Tricolored bats are one of Ohio's 13 bat species that is formerly known as the eastern pipistrelle.
The Tricolored bat was originially known as an easter pipistrelle. The was an inaccurate classification. The more descriptive name tricolored bat was chosed because of their distinct tricoloration of each hair.
Tricolored bats are one the smallest bats found in North America. Thier avergage length is between 2.8 - 3.74 inches and weigh between 0.2-.03 ounces. They have an average wingspan of 8-10 inches. Their name is descriptive of their fur with it being black at the base, yellow in the middle and brown at the tip. They have pinkish flesh colored forearms and their ears are oval or rounded. Their tricolored fur makes them distinguisable from other bats.
These bats are insectivorous feeding on mostly mosquitoes, night midges, beetles, moths, flies, ants and other small insects. The commonly feed over streams, open waterways and along the edges of forests. They may capture insects with their tai membrane and may catch and insect every 2 seconds increasing their body mass by as much as 25% within a half hour.
Tri-colored bats mate in the fall. The female bat will store the sperm over winter and will fertilize itself in the spring. The pups are born late May to early June. It will take the newly born pups about 14 - 21 days to begin flying. Maels bats can live up to 15 years of age and female bats up to 10 years of age.
Tri-colored bats can be found in most of the eastern and southern United States including Columbus Ohio. They often winter in caves, mines, and rock crevices. Often hibernating alone or in small groups. During summer months they may be found roosting in hollow tress, under tree bark, in brush piles, caves and in buildings. They will also roost in bat houses if available.
