: Myotis grisescens Family: Vespertilionidae Description: Uniform gray fur with hairs that remain the same color from base to tip, unlike other Myotis species.
  • Wingspan: 11–13 inches
  • Body Length: 1.6–2.2 inches
  • Weight: 0.3–0.4 ounces
  • Roosting Preference: Colonial. Cave-dwelling species that hibernates during winter.
  • Diet: Moths, beetles, flies, mosquitoes, midges, and other insects.
  • Reproduction: One pup born in late May or early June.
  • Florida Status: Rare; federally and state listed as Endangered.
  • Florida Range: Limited to a few caves in the Florida Panhandle.

Northern Yellow Bat

Scientific Name: Lasiurus intermedius Family: Vespertilionidae Description: One of Florida’s larger bats with long fur ranging from yellowish to grayish brown, providing excellent camouflage among dead palm fronds.
  • Wingspan: 14–16 inches
  • Body Length: 2.8–3.8 inches
  • Weight: 0.5–1.1 ounces
  • Roosting Preference: Solitary. Primarily roosts in dead sabal palm fronds.
  • Diet: Beetles, flies, damselflies, leafhoppers, flying ants, and other insects.
  • Reproduction: One to four pups born from late May through June.
  • Florida Status: Common.
  • Florida Range: Throughout Florida except the Florida Keys.

Seminole Bat

Scientific Name: Lasiurus seminolus Family: Vespertilionidae Description: Rich mahogany-colored fur with occasional white frosted tips. Closely related to the eastern red bat.
  • Wingspan: 11–13 inches
  • Body Length: 1.8–2.7 inches
  • Weight: 0.3–0.5 ounces
  • Roosting Preference: Solitary. Commonly roosts in pine trees and Spanish moss.
  • Diet: Moths, beetles, flies, true bugs, and other insects.
  • Reproduction: One to four pups, usually three or four, born from mid-May through mid-June.
  • Florida Status: Common.
  • Florida Range: Throughout Florida except the Florida Keys.

Velvety Free-tailed Bat (Pallas’ Mastiff Bat)

Scientific Name: Molossus molossus Family: Molossidae Description: Short velvety fur ranging from dark brown to dark gray. Like other free-tailed bats, the tail extends well beyond the tail membrane.
  • Wingspan: 10–11 inches
  • Body Length: 2.3–2.6 inches
  • Weight: 0.2–0.5 ounces
  • Roosting Preference: Colonial. In Florida, known only from buildings.
  • Diet: Planthoppers, leafhoppers, grasshoppers, moths, beetles, mayflies, and other insects.
  • Reproduction: Usually one pup with the possibility of multiple breeding cycles each year.
  • Florida Status: Uncommon.
  • Florida Range: Florida Keys from Key West to Key Largo.

Brazilian Free-tailed Bat

Scientific Name: Tadarida brasiliensis Family: Molossidae Description: Dark brown to grayish-brown fur with a free tail extending beyond the tail membrane. Large colonies are often recognized by their distinctive musky scent.
  • Wingspan: 11–13 inches
  • Body Length: 2.2–2.9 inches
  • Weight: 0.4–0.5 ounces
  • Roosting Preference: Colonial. Commonly roosts beneath bridges, buildings, and barrel tile roofs. Frequently occupies bat houses.
  • Diet: Moths, flies, and beetles.
  • Reproduction: One pup born in early June.
  • Florida Status: Common and likely Florida’s most abundant bat.
  • Florida Range: Throughout Florida except the Florida Keys.

Eastern Red Bat

Scientific Name: Lasiurus borealis

Family: Vespertilionidae

Description: Male eastern red bats are typically brick-red, reddish-orange, or yellowish-red, while females are lighter and duller in color. White patches are often visible on the shoulders and wrists. This species closely resembles the Seminole bat but differs in coloration.

  • Wingspan: 11–13 inches
  • Body Length: 2.0–2.4 inches
  • Weight: 0.3–0.5 ounces
  • Roosting Preference: Solitary. Roosts in tree foliage or bushes, often resembling a dead leaf.
  • Diet: Moths, beetles, mosquitoes, leafhoppers, planthoppers, flies, and other insects.
  • Reproduction: One to four pups born in late May or early June.
  • Florida Status: Common in north Florida, becoming less common farther south.
  • Florida Range: North and central Florida; absent from south Florida and the Florida Keys.

Florida Bonneted Bat

Scientific Name: Eumops floridanus

Family: Molossidae

Description: Florida’s largest bat species. Fur ranges from dark gray to brownish gray. Large ears extend forward over the eyes, giving this species its distinctive “bonneted” appearance.

  • Wingspan: 19–21 inches
  • Body Length: 3.3–4.3 inches
  • Weight: 1.2–1.7 ounces
  • Roosting Preference: Colonial. Roosts in cliff crevices, tree cavities, buildings, and occasionally bat houses.
  • Diet: Beetles, flies, and true bugs.
  • Reproduction: Usually one pup, although females may reproduce more than once per year.
  • Florida Status: Rare and Endangered.
  • Florida Range: Southern Florida, excluding the Florida Keys.

Hoary Bat

Scientific Name: Lasiurus cinereus

Family: Vespertilionidae

Description: Florida’s second-largest bat species. Long, thick fur contains black, brown, yellow, and cream coloration with frosted white tips, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.

  • Wingspan: 13–16 inches
  • Body Length: 2.8–3.1 inches
  • Weight: 0.7–1.2 ounces
  • Roosting Preference: Solitary. Roosts in tree foliage, tree cavities, behind loose bark, and Spanish moss.
  • Diet: Moths, beetles, flies, mosquitoes, dragonflies, grasshoppers, wasps, termites, and other insects.
  • Reproduction: Usually two pups, although one to four may be born between mid-May and early July.
  • Florida Status: Rare.
  • Florida Range: North and north-central Florida during October through April.

Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat

Scientific Name: Corynorhinus rafinesquii

Family: Vespertilionidae

Description: Easily recognized by its exceptionally large ears, measuring nearly an inch long. Soft grayish-brown fur and prominent facial glands distinguish this species.

  • Wingspan: 10–12 inches
  • Body Length: 1.5–2.2 inches
  • Weight: 0.2–0.5 ounces
  • Roosting Preference: Colonial. Found in caves, hollow trees, loose bark, and abandoned buildings.
  • Diet: Primarily moths along with other soft-bodied insects. One of Florida’s primary gleaning bat species.
  • Reproduction: One pup born during May or early June.
  • Florida Status: Uncommon in northern Florida and rare farther south.
  • Florida Range: Primarily the Florida Panhandle and northern to central peninsula.

Southeastern Myotis

Scientific Name: Myotis austroriparius

Family: Vespertilionidae

Description: Fur varies from brown and gray to brownish-orange. Individual hairs are bicolored with darker bases and lighter tips.

  • Wingspan: 9–11 inches
  • Body Length: 1.9–2.1 inches
  • Weight: 0.2–0.3 ounces
  • Roosting Preference: Colonial. Roosts in caves, hollow trees, bridges, culverts, buildings, and bat houses.
  • Diet: Mosquitoes, moths, beetles, crane flies, and other insects, typically while foraging over water.
  • Reproduction: Usually two pups born during May.
  • Florida Status: Common in north Florida and the Panhandle; uncommon in central and northeastern Florida.
  • Florida Range: North and central Florida, excluding south Florida and the Florida Keys.