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Mouse-eared bat
Mouse-eared bat
Mouse-eared bat
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For the species sometimes known as the mouse eared bat, see Greater mouse-eared bat.
"Myotis" redirects here; not to be confused with Mitosis or Myositis.

Mouse-eared bats
Temporal range: Tortonian – Recent[1]
A whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus), who is quite displeased at being handled.
Whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Vespertilionidae
Subfamily: Myotinae
Genus: Myotis
Kaup, 1829
Type species
Vespertilio myotis
Species

See text

The mouse-eared bats or myotises are a diverse and widespread genus (Myotis) of bats within the family Vespertilionidae. The noun "myotis" itself is a Neo-Latin construction, from the Greek "muós (meaning "mouse") and "oûs" (meaning ear), literally translating to "mouse-eared".[2]

Relationships

[edit]

Myotis has historically been included in the subfamily Vespertilioninae, but was classified in its own subfamily, Myotinae, by Nancy Simmons in 1998. In her 2005 classification in Mammal Species of the World, Simmons listed the genera Cistugo and Lasionycteris in the Myotinae in addition to Myotis itself.[3] However, molecular data indicate that Cistugo is distantly related to all other Vespertilionidae, so it was reclassified into its own family, the Cistugidae,[4] and that Lasionycteris belongs in the Vespertilioninae.[5] The genus Submyotodon has since been added to the subfamily, making it and Myotis its only members.[6]

Appearance and behavior

[edit]

Their ears are normally longer than they are wide, with a long and lance-shaped tragus, hence their English and zoological names. The species within this genus vary in size from very large to very small for vesper bats, with a single pair of mammary glands.

Mouse-eared bats are generally insectivores. M. vivesi, and several members of the trawling bat ecomorph Leuconoe, have relatively large feet with long toes, and take small fish from the water surface (they also take insects).[7]

Longevity

[edit]

Myotis species are remarkably long-lived for their size; in 2018, researchers revealed that a longitudinal study appears to indicate that Myotis telomeres do not shrink with age, and that telomerase does not appear to be present in the Myotis metabolism. 13 species of Myotis bats live longer than 20 years and 4 species live longer than 30 years.[8][9] The longest-living species of Myotis, and longest-living bat in general, is thought to be the Siberian bat (M. sibiricus); one individual discovered in 2005 was found to be over 41 years old at the time.[10]

Species

[edit]
Myotinae

Submyotodon

Myotis

Most Old World species

Most Nearctic species

Myotis brandtii & Myotis sibiricus

Neotropical and some Nearctic species

Relationships among Myotis species according to molecular data[11]

Traditionally, Myotis was divided into three large subgenera—Leuconoe, Myotis, and Selysius. However, molecular data indicate that these subgenera are not natural groups, but instead unnatural assemblages of convergently similar species.[12] Instead, Myotis species largely fall in two main clades, one containing Old World and the other New World species.[11] The ITIS presently divides it into three subgenera: Chrysopteron (containing most reddish-colored Old World species), Myotis (containing almost all other Old World species), and Pizonyx (containing all New World species and the Eurasian Myotis brandtii and Myotis sibiricus, which are more closely related to New World species than to other Old World species).[13][14] The Asian species Myotis latirostris falls outside the clade formed by these main groups, and has since been reclassified into a separate genus, Submyotodon, alongside several others.[15]

Geoffroy's bat
Black-winged myotis
Bechstein's bat
Cryptic myotis
Greater mouse-eared bat
Yuma myotis
Daubenton's bat
Southeastern myotis
Brandt's bat
Fish-eating bat

Myotis is a highly species-rich genus, and the classification of many species remains unsettled. The taxonomy below is based on that of the ITIS in 2021.[16] Some differences in taxonomy from the 2005 third edition of Mammal Species of the World[17] are indicated in footnotes.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]

