Galapagos Red Bat Facts

Name: Galapagos Red Bat
Family: Vespertilionidae
Scientific Name: Lasiurus borealis
Length: 3-4.5 inches with a wingspan of about 13 inches.
Weight: 7 to 13 g.

Size: Small (length of forearm: 40 mm / 1.6 in)

Category: Bats
Endemic Subspecies: Galapagos Red Bat

Two species of bats have been recorded in Galapagos, both indigenous residents. Bats are unmistakable, small, furry, nocturnal, flying mammals. Their wings being formed of a membrane of skin between the elongated digits of their 'hands' and their ankles.

Locally common resident; endemic subspecies brachyotis, which is considered by some authorities to be a full species. Found in both the highlands and lowlands.

Identification:
Short, blunt head and ears, no nose-leaf, and thickly-furred tail membrane. Considerably smaller than the Hoary Bat. Tends to fly relatively close to the ground, with rather fast wing beats. Fur bright rusty-orange on lower back; forequarters yellow, frosted with red; underparts yellowish.

Behavior:
A tree-roosting bat, usually occurring singly among foliage in sheltered places, especially along forest edges. Occasionally forages around street lights in towns, but it is rarely seen by visitors during a Galapagos cruise.

Galapagos Red Bat