Common name: Hoary Bat (1)

Scientific name: Lasiurus Cinerus Semotus (2)

Hawaiian name: Ope'ape'a (3)

The Hoary bat has a wing span of 6-7 inches. The bat can get 3 and a half inches to 4 inches tall. The bats weight is 20 to 38 grams. It is about the size as a Black Witch Moth.(1)

The Hoary Bat feeds on moths, mosquitos, termites. It uses echolocation to hunt, since it is almost blind in the dark. This method works by the bat sending out a series of squeaks. When these squeaks hit something, it bounces back to them. This is how the Hawaiian hoary bats catch their prey.(1)

The Hawaiian Hoary Bat lives on the islands of Hawaii called The Big Island, Lanai'i, and Maui.(1) The hoary bat usually perches on small tree branches, or in small caves.(3)

The Hawaiian Bat is almost completely blind. The bat is one of the rarest bats in the world. The Ope'ape'a (Hoary bat) is the only land mammal native to Hawaii. The Hawaiian bat is fast-flying and can be seen erratically flying after sunset. (1)

You can help by replanting trees in the forest and around your community if you live on the islands of The Big Island of Hawaii, Lanai'i, and Maui.(2)

1) "The Hawaiian Hoary Bat"online.http://www.geocities.com accessed2/22/02

2) "Hoary Bat"online.http://www.batcon.org/discover/species.html accessed2/12/02

3) "Ching, Patrick Native Animals of Hawaii,United States of America,U.S., 1988