Literature cited

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mouse-eared bat

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from Grokipedia
The mouse-eared bats (genus Myotis) constitute one of the most species-rich genera within the family , encompassing over 140 extant that exhibit a near-cosmopolitan distribution across all continents except and the extreme polar regions of the , as well as limited portions of . These bats are typically small to medium-sized, with body masses ranging from 3 grams to over 30 grams, and are distinguished by their prominent, mouse-like ears—which give the genus its name from the Greek words for "" (myos) and "ear" (otis)—along with slender snouts, soft fur, and wings adapted for agile flight. Primarily nocturnal and insectivorous, they employ sophisticated echolocation to hunt a variety of nocturnal , thereby providing essential services such as natural estimated to be worth $3.7–53 billion annually to U.S. . While most forage on flying in forested or open habitats, a few specialized forms, such as the fish-eating Myotis vivesi, incorporate aquatic prey or even small vertebrates into their diet using modified hind feet or raking behaviors. Myotis species display remarkable adaptability in roosting habits, utilizing a wide array of sites including caves, hollows, rock crevices, bridges, and human-made structures, often forming large maternity colonies during the summer breeding season to raise their single annual of typically one to two pups. Their varies by region: in temperate zones, many enter or during winter to conserve energy, contributing to their exceptional —some individuals, like Brandt's bat (Myotis brandtii), have been recorded living up to 41 years in the wild, far exceeding expectations for their body size due to factors such as and low reproductive rates. In tropical areas, they remain active year-round, supporting through and in some cases, though the genus as a whole is predominantly aerial insectivores. Despite their ecological significance, many Myotis species face severe threats, particularly from habitat loss, disturbance of roosts, and the fungal disease (Pseudogymnoascus destructans), which has decimated populations of North American species like the northern long-eared bat () and little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), leading to endangered status for several under national and international conservation frameworks. and pesticide use further exacerbate declines, underscoring the need for protective measures to preserve their roles in maintaining insect balance and supporting food webs. The genus's taxonomic complexity, with ongoing discoveries of cryptic species through molecular analyses, highlights its evolutionary dynamism and the challenges in conserving this vital group.

Taxonomy

Etymology

The genus name Myotis was established by the German naturalist in his 1829 work Skizzirte Entwickelungs-Geschichte und natürliches System der europäischen Thierwelt, a key contribution to the early taxonomic classification of European bats within the family . The term Myotis is a Neo-Latin construction derived from the muós (μυός, genitive of "mouse") and oûs (οὖς, "ear"), directly translating to "mouse-eared" to reflect the distinctive ear morphology of bats in this . This naming convention aligns with the broader historical context of 19th-century chiropterology, where —named after the Latin vesper for "evening" due to their nocturnal habits—was being systematically organized, with Myotis emerging as one of its most diverse and widespread genera. The common English name "mouse-eared bat" similarly emphasizes the large, mouse-like ears typical of the group, which feature a long, lance-shaped tragus that aids in echolocation and distinguishes them from other vespertilionid bats.

Phylogenetic relationships

The genus Myotis is placed within the order Chiroptera, family , and Myotinae. This classification for Myotis was established by Nancy B. Simmons in 1998 through a morphological that separated it from the traditional inclusion in Vespertilioninae, emphasizing unique craniodental and postcranial synapomorphies. Within Myotinae, Myotis is closely related to genera such as Submyotodon, which shares nyctalodont or semi-nyctalodont lower molars and forms a distinct Himalayan lineage with genetic distances of 16–23% from typical Myotis , supporting its recognition as a separate but allied . However, other taxa previously associated with Myotis have been excluded; for instance, Cistugo exhibits familial-level divergence (22.17% ) and has been reclassified into the distinct Cistugidae within Vespertilionoidea, diverging around 34 million years ago. Similarly, Lasionycteris is positioned within Vespertilioninae, as molecular analyses confirm the of that subfamily excluding Myotis. The fossil record of Myotis begins in the early , with the oldest known species, Myotis belgicus, dated to approximately 33.5 million years ago from deposits in , indicating an early diversification during the Eocene- radiation of modern bats. Subsequent fossils are more abundant from the late through the in and extend into the across multiple continents. Molecular phylogenetic studies have refined these relationships; a 2014 analysis using cytochrome b and RAG2 genes across 88+ Myotis taxa identified as the evolutionary cradle, with an origin around 21 million years ago and subsequent intercontinental dispersals. Between 2014 and 2017, revisions based on integrated molecular and morphological data led to species splits, such as the recognition of distinct lineages in and adjacent previously lumped under broader taxa. Taxonomy within Myotis remains unsettled due to the prevalence of cryptic species, which molecular and integrative approaches continue to uncover, complicating species boundaries and phylogenetic resolution. Post-2021 revisions have described new cryptic taxa, including Myotis guarani from South American savannas in 2024, Myotis moratellii from in 2021, Myotis himalaicus from the in 2025, a new species from in 2025, and a new member of the siligorensis group from in November 2025, highlighting ongoing adjustments to the genus's diversity through genetic and ecological niche analyses.

