Myotis chiloensis (Waterhouse, 1840)

Common Name and Species Classification

Myotis chiloensis, commonly called the Chilean myotis, is a small bat species.

Adult Size Measurements

Adults measure 7 to 9 cm (2.8 to 3.5 in) in total length including the tail, and weigh approximately 7 g (0.25 oz).

Geographic Variation in Fur Color

Fur color varies with latitude: individuals in the northern part of the range are pale ochraceous, while those in the southern range are coffee-brown.

Flight Characteristics

This species has a wing aspect ratio of 5.8, indicating it flies slowly but is highly maneuverable in flight.

Tail Morphology

Its tail is completely enclosed within the uropatagium.

Southern Range Extremity

Among all bat species in the world, the Chilean myotis lives further south than any other, with the exception of the southern big-eared brown bat which shares the same general local range.

Distribution in Chile

The species is primarily found in Chile, south of roughly 30°S.

Distribution in Argentina

It also occurs in the westernmost areas of the Argentinian provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro, and Chubut.

Southernmost Distribution Range

At the southernmost extreme of its range, it can be found across Tierra del Fuego, in both the Chilean and Argentine portions of the island.

Habitat Types

Across this broad range, it occupies habitats from the semi-arid Chilean Matorral in the north to temperate evergreen forests in the south.

Current Subspecies Status

No subspecies of the Chilean myotis are currently recognized.

Former Subspecies Classification

The montane myotis and Atacama myotis, which live further north in western South America and are now classified as separate full species, were formerly considered subspecies of M. chiloensis.