The Chilean myotis (Myotis chiloensis) is a species of vesper bat in the family Vespertilionidae. It is native to southern South America, occurring primarily in Chile and adjacent regions of Argentina.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Chiroptera
- Family: Vespertilionidae
- Genus: Myotis
- Species: M. chiloensis
The species was first described by Gerrit S. Miller in 1898.
Physical description
The Chilean myotis is a small bat, with a forearm length ranging from approximately 35 to 40 mm and a body mass of 5–9 g. Its dorsal fur is typically brownish‑gray, while the ventral side is paler. As with other members of the genus Myotis, it possesses a relatively long tail enclosed within the interfemoral membrane.
Distribution and habitat
Myotis chiloensis is found in the temperate zones of Chile, extending from the central region of the country southward to the Patagonian archipelagos, and into adjacent areas of western Argentina. The species occupies a variety of forested habitats, including Nothofagus‑dominated woodlands, as well as open shrubland and grassland near water sources. Roosting sites include tree cavities, under bark, and occasionally caves or artificial structures.
Behavior and ecology
The Chilean myotis is insectivorous, foraging over water bodies and within forest clearings during the night. It employs echolocation to locate prey, typical of vesper bats. Reproductive information is limited, but the species is presumed to have a seasonal breeding cycle with the birth of a single pup per year, consistent with other temperate Myotis species.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently classifies Myotis chiloensis as Least Concern. The species is considered relatively widespread within its range, and there are no major threats identified that would likely cause rapid population declines. Nonetheless, habitat modification and fragmentation could affect local populations, and continued monitoring is recommended.
References
- Miller, G. S. (1898). Descriptions of new bats from South America. Proceedings of the United States National Museum, 21(1088), 225–229.
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (2022). Myotis chiloensis. Retrieved from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/
- Wilson, D. E., & Mittermeier, R. A. (Eds.). (2019). Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Volume 9: Bats. Bloomsbury Publishing.