Description

Physical characteristics

Mouse-eared bats (genus Myotis) are small to medium-sized vespertilionid bats, with head-body lengths ranging from 3.5 to 8.5 cm and weights from 3 to 45 g across the genus. Their is typically soft and dense, appearing mouse-like, with dorsal coloration in shades of brown or gray and ventral fur often paler. A defining feature of the is the large, rounded ears, which are generally longer than the head and equipped with a lance-shaped tragus; many also possess a low on the calcar. The wings are structured for agile, maneuverable flight, featuring moderately long forearms and broad membranes supported by elongated finger bones. Internally, Myotis bats share a typical vespertilionid dental formula of 2/3, 1/1, 3/3, 3/3, totaling 38 teeth adapted for crushing prey. While body size varies considerably among , these morphological traits are largely uniform across the genus.

Intraspecific variation

The genus Myotis exhibits considerable intraspecific variation in body size across its diverse species, ranging from diminutive forms to notably larger ones. For instance, Myotis leibii represents one of the smallest species, with a head-body length of approximately 3.0–3.5 cm, while Myotis myotis stands out as one of the largest, achieving a total length of up to 14 cm including the tail. Pelage coloration in Myotis species shows marked geographic variation, often correlating with environmental conditions; desert-dwelling forms tend toward paler tones for , such as the light brown to buff hues in Myotis ciliolabrum, whereas tropical species display darker browns, as seen in Myotis nigricans. Sexual dimorphism in size is prevalent in several species, with females generally larger than males to support reproductive demands, a pattern evident in Myotis myotis where female wing measurements exceed those of males. Certain Myotis species have evolved specialized morphological traits adapted to specific foraging niches, exemplified by the piscivorous Myotis vivesi, which possesses enlarged hind feet averaging 23 mm in length with robust claws for gaffing fish from the water surface. Identification challenges arise from cryptic species complexes within Myotis, where subtle differences in shape, such as braincase height or dental metrics, and morphology, like length or tragus form, are often required for accurate discrimination, as demonstrated in complexes involving Myotis nattereri and related taxa. These fine-scale variations necessitate multivariate analyses of craniodental traits for reliable taxonomic resolution.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The genus Myotis exhibits a nearly , occurring naturally on every continent except and spanning a wide range of latitudes from boreal forests to tropical regions. This broad range excludes polar and subpolar areas, extreme deserts, and certain oceanic islands where suitable habitats are absent. With over 140 recognized, Myotis represents the most speciose of bats, demonstrating remarkable adaptability across diverse biogeographic realms. The Holarctic region hosts the majority of Myotis diversity, including high species richness in the Palearctic (particularly ) and Nearctic. Extensions into southern realms include the Afrotropics (with about 11 species, mostly in ), Indomalaya (encompassing diverse Oriental assemblages), and Neotropics (around 33 species across Central and as of 2022). Recent discoveries, including new species in , , and the in 2025, continue to increase the recognized diversity and refine distribution patterns. stands out as the evolutionary cradle, with maximum diversification occurring there before transcontinental dispersals. Historical range expansions of Myotis are linked to Pleistocene climatic oscillations, which facilitated migrations across land bridges and refugia, particularly from East Asian origins into the New World and other regions. These events, including post-glacial recolonizations, contributed to the genus's current near-global footprint while limiting presence in isolated southern areas like much of Australasia.

