Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat

Scientific Name: Tadarida brasiliensis

Also Known As: Mexican Free-tailed Bat

Range: All of Florida

Diet: Moths, Beetles, Dragonflies, Flies, Ants, Wasps

Life Expectancy: 8 - 10 Years

Photo 152370587 © lisaeiselin, CC BY-NC

Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat conservation status - Least Concern

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Appearance and Identification
Habits and Behavior

Habitat and Range
Diet

Signs and Preventing

Brazilian Free-Tailed Bats in Central Florida

The Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) is a highly adaptable bat species found across the southern United States, including central Florida. As the name suggests, this bat has a distinctive tail that extends beyond the tail membrane, giving it greater agility in flight. This comprehensive guide provides detailed identification tips, biology facts, and control methods for Brazilian free-tailed bats in central Florida.

Read on to learn about their habits, reproduction, diet, health risks, signs of infestation, and professional exclusion options if you suspect an invasion on your property.

Appearance and Identification

Brazilian free-tailed bats can be identified by their physical characteristics

Photo 198385062 © Lara Brenner, CC BY-NC

Adult Brazilian Free-Tailed Bats

Size: Adults have a wingspan of 11-13 inches (28-33 cm) and weigh 0.5 to 0.75 ounces (14 to 21 grams). Their bodies reach 3-3.5 inches (8-9 cm) in length.
Fur: Adults have dense, short, velvety fur that is dark gray to brownish-black on the back and lighter gray underside.
Wings: Narrow, pointed wings adapted for fast, sustained flight.
Tail: Distinctive free tail that protrudes 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) beyond the tail membrane.
Head: Small, flattened head with large eyes and short, rounded ears.

Photo 94999305 © Jaime Cedeño Nicolás, CC BY-NC

Juvenile Brazilian Free-Tailed Bats

Size: Newborns weigh approximately 0.25 ounces (7 grams) at birth with a wingspan of 8 inches (20 cm). They reach adult size at around 6 weeks old.
Fur: Juvenile fur is gray to black in color. The fur is short and thin.
Features: Younger bats have large feet and protruding pink lips. Their tails extend just beyond the tail membrane.

Maturation Rate

Pups grow rapidly after birth, reaching full adult size in 6 weeks. They are sexually mature at 1 year old. The average maturation rate allows populations to rebound quickly after pest control efforts. Diligent, ongoing management is key.

Habits and Behavior

Brazilian free-tailed bats roost in very large colonies of up to 1 million individuals in caves, under bridges, and in building attics and roofs. They emerge at dusk in spiraling clusters to feed. Their flight can reach speeds over 60 mph aided by their aerodynamic tails.

Brazilian free-tailed bats are highly social. Hundreds to thousands cluster together when roosting. They groom each other frequently. Their large colonies provide protection through shared body heat and humidity.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Mating occurs in flight. Females give birth to a single pup in May through July after ~3 month gestation. Pups cannot fly for 3-4 weeks. Maximum lifespan in the wild is about 8-10 years.