Myotis macropus (Gould, 1854)

Taxonomy and Common Names

Myotis macropus, commonly called the large-footed myotis and also known as the southern myotis, is a vesper bat species belonging to the family Vespertilionidae and the genus Myotis. It is one of only two "fishing" bat species found in Australia.

Feeding Behavior

It hunts for food by dragging its specially adapted feet across the surface of water to catch aquatic invertebrates and fish.

East Coast Distribution

M. macropus is distributed along Australia's east coast, ranging from south-east Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria. Smaller populations have also been recorded along the coasts of other Australian national territories.

Inland Distribution Record

In the 1970s, this species was recorded west of the Great Dividing Range at a billabong in Boomanoomana State Forest, located near Mulwala and the Murray River.