Habitat preferences

Mouse-eared bats of the Myotis primarily inhabit temperate regions, favoring and mixed forests, riparian zones, and landscapes with caves and rock formations. These bats often select areas with access to water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, which support abundance for . Some tropical Myotis occupy rainforests and mangroves, where dense and humid conditions provide suitable microhabitats. Roosting sites for Myotis are diverse and include natural features like caves, abandoned mines, tree hollows, and rock crevices, as well as human-modified structures such as attics and bridges. Species like the (Myotis lucifugus) and (Myotis sodalis) preferentially use cavities and loose bark in forested areas during summer, while hibernating in cooler interiors during winter. Foraging habitats typically encompass open woodlands, forest edges, and areas over calm waters, where bats can efficiently pursue aerial insects. The altitudinal distribution of Myotis spans from to over 3,000 m, with some species recorded up to approximately 3,600 m in montane regions such as the . These bats have evolved adaptations to varied climates, including and in temperate and boreal zones to endure cold winters. In arid environments, species such as the California myotis (Myotis californicus) feature specialized kidneys that concentrate urine to conserve and rely on daily to reduce metabolic demands during hot, dry periods.

Ecology and behavior

Diet and foraging

Mouse-eared bats of the genus Myotis are primarily insectivorous, consuming a diverse array of arthropods such as moths (Lepidoptera), beetles (Coleoptera), and flies (Diptera), which they capture using echolocation to detect prey in flight or on surfaces. For instance, the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) relies heavily on Diptera, which comprise up to 37% of its diet, supplemented by Lepidoptera and spiders (Araneae), reflecting a generalist foraging strategy adapted to available prey in riparian habitats. These bats employ two main foraging styles: aerial hawking, where they pursue flying insects in open spaces, and gleaning, in which they pluck stationary prey like spiders or ground-dwelling insects from foliage or the substrate using passive listening and subtle echolocation to avoid detection. Peak foraging activity occurs at dusk, allowing them to exploit emerging insect populations while minimizing energy expenditure during daylight hours. While most Myotis species adhere to insectivory, specialized diets occur in certain taxa, particularly in marine or tropical environments. The fish-eating myotis (Myotis vivesi), endemic to the , is notably piscivorous, primarily targeting small schooling fish like the California anchovy (Engraulis mordax) and crustaceans such as (Nyctiphanes simplex), which it captures through foot-gleaning by raking its elongated hind feet through the water surface during low-altitude flights over the ocean. In tropical regions, some species opportunistically incorporate frugivory or nectarivory, marking a dietary expansion from strict insectivory; for example, the black myotis (Myotis nigricans) has been observed consuming fruits, representing the first documented case of such behavior in the genus. These adaptations highlight the genus's flexibility in exploiting niche resources, though remain the dietary core for the majority of species. In temperate zones, Myotis diets exhibit seasonal shifts driven by prey availability and environmental conditions. Temperate species like the (Myotis lucifugus) and notched-eared bat (Myotis emarginatus) consume more beetles and other Coleoptera during summer months when these are abundant, transitioning to flies and spiders as autumn progresses and aerial decline. Such variations underscore the bats' opportunistic nature, with broader dietary niches in northern latitudes where prey predictability is lower, ensuring nutritional needs are met across fluctuating seasons.

Reproduction and development

Mouse-eared bats in the genus Myotis exhibit a reproductive strategy adapted to temperate climates, characterized by delayed fertilization where mating typically occurs in autumn and stored fertilizes the ovum in spring following arousal. In species like Myotis myotis, copulation peaks from late summer to autumn, with females storing viable in the reproductive tract for up to several months until in February or March, ensuring birth aligns with favorable summer conditions. This delay allows females to enter without the energetic demands of during winter. Gestation lasts approximately 50-70 days across Myotis species, with embryonic development commencing post-fertilization in spring and culminating in births during late May to early July. Females form large maternity colonies in caves, attics, or other sheltered sites to give birth, providing communal warmth and protection for the altricial pups. In Myotis myotis, the period averages 65 days, influenced by environmental factors such as that may extend development if females enter . Litter sizes in Myotis range from 1 to 4 pups, though singletons predominate in most temperate species; twins are more common in larger forms like Myotis myotis and Myotis austroriparius, where combined pup mass can approach 50% of maternal body weight. Pups are born hairless, blind, and weighing about 20-30% of the mother's mass, relying on strong claws to cling to or surfaces during early mobility. Parental care is provided solely by females, who nurse pups with high-fat for 3-4 weeks until , during which time they may carry young in flight for the first 7-10 days before leaving them in the colony roost. In Myotis myotis, peaks in , supporting rapid growth to fledging at around 4-5 weeks, when juveniles begin short flights. Sexual maturity is attained at 1-2 years of age, with females often breeding in their first year but males typically requiring an additional season to reach full reproductive capacity. Yearling females in Myotis lucifugus may mate but frequently delay first parturition until the second year, correlating with attainment of sufficient body size for sustained flight and energy demands. In tropical Myotis species, such as Myotis nigricans, reproduction deviates from strict , featuring near year-round breeding with peaks tied to rainfall and insect abundance rather than cycles. These populations exhibit shorter storage periods and potential for multiple litters annually, contrasting the single annual reproductive event in temperate congeners.

