Myotis crypticus (Juste et al. 2017)
Vespertilionidae

Data defficient

Description

Medium-sized bat measuring approximately 40 to 50 mm in length (head and body), with a forearm length ranging from 36.3 to 42 mm, and a weight between 5 and 12 g. The tail is approximately 32 to 46 mm long. The dorsal fur of this species is brown and gray, while the ventral part is lighter, gray, or whitish. It has elongated ears (14.1-17.1 mm) with a typically elongated and pointed tragus, characteristic of the Myotis genus. The face is pinkish with an elongated muzzle.

Together with the Escalera's bat (Myotis escalerai), it is part of a species complex that was previously included within Natterer's bat (Myotis nattereri), the Natterer's complex. It differs from the Escalera's bat by having a double fringe of long, stiff hairs on the edge of the tail membrane (uropatagi) where both fringes are equally short, and the wing attachment to the foot is directly at the base of the toe.

Distribution

This species has been described very recently in Europe and has a limited distribution in northern Spain, southern France, Italy, and southeastern Austria.

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Roosts and phenology

The knowledge of the reproduction of this species is very limited, but so far, colonies of dozens of individuals have been found in abandoned buildings or fissures in dead trees. The migratory movements of this species are unknown due to its recent description.

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Habitat and diet

The habitat of this species are not yet well-known, but the available data suggest that it is common in mountainous areas, possibly associated with forest habitats. It can be found up to 2,000 meters above sea level.

Due to the limited knowledge of this species, information about its diet is scarce. However, studies on its behavior have suggested that it may feed on non-flying invertebrates such as spiders and caterpillars.