New records of tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) in Colorado, with first evidence of reproduction

Authors

Rick A. Adams, School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, COFollow
Burton Stoner, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Boulder, COFollow
Donna Nespoli, Colorado Native Bird Care and Conservation, Lyons, COFollow
Sarah M. Bexell, Institute for Human-Animal Connection, University of Denver, Denver, COFollow

Abstract

The tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) is widely distributed throughout eastern North America. However, this species has also undergone severe population declines in areas where white-nose syndrome has taken hold. Previous records in Colorado showed what appeared to be vagrant individuals with no evidence of established populations. Herein we provide new records for Boulder and Weld Counties, Colorado. We also provide evidence of reproduction supporting the hypothesis of westward expansion of this species. Because the tricolored bat has been significantly impacted by white-nose syndrome in eastern North America, the Rocky Mountain West may provide at least a temporary refugium from this disease.


El murciélago tricolor (Perimyotis subflavus) se distribuye ampliamente a través del este de América del Norte. Sin embargo, en varias ocasiones esta especie ha experimentado una disminución de sus poblaciones en áreas donde se ha establecido el síndrome de la nariz blanca. Registros previos en Colorado reportan individuos nómadas que no mostraron indicio de pertenecer a poblaciones establecidas. En el presente estudio, proporcionamos nuevos registros de esta especie en los condados de Boulder y Weld, Colorado. También, aportamos evidencia de reproducción, apoyando la hipótesis de expansión de esta especie hacia el oeste. Debido a que, el murciélago tricolor ha sido muy afectado por el síndrome de la nariz blanca en el este de América del Norte, el oeste de la cordillera Rocky Mountain podría proporcionar, por lo menos, un refugio temporal contra esta enfermedad.

Recommended Citation

Adams, Rick A.; Stoner, Burton; Nespoli, Donna; and Bexell, Sarah M. (2018) "New records of tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) in Colorado, with first evidence of reproduction," Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 78: No. 2, Article 12.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol78/iss2/12