Roosting and social structure

Mouse-eared bats, exemplified by the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis), select day roosts in a variety of human-modified and natural structures, including caves, attics, and bridges, which provide shelter and protection from predators. These roosts support large colonies numbering from 50 to 2,000 individuals, with high site fidelity among group members that promotes stable social bonds while allowing occasional exchanges between colonies. Social organization in these species features sex-segregated groups, where females form cohesive for resting, while males remain largely solitary during the summer months. This segregation influences , with female groups exhibiting stronger associations compared to mixed-sex interactions. Fission-fusion dynamics occur to some extent, as subgroups temporarily divide and reunite based on availability and environmental conditions, though overall structure remains relatively stable. During hibernation, individuals cluster in dense aggregations within underground sites, maintaining body contact to enhance and conserve energy. Communication within roosts relies on vocalizations, such as trill-like calls for coordination and interaction, supplemented by olfactory cues through scent marking from facial glands to recognize colony mates and territories. In dense roosting environments, allogrooming serves to maintain and strengthen social ties, with individuals licking and nibbling conspecifics, often incurring energetic costs due to parasite loads. Conflict resolution in crowded roosts involves aggressive displays like wing strikes and to settle disputes over space, ensuring orderly group cohesion without escalation.

Physiology and longevity

Lifespan records

In the wild, mouse-eared bats (genus Myotis) typically have an average lifespan of 5 to 10 years, though maximum recorded ages exceed 30 years in several . For example, the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) has a documented maximum of 37.1 years based on banding studies. The holds notable records among mammals, with Myotis brandtii (Brandt's ) achieving the highest at 41 years in the wild, confirmed through recapture of a banded male in . Additionally, at least 13 Myotis species, ranging from 7 to 25 grams in body mass, have been documented living over 20 years in the wild via banding efforts. These extended lifespans are supported by banding studies across and , which reveal low annual mortality rates. Key influencing factors include reduced predation risk due to flight capabilities and efficient metabolic regulation through and , which minimize energy expenditure and . Compared to other small mammals of similar size, Myotis bats live 8 to 10 times longer than predicted by body mass alone.

