Seminole Bat

Scientific Name
Lasiurus seminolus
Also Known As
Seminole Bat
Range
All of Florida
Diet
Ants, Bees, Wasps, Beetles, Moths
Life Expectancy
5 - 6 Years
The Seminole Bat

Photo 175330742 © Janet Wright, CC BY-NC

Seminole Bat conservation status - Not Threatened

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The Seminole Bat in Central Florida

The Seminole bat (Lasiurus seminolus) is a small, reddish-brown vesper bat found in the southeastern United States, including central Florida. As its name suggests, this species has a strong association with the Seminole Native American tribes and is well-adapted to the subtropical climate of the region. This article provides identification tips, biology facts, and information on diet, health risks, habitat, and control methods for the Seminole bat in central Florida.

Appearance and Identification

The Seminole bat can be identified by the following juvenile and adult characteristics

adult Seminole Bat

Photo 82253403 © Lillie, CC BY-NC

Adult Seminole Bat

  • Size: Adults reach 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.5 to 9 cm) in body length with a 10 to 13 inch (25 to 33 cm) wingspan. They weigh 0.3 to 0.5 oz (9 to 14 g).
  • Fur: The back fur is brownish-red with frosted gray tips. The underside is paler brown. The shoulders have a distinct white patch.
  • Wings: Broad, rounded tip wings adapted for continuous, hovering flight.
  • Tail: Completely enclosed in the tail membrane.
  • Head: Blunt tragus earlobe, small eyes, and small nose leaf.
Juvenile Seminole Bat

Photo 82251915 © Lillie, CC BY-NC

Juvenile Seminole Bat

  • Size: Newborns weigh approximately 0.25 ounces (7 grams) and have a wingspan around 8 inches (20 cm). They reach adult size at 6 to 8 weeks old.
  • Fur: Juvenile fur appears grayish overall. The hairs have pale silvery tips which give a frosted appearance.
  • Features: proportionally large feet, pink wrists, and a blunt tragus ear lobe.

The Seminole bat is often confused with the related eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) which has brighter, more orange fur. The evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis) is also similar but has a pointed tragus and darker black shoulders. Careful examination of anatomical features is needed for positive identification.

Maturation Rate

Seminole bat pups grow rapidly and are ready for flight at 3 weeks old. They reach adult size by 6 to 8 weeks after birth. Sexual maturity is attained in the first autumn after birth. The young bats then disperse to establish new territories.

Habits and Behavior

Seminole bats emerge at dusk to forage and return to roost sites before dawn. They fly steadily closer to vegetation and exhibit rapid zig-zagging over open areas. Seminole bats roost solitarily in the leaves of palms and oak trees. They rarely share roosts like other species. Males establish summer territories with mating roosts that females visit.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Mating occurs in autumn. Females store sperm over winter and ovulate in early spring. The gestation period is 80 to 90 days, with pups born from late May through mid-June. Typical litter size is 2 to 4 pups. Females carry pups in flight temporarily during the first few weeks after birth. Lifespan in the wild may reach 5 to 6 years.