AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Myotis nigricans
Black Myotis
Schinz, 1821
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small bat with soft, dark fur, ranging from blackish-brown to coffee-brown. Its ears are narrow and pointed.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Chiroptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Vespertilionidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Myotis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Schinz, 1821
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Highly adaptable; inhabits tropical rainforests, secondary forests, agricultural zones, and urban areas across almost the entire American continent.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Aerial insectivore: hunts small flying insects like mosquitoes and moths.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Gregarious, forms colonies that can range from a few individuals to hundreds.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Forages mainly in open space or near foliage.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Important biological controller of insect pests in agricultural and urban environments.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Seasonal reproduction, generally synchronized with food availability.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.0 - 4.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
3 g - 6 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
60 - 70
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 8 Years
Females5 - 8 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Great flexibility in using diverse roosts, such as buildings, roofs, caves, and tree hollows.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Although it is a resilient species, loss of native vegetation and pesticide use affect its local populations.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is one of the most common bats in Latin America; its ability to live in human structures has favored its wide distribution.