Keen's myotis | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Chiroptera |
Family: | Vespertilionidae |
Genus: | Myotis |
Species: | M. keenii
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Binomial name | |
Myotis keenii (
Merriam, 1895)
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Keen's myotis (Myotis keenii) is a species of vesper bat. It is found in British Columbia in Canada and in Washington and Alaska in the United States. [1] It is named after the Rev. John Henry Keen, who collected the specimen that formed the basis for the first scientific description of the species. [2] Classification for Keen's myotis formerly included the northern long-eared myotis (Myotis septentrionalis), resulting in older studies confusing the species for one another. [3]
Measurements: Forearm 1.4-1.6 in., WT 0.25–0.33 oz (7.1–9.4 g). Average body length 8–9 cm, tail length 4–5 cm. [4] In appearance, Keen's myotis is very similar to other long-eared bats of the same range, with characteristic dark brown patches on the shoulders. [5]
Keen's myotis prefers coastal habitats, but is often found in urban areas as well. It frequently roosts in trees and rock crevices. [6] It is nocturnal and insectivorous. [5] Keen's myotis probably exhibits the same breeding habits of other temperate vespertilionids, but there is little data available. [7]
In the wild, Keen's myotis is recorded living upwards of 12 years, [8] while in captivity, it is reported living 19 years. [7]