Influence of insect density and habitat on little brown bat (Myotis spp.) activity.

Abstract

Riparian habitats are generally assumed to be important areas for foraging insectivorous bats. This study was an investigation of the effects of both insect abundance and habitat type on bat activity, particularly Myotis species. Using the Anabat II, we recorded and counted bat calls to determine bat activity. We also collected samples of insects on observation nights to determine if there was any correlation between bat activity and insect abundance. Four habitats were used in this study: riverside, lakeside, forest, and disturbed areas. There was no relationship between bat activity and habitat type; however, the differences in numbers of passes for each type of habitat were suggestively large.