Virginia Big-Eared Bat Facts

Posted on October 28, 2022 by virginia

There are several species of bats found in Virginia. The most common bat in Virginia is the little brown bat. Other species include the big brown bat, the Mexican free-tailed bat, the silver-haired bat, and the beloved state bat, the Virginia Big-eared bat! Although all of these species are important to the ecosystem and play a role in controlling insect populations, let’s take a closer look at our state bat by reviewing some interesting facts about them!

Virginia Big eared bat is our state bat! — Professional Bat Removal Richmond Virginia 804-729-9097

Facts About the Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) is a medium-sized bat, with adults measuring 4.5-5.7 cm (1.8-2.2 in) in body length and 7-9 cm (2.8-3.5 in) in wingspan. The fur on the back is brown or black, while the belly is paler. As its name suggests, this bat has large, conspicuous ears.

This bat is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, caves, and mines. It is a forest Dependent species, meaning that it requires forested habitat to survive. The Virginia Big-eared bat typically roosts alone or in small groups. It is known to form maternity colonies of up to 100 individuals.

As an insectivore, it primarily feeds on moths, but also mosquitos, gnats, flies, grasshoppers, and more. Like all other microbats, our state bat uses echolocation to locate its prey and navigate with heightened precision in the dark of night.

Fun Facts About All Bats

Bats are nocturnal creatures, so they are most active at night. During the day, they roost in trees, caves, and other dark places. Bats are very good flyers and can travel long distances in search of food.

Most bats eat insects. They use their sharp teeth to bite through the exoskeleton of their prey. Bats have a very good sense of smell and can locate their prey by following the scent of the insects.

Bats are important to the ecosystem because they help control the population of insects. Without bats, there would be more mosquitoes, beetles, and other pests. Bats eat millions of insects every night!

How to Support Local Bat Populations

There are several things you can do to help bats. One way is to provide a roosting site for them. You can do this by putting up a bat house in your yard. Another way to help bats is to avoid using pesticides and insecticides. These chemicals can kill the insects that bats eat.

If you see a bat during the day, it is probably sick or injured. Bats are very susceptible to diseases, so it is important not to handle them. If you find a sick or injured bat, please contact your local wildlife rehabilitator for help.

Are you trying to manage a nuisance bat problem in or around your property? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for licensed and insured bat removal and control you can afford. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Everything You Want to Know About the Virginia Big-Eared Bat

Posted on May 29, 2020 by virginia

The Virginia Big-Eared bat is one of three federally-listed endangered species of bat in Virginia. In fact, it has been categorized as endangered since 1979 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. There are several interesting facts about the Virginia Big-Eared bat species, adding more reason to keep these precious critters protected and preserved.

Continue reading to learn more about the Virginia Big-Eared bat, and what to do if you suspect you are having nuisance bat issues around your property.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus

The Virginia Big-Eared bat is part of the Animalia kingdom, Chordata phylum, Mammalia class, and Chiroptera order. Their scientific name, Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus, is derived from their genus (Corynorhinus), species (C. townsendii), and subspecies (C. t. virginianus).

What They Look Like

This special species is distinguishable by its large ears, which can reach lengths of 2.5 centimeters or more. When resting, their ears reach back to half the length of their body! In addition to their most distinguishable trait, these mammals have long, soft, brown fur that ranges in shade depending on their age. Weighing and average of 7 to 12 grams (0.25 to 0.42 ounces), it is one of the largest Microchiroptera species in its range. With rounded muzzle and elongated nostrils, the Virginia Big-Eared bat can grow to 98 millimeters (3.85 inches) long by adult hood.

How They Act

The VBE bat usually mates in the fall and winter. Females actually store the male’s sperm until they begin ovulation, which generally occurs in late winter or early spring. Females have a gestation period of 3 months, and give birth to only one baby, called a “pup.” The pup stay with the mother for up to 8 weeks, in which time they are fully-developed and capable of flight. These bats generally roost in caves, where they also hibernate for the winter. Because they prefer it, they are mostly found in mountainous limestone caves surrounded by forest with oak and hickory trees.

Where They Live

Although they are called the Virginia Big-Eared bat, they are not just native to Virginia. They are also found in states like Kentucky and North Carolina. The Virginia Big-Eared bat species is not a migratory one; they stay in their caves all year, whether hibernating or not. They only leave to hunt for food at night, which they do with the help of their amazing sonar abilities called echolocation. Bats see quite well, opposed to common belief, and only use their echolocating abilities to better dart and dive for insects. They are nocturnal, so it also improves their night-time navigational skills.

Nuisance Bat Problems?

It is vital to contact a licensed bat control company for safe, humane, and non-lethal bat abatement services. You should never attempt to trap, touch, harm, or kill a bat under any circumstances. This is also important since you never know if it is a federally-protected species.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control Near You

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. They serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

Get to Know Our State Bat!

Posted on April 2, 2019 by virginia

Did you know we have a state bat here in the Old Dominion? The Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) was officially appointed the prestigious title 14 years ago, and continues to be an admired and protected species, both locally and nationally, to this very day. As a proud Virginian, continue reading to learn more about our merry friend, the Virginia big-eared bat!

Virginia Bat Control Company — The Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big-Eared Bat
(Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus)

The Virginia big-eared bat is scientifically known as Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus, as it belongs to the Corynorhinus genus, and is a subspecies of the Townsend’s big-eared bat. Here is the breakdown of their specific classification:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Vespertilionidae
Genus: Corynorhinus
Species: C. townsendii
Subspecies: C. t. virginianus
Trinomial Name: Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus
“Handley, 1955”

As for appearance, this special species is distinguishable by its large ears, which can reach lengths of 2.5 centimeters or more. When resting, their ears reach back to half the length of their body! In addition to their most distinguishable trait, these mammals have long, soft, brown fur that ranges in shade depending on their age. Weighing and average of 7 to 12 grams (0.25 to 0.42 ounces), it is one of the largest Microchiroptera species in its range. With rounded muzzle and elongated nostrils, the Virginia Big-Eared bat can grow to 98 millimeters (3.85 inches) long by adult hood.

Range, Habitat & Diet

Virginia big-eared bats range consists of eastern Kentucky, eastern West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and northwestern North Carolina. As for habitat, they are mostly found dwelling in the limestone caves of western Virginia since they provide the proper temperature and humidity levels vital to their survival; but they are also commonly found in heavily vegetated oak-hickory or beech-maple-hemlock forests.

Like most microbats, Virginia big-eared bats eat an insectivorous diet. This particular species seems to really prefer Lepidoptera, which are a classification of insects that include moths and butterflies. They also consume thousands of mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and more. Read our blog, “Learn How Bats are Nature’s Pesticide” to learn how this benefits us personally and universally.

Conservation Status

Since 1979, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has categorized the Virginia big-eared bat as an endangered species, which makes it highly protected under state and federal law. According to Loab’s ‘Conservation and Management of Eastern Big-Eared Bats’ study, an estimated 77% increase in the Virginia big-eared bat populations took place between 1983 and 2009, which is great news; but we are not out of the hole just yet.

Virginia big-eared bats require the utmost respect and attention in terms of conservation efforts. As an avid reader, you already know the importance bats have on our local Eco-systems and economies, so be sure to do your part to help preserve this special species. Read our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how to be a bat supporter.

Nuisance Bat Removal and Control

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Sometimes bats can be a nuisance, even though they don’t mean to be. When this happens, trust a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane bat abatement service at an affordable price. Contact Virginia Bat Pros today at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate or information about our services, prices, and more. We look forward to delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions for your bat problems!