Activity levels of Myotis lucifugus and Myotis septentrionalis in relation to habitat type and insect abundance.

Abstract

To determine the habitat preferences of Myotis spp. we used bat detectors and tape recorders to measure the level of bat activity in four habitats in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan: riverine, lakeside, forested, and disturbed. Acitivity was measured by the number of passes by Myotis spp. per night over a two-week period in July and August between 9:30 and 11:3- p.m. In addition, insects were collected at each site during the same time period and counted to test for a relationship between bat activity and insect abundance. Activity levels of Myotis lucifugus and Myotis septentrionalis were not determined by insect abundance or habitat type, although Myotis spp. exhibited a marginally significant preference or riverine habitats.