Lasiurus seminolus
seminole bat

Seminole bats are distributed widely across the Gulf Coast States ranging from East Texas to the Southern Atlantic coast and to the northern parts of Arkansas and North Carolina. Their northern range is limited to a maximum latitude of 42° 27'. There have been some questionable reports of seminole bats in the southern portions of Wisconsin and New York, but these could have simply wandered out of their summer range. During winter, abundance of seminole bats increases in the southern portion of their range and decreases in the northern portion. (Kunz and Racey 1998, Wilhide et al. 1998)

Generally, seminole bats are found in lowland forest stands of mixed deciduous and pine trees. Although several bats may be found hanging together, roosting alone is more common. They hang 1.5 to 6.1 m above the ground on the southwest side of trees, clinging to the inside of clumps of Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), leaves, or loose bark. The area directly below the moss where they hang is clear of other branches. This allows these bats to drop down to begin their flight. The ground beneath them is covered with leaf litter and other organic debris. This reduces the amount of sunlight that is reflected on them when hanging.

Roosting is more common in pine trees, especially during parturition and lactation. The trees that are selected for roosting are taller and larger in diameter than other trees near the roost area. Selected trees are also tend to be near forest edges that permit easy flight paths. (Constantine 1958 and 1966, Barbour and Davis 1969, Menzel et al. 1998)

Seminole bats range in length from 108 to 114 mm. They weigh approximately 7 to 14 g. Females are slightly larger than males. Body length ranges from 44 to 52 mm with a hindfoot length of 8 to 9 mm and a forearm length of 35 to 45 mm. The short, rounded ear averages 11 mm in height with a very short, rounded tragus.

Seminole bats were long considered to be a subspecies of red bats (Lasiurus borealis). Since they are of similar size and appearance, they are easily confused with each other. The lacrimal shelf, which is not well developed in seminole bats compared to red bats, and color of the fur are the features used to distinguish these species. Seminole bats have rich, mahogany brown pelage with whitish tips. The underside is paler than the back. The throat and chest are whitish. The area under the arms to the wrist and the uropatagium are entirely furred. (Barbour and Davis, 1969; Hall and Kelson, 1959; Laerm et al., 1999; Wilson and Ruff, 1999)

Their basal metabolic rate (BMR) in relation to body weight is lower than in most other mammals. When foraging is limited during the fall and winter seasons, a lower BMR is exhibited resembling a hibernating rather than a non-hibernating mammal. (Genoud, 1990)

There have been no longevity studies on seminole bats. It has been noted that more females than males have been recorded in the older age class, which indicates a higher male mortality rate. If seminole bats survive the perils of youth, it is likely that they will live for many years. (Kunz and Racey 1998)

Lasiurus seminolus is a solitary bat species. Individuals usually roost alone and remain in the roost whenever the temperature is below 21°C. If the relative humidity increases, they are able to fly at lower temperatures. A sighting was reported at 20°C when the relative humidity was 38%. They do not hibernate, but do go into torpor. These bats fly throughout the year and have been spotted on warm days in the middle of winter. Seasonal migration does occur within their range in the southeastern United States. There are fewer seminole bats in the northern portions of their range during the winter, but in the south they are one of the most abundant bats active at that time of year. They have been known to join groups of migrating birds on southward migrations. No studies have yet been done to determine how they navigate their migration route. The possibilities include visual landmarks, smells, or winds. (Constantine 1958, Neuweiler 2000)

Seminole bats are insectivorous. They feed at dusk, while in flight, on flies, beetles, dragonflies, bees, wasps, and crickets. They are quick and direct when flying, feeding mostly near the tops of trees at about 6 to 15 m. However, it is not uncommon to see them over open ponds, along forest edges, or near lights, presumably where insects accumulate. Like most microchiropterans, seminole bats find their insect prey through echolocation. (Genoud, 1990)

Predators of seminole bats include blue jays, snakes, and raptors. A study of the stomach contents of an opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and a striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) revealed the remains of seminole bats. (Constantine, 1958; Wilson and Ruff, 1999)

Seminole bats play an important role in their ecosystems by consuming large quantities of flying insects.

Bats can become infected with rabies. The incidence of rabies in seminole bats is low, however, with a reported infection in Florida of 0.6%. During times of torpor, seminole bats are prone to predation from their roosts which are open to the ground. If an infected seminole bat defends itself from a predator, it may pass on rabies. Although no reports confirm this, an increase in rabies does coincide with cooler temperatures when bats are torpid. (Constantine 1958, Wilson and Ruff 1999)

Insect control within the ecosystem is an important role of seminole bats. Bats can positively impact agriculture to a tremendous extent through their predation on common insect pests.

Although they are common in some parts of their range, seminole bats are listed as a species of special concern in Oklahoma.

Since these bats roost primarily in Spanish moss, the gathering of this moss could affect roosting behavior. No studies have been done to determine whether there has been an impact, but educating moss collectors about these roosting requirements could help seminole bats.

This species is rated "Lower Risk, of least concern" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. (Texas Parks and Wildlife, 2000; Wilson and Ruff, 1999)

Another common name for this species is mahogany bat. Lasiurus seminolus had previously been named Atalapha borealis seminola and Nycteris seminola. The species name comes from the Seminole Indian tribe, who resided in the area where these bats were first discovered.

A seminole bat in captivity ate boiled eggs, cooked liver, and crickets. When flying around an enclosed room, the bat dragged its chin on the shiny linoleum floor apparently mistaking the shining surface for water. (Constantine 1958)