Big Brown Bat vs. Little Brown Bat
What's the Difference?
The Big Brown Bat and Little Brown Bat are both common species of bats found in North America. While they share similar physical characteristics such as their brown fur and wingspan, there are some key differences between the two species. The Big Brown Bat is larger in size, with a wingspan of up to 13 inches, compared to the Little Brown Bat's wingspan of around 9 inches. Additionally, the Big Brown Bat tends to roost in buildings and trees, while the Little Brown Bat prefers caves and mines. Both species play important roles in controlling insect populations and are crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Comparison
| Attribute | Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eptesicus fuscus | Myotis lucifugus |
| Size | Medium-sized | Small-sized |
| Color | Brown | Brown |
| Range | North America | North America |
| Diet | Insects | Insects |
Further Detail
Physical Characteristics
Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and Little Brown Bats (Myotis lucifugus) are two common species of bats found in North America. Big Brown Bats are larger in size compared to Little Brown Bats, with a wingspan of around 13-16 inches and a body length of 4-5 inches. Little Brown Bats, on the other hand, have a wingspan of 8-11 inches and a body length of 2-4 inches. Both species have brown fur, but Big Brown Bats tend to have a darker shade of brown compared to Little Brown Bats.
Habitat
Big Brown Bats are more adaptable when it comes to habitat compared to Little Brown Bats. They can be found in a variety of environments, including urban areas, forests, and agricultural fields. Little Brown Bats, on the other hand, prefer roosting in caves, mines, and buildings. They are more commonly associated with wooded areas and bodies of water. Both species are nocturnal and roost during the day in secluded spots such as caves, trees, or buildings.
Diet
Both Big Brown Bats and Little Brown Bats are insectivores, feeding primarily on insects such as moths, beetles, and mosquitoes. Big Brown Bats have a more varied diet compared to Little Brown Bats, as they are known to consume larger insects. Little Brown Bats, on the other hand, primarily feed on smaller insects due to their smaller size. Both species use echolocation to locate their prey while flying at night.
Reproduction
Big Brown Bats and Little Brown Bats have similar reproductive habits, with females giving birth to one or two pups each year. The gestation period for both species is around 50-60 days. Female bats typically form maternity colonies during the summer months to raise their young. Big Brown Bats tend to have a longer lifespan compared to Little Brown Bats, with some individuals living up to 19 years in the wild. Little Brown Bats, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan of around 6-7 years.
Conservation Status
Both Big Brown Bats and Little Brown Bats face threats to their populations due to habitat loss, pesticides, and white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has decimated bat populations in North America. Little Brown Bats have been particularly hard hit by white-nose syndrome, with some populations experiencing declines of over 90%. Big Brown Bats, on the other hand, have shown more resilience to the disease, but their populations are still at risk. Conservation efforts are underway to protect both species and their habitats.
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