Adaptations for longevity

Mouse-eared bats in the genus Myotis exhibit several physiological adaptations that contribute to their exceptional relative to body size, including mechanisms for maintenance, efficient , reduced , and enhanced cancer resistance. These traits are particularly pronounced in long-lived species such as Myotis myotis, which can live over 30 years in the wild. One key adaptation is the maintenance of length without significant age-related , observed in several Myotis species. Unlike in humans and many other mammals, where telomeres progressively erode with each cell division, leading to , Myotis bats possess alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathways that sustain telomere integrity throughout life. This is facilitated by the upregulation of genes such as TERF1 and POT1, which regulate telomere-binding proteins, preventing replicative even in the absence of high activity. For instance, in M. myotis, length remains stable across ages up to 6 years, contrasting with in shorter-lived bat species. further supports this by minimizing cell divisions during periods of , reducing telomere attrition. Myotis bats also demonstrate superior efficiency and low levels of , which mitigate age-related cellular damage. Their cells exhibit enhanced expression of DNA repair genes, including those in the pathway, allowing rapid correction of oxidative lesions. Protein oxidation rates remain low even in advanced age, as fibroblasts from Myotis species show resistance to induced compared to mice. This resilience is partly attributable to , which lowers metabolic rates by up to 99% during , thereby reducing the production of and minimizing cumulative wear on biomolecules over decades. Cancer resistance in Myotis is bolstered by robust pathways, particularly involving the tumor suppressor p53. Genomic analyses reveal duplications and elevated expression of TP53 in long-lived Myotis species, leading to heightened p53-dependent in response to DNA damage or oncogenic stress. This results in the of potentially cancerous cells, as evidenced by increased rates in bat fibroblasts exposed to gamma compared to other mammals. Studies on profiles further indicate bat-specific microRNAs that downregulate pro-tumorigenic pathways, contributing to low cancer incidence despite long lifespans. These adaptations involve evolutionary trade-offs, notably slower reproductive rates that prioritize survival over rapid . In Myotis bats, delayed maturity and low annual —typically one pup per year—correlate with extended lifespans, as energy allocation shifts from frequent to and repair processes. This strategy, common in hibernating species, allows individuals to accumulate fewer somatic costs from breeding, supporting multi-decade survival.

Conservation

Population status

The genus Myotis, comprising over 140 worldwide, exhibits varied conservation statuses according to the , with approximately 60% of assessed species classified as Least Concern, reflecting relatively stable or widespread populations in many regions. However, around 15-20% are categorized as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered, particularly those impacted by and habitat loss, while a substantial number—especially in tropical regions—are due to insufficient ecological data. For instance, the Alcathoe bat (Myotis alcathoe) is assessed as globally, highlighting gaps in understanding its distribution and abundance despite its restricted range in and the . In , populations of several Myotis species have undergone drastic declines, primarily due to white-nose syndrome, a fungal first detected in 2006 that has caused mortality rates exceeding 90% in affected hibernacula. For example, the northern long-eared bat () is listed as federally endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, while the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus)—assessed as Endangered by the IUCN—is under review for federal listing. These declines contribute to an estimated 90% of North American bat species showing population decreases or likely decreases over the past 15 years. As of 2025, the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), another North American species affected by WNS, has been proposed for endangered status under the ESA. In contrast, European Myotis populations have demonstrated recovery trends, with overall bat abundances increasing by more than 40% between 1993 and 2011, though localized declines persist from and agricultural intensification. Many Myotis species in and remain poorly studied, with data deficiencies complicating accurate assessments; post-2021 IUCN evaluations have underscored heightened risks to cryptic species within the , where morphological similarities often lead to underestimation of diversity and . These challenges are exacerbated by limited monitoring in biodiverse hotspots. The benefits from protections under international frameworks, including the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS), which covers 52 European species and promotes habitat safeguards and research, as well as national legislation like the U.S. Endangered Species Act, which lists multiple North American Myotis as threatened or endangered.

Threats and conservation

Mouse-eared bats (genus Myotis) face multiple anthropogenic threats that have contributed to population declines across their range. Habitat loss, primarily from and , reduces foraging areas and summer roosts, with mature forests and water bodies being critical for species like the (Myotis lucifugus). Cave tourism and human disturbance at hibernation sites further exacerbate this, causing energy depletion and roost abandonment in cave-dependent species such as the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis). In , (WNS), a fungal disease caused by , has decimated hibernating Myotis populations, killing millions since 2006 by disrupting and leading to premature fat depletion. use in diminishes insect prey availability, indirectly starving insectivorous Myotis and even directly poisoning bats through contaminated prey. alters hibernation patterns, with warmer winters prompting earlier arousals or shortened periods, increasing energy demands and mortality risks for temperate species. Additionally, collisions with blades during migration pose a significant mortality factor, with Myotis species comprising a large proportion of documented fatalities at wind energy facilities. Conservation efforts for Myotis bats emphasize protection and disease management to mitigate these threats. Establishing protected reserves and safeguarding roosts through gating and access restrictions have proven effective in preserving sites, particularly in under the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS), an instrument of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). Artificial roosts like bat boxes are deployed to supplement lost natural s, providing alternative summer and maternity sites while aiding recovery from disturbances. Research into WNS mitigation includes antifungal treatments and genetic monitoring for resistant populations, with ongoing trials aiming to reduce transmission in affected North American caves. International collaboration via CMS and regional action plans promotes transboundary protection, including insect restoration to counter impacts. A notable success story is the recovery of Myotis myotis populations in , where targeted roost safeguards and legal protections under EUROBATS have led to exponential growth in hibernating colonies since the 1970s, demonstrating the efficacy of disturbance minimization. These measures, combined with broader insect conservation, underscore the potential for Myotis recovery when threats are addressed proactively.

