BROWN BAT

any of the bats of the genera Myotis and Eptesicus, of the common bat family, Vespertilionidae. Both genera are widely distributed, being found in almost all parts of the world. The genus Myotis includes almost 70 species, among them the little brown bat (M. lucifugus) of North America and the large mouse-eared bat (M. myotis) of Europe. Members of the genus are about 3.58 cm (about 1.53 inches) long, without the 46-centimetre (1.52-inch) tail and weigh about 545 g (0.21.6 ounces). Apart from humans, they are probably the most widespread of land mammals. About 30 species commonly referred to as big brown bats or serotines are placed in the genus Eptesicus. These bats are 3.57.5 cm long without the 3.55.5-centimetre tail. They are relatively slow, heavy fliers and are often found in buildings and hollow trees. Representatives include the big brown bat (E. fuscus), a common North American species, and the serotine (E. serotinus), a stoutly built Eurasian form.