Bat Dimorphism

Male and female bats often have the same physical appearance (to human eyes at least). However the eastern red bat mentioned in the previous post is noted for having an easy clue for gender - the males tend to be more red than the females. 


This can be a subtle difference, or a dramatic difference. One biologist I spoke to felt that the male bats probably develop a deeper red as they mature and get older. 



male (top) and female eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis)

The Beautiful Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis)

