Use of Buildings by Indiana Bats (Myotis sodalis) and Other Bats in South-central Iowa

Abstract

Abstract To determine whether Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) use barns as roosts in south-central Iowa, we examined barns in six counties in 2005 and 2006. We checked barns during the day for signs of bats, and buildings with recent signs were netted at sunset. Of 232 structures checked during the day, 79.7% showed signs of use by bats. We netted 47 barns and caught 1473 bats; big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) made up 98.3 % of captures. Twelve Indiana bats were captured, with most individuals captured entering buildings ≥ 1 h after sunset. Therefore it appears Indiana bats in south-central Iowa use barns primarily as night roosts. Barns represent important roosting and breeding resources in south-central Iowa for big brown and little brown bats.