Eastern Pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus subflavus)

These bats are also known as tri-colored bats because of the color of their fur. They appear to be dark brown, but the individual hairs are three different colors (hence the alternate tri-color name). The hairs are dark at the base and the tip and the middle they are a yellowish-brown color. They reach a size of 3 to 3.5 inches long and are sexually dimorphic, meaning the females are larger than the males.

They have a large distribution range that spans from Honduras in Central America, up through the eastern coast of Mexico, throughout the eastern United States, and even reaching to southeastern Canada. They live in habitats of open woods near water and will not be found in densely forested areas. Eastern Pipistrelles are insectivores that don’t have a preference on food and are considered insect generalists.

When they are roosting or hibernating, these bats will find shelter in places like caves, rock crevices, trees, and tree foliage. Prefer to roost near water in their preferred habitat areas for easy food access. They will not be found roosting deep in forested areas. They are non-migratory, solitary bats that will only congregate during mating season. They mate in fall and the females will store the sperm until springtime.

Bat Species In Houston TX