Description: Western small-footed myotis are the smallest myotis in Kansas, and rare and local in occurrence. It can be distinguished from other bats in Kansas by: 1) small size, 2) yellowish-brown dorsal fur, 3) pale buff to whitish ventral fur, 4) dark brown to blackish wing membranes, and 5) black face mask and ears.
Size: Adults may attain the following dimensions: total length 78-89 mm; tail 34-44 mm; hind foot 7-8 mm; ear 13-15 mm; weight 3.5-5 grams.
Range and Habitat: This bat occurs in western Kansas and has been collected most frequently in summer from clefts on cliffs formed in cretaceous rocks and their rock outcrops. Elsewhere, summer roosts have been found in buildings, under rocks, and in holes along the banks of waterways. In winter small-footed myotis hibernate in mines and caves. Western small-footed myotis have not been found in the grasslands of central Kansas.
Reproduction: Because of its rarity, little is known about reproduction in this bat. It generally gives birth to a single young, although one apparent case of twins has been reported. Young are born in late June and early July, and usually females and young roost alone by day, although a few small maternity colonies have been found.
Habits: Western small-footed myotis prefer to roost in rock crevices, and its distribution in Kansas is very limited, perhaps by scarcity of suitable habitat. Very little is known of its habits in the state.
Food: Little is known about the feeding behavior of western small-footed myotis except that they is thought to begin foraging later in the evening than most bats. Like other myotis it consumes a large amount of small insects captured in flight.
Remarks: The greatest reported age for the western small-footed myotis is twelve years.