(Pipistrellus subflavus subflavus)

Characteristics

This is one of the smallest eastern bats with a total length of 2 3/4 to3 3/4 inches. It has yellowish-brown tricolor fur which along with the small size distinguishes it from other bats. There are 2, rarely 1, young born in sex-segregated maternity colonies from mid June to early July. They are active until late October, and hibernate in caves/mines often too tiny for other species. There are 1 to several hundred per cave which hang singly scattered about but prefer warm sites in protected passages. Individuals may occupy a precise spot each winter. They may roost in caves, rock crevices, trees/foliage, and seldom buildings. This species forages early evening in treetops, often over water. The life span is 4-8 years in the wild.

Distribution

The Eastern Pipistrelle is found throughout the state of Virginia in caves, trees/vegetation, sometimes buildings in both wooded and cleared areas. They roost in caves in the winter and in caves, trees, cliffs and barns in the summer months.

Foods

They take flies, moths, wasps, beetles and even grasshoppers.