Cryptic myotis

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Cryptic myotis (Myotis crypticus)

What is it?
The cryptic myotis is a European bat. Its scientific name is Myotis crypticus. It belongs to the vesper bat family and is part of the Myotis nattereri species group. It is the closest living relative of Natterer’s bat.

Where it lives (distribution and habitat)
This species is mostly found in European countries that border the Mediterranean, from Spain to Austria, and north to Switzerland, with southern Italy and Sicily showing genetic differences that may indicate a separate group needing more study. It can live from sea level up to about 1,000 meters in altitude. It roosts in tree hollows and in human-made buildings, and it forages in forests and grasslands.

Food
The cryptic myotis is still not fully understood, but it likely hunts in enclosed spaces. In western Switzerland, it is known to feed on spiders and caterpillars.

Conservation status
The species is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

Taxonomy
Binomial name: Myotis crypticus. It was described in 2019 by Juste, Ruedi, Puechmaille, Salicini, and Ibáñez.