Species

Subgenera

The subgeneric of the genus Myotis remains debated and subject to revision, as molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed that many traditional subgenera are not monophyletic, often resulting from rather than shared ancestry. Current taxonomy, as reflected in databases like ITIS and batnames.org, primarily recognizes three main subgenera: Chrysopteron (reddish-furred species, e.g., M. bartelsii), Myotis s.s. (cosmopolitan core group, including and aerial insectivores like M. lucifugus and M. myotis), and Pizonyx ( fishing bats with enlarged hind feet, e.g., M. vivesi). Other proposed subgenera, such as Leuconoe and Selysius, are sometimes used but lack consistent support from genetic data. Historical reclassifications continue, with some forms elevated to full genera (e.g., Scoteanax for Australian species), emphasizing the genus's biogeographic origins in and ongoing taxonomic refinements.

Species diversity

The genus Myotis encompasses approximately 140 extant species worldwide as of 2025, incorporating recent taxonomic splits such as those within the M. formosus complex based on molecular and morphological analyses. This count reflects ongoing discoveries, including new species descriptions in and other regions post-2021, such as Myotis cf. frater from and , and 2025 additions like Myotis himalaicus in the , Myotis guarani in , Myotis huariorum in , and Myotis kalkoae in , highlighting the genus's dynamic . Species diversity is unevenly distributed across regions, with hosting the highest richness due to its varied habitats and historical . Over 50 occur in Asia, including numerous endemics adapted to montane and forested environments. and the Nearctic together support around 30 species, many of which are temperate cave-dwellers with broad distributions. The Neotropics harbor more than 35 species, often in humid tropical settings, though recent studies suggest potential for higher counts through cryptic diversity.
RegionApproximate Number of SpeciesNotes on Diversity and Endemics
Asia50+Greatest richness; endemics include M. pequinius (restricted to northern China) and recent additions like M. himalaicus and M. kalkoae in the Himalayas and China.
Europe and Nearctic~30Temperate focus; examples include widespread M. myotis in Europe and M. lucifugus in North America.
Neotropics35+Tropical emphasis; potential cryptic species in complexes like M. nigricans; recent additions include M. guarani and M. huariorum.
Taxonomic instability persists in the genus, with roughly 10% of species classified as (DD) by the IUCN due to limited distributional and ecological data, particularly in biodiverse Asian hotspots. This uncertainty underscores the need for further integrative taxonomic studies, as evidenced by post-2021 revisions in . Subgeneric assignments provide a framework for understanding this diversity but remain subject to phylogenetic refinement.

References

  1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9848626/
  2. https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/146107/
  3. https://www.fws.gov/species/indiana-bat-myotis-sodalis
  4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/myotis
  5. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1201366
  6. https://www.fws.gov/species/northern-long-eared-bat-myotis-septentrionalis
  7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167880921004266
  8. https://www.mindat.org/taxon-2432384.html
  9. https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/85055/
  10. https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO202123157226830.pdf
  11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5342209/
  12. https://www.malaga.es/en/laprovincia/naturaleza/lis_cd-11433/greater-mouse-eared-bat-myotis-myotis
  13. https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/description/11427/Myotis-septentrionalis
  14. https://academic.oup.com/jmammal/article/91/5/1073/899294
  15. https://bioone.org/journals/acta-chiropterologica/volume-5/issue-suppl/001.005.s101/Molecular-Phylogenetics-of-the-Chiropteran-Family-Vespertilionidae/10.3161/001.005.s101.pdf
  16. https://d-nb.info/1228684170/34
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