Brazilian Free -Tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)

Description: The short fur varies in color from dark brown to grayish-brown. Like other bats in the family Molossidae the tail extends well beyond a short tail membrane. The upper lips have vertical wrinkles. Long stiff hairs protrude from the toes and extend beyond the claws. The Brazilian free-tailed bat has a scent gland that emits a musky odor. A colony of these bats can be recognized from a distance by the odor alone. The odor is often mistakenly thought to come from the bat guano.

Wingspan: 11-13 inches

Body length: 2.2-2.9 inches

Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces

Florida roosting preferences: Colonial. This species forms large colonies ranging from a few hundred to several thousand. It roosts almost totally in man-made structures, primarily, buildings and bridges. It particularly likes to roost under barrel tile roofs. This is the most likely species to move into bat houses in Florida.

Food preferences: Insectivorous. Feeds on moths, flies and beetles.

Reproduction: Females give birth to a single pup, in early June.

Florida status: Common. This is likely Florida's most abundant bat.

Florida range: The Brazilian free-tailed bat is found throughout Florida, except the Florida Keys.

Note: This species is commonly referred to as the Mexican free-tailed bat in the western United States.

Copyright Florida Bat Center 2005