Big Brown Bat

Eptesicus fuscus

A relatively fast flier, reaching speeds of 40 miles per hour, the Big Brown Bat eats mostly beetles but also takes wasps, ants, plant hoppers, and leafhoppers. Particularly important foods in the Midwest are June bugs, green stinkbugs, and cucumber beetles, all agricultural pests. The larva of the cucumber beetle, called the corn rootworm, probably causes more crop damage than any other agricultural pest in the country. All farms benefit from the presence of Big Brown Bats.

Look For : A large brown bat with medium-size ears.

Length : Body about 3" long.

Habitat : Forests, farmlands, cities, and parks. Summer and winter roosts are usually in buildings, not often in caves.

Range : Southern Canada and throughout U.S., except southern Florida and south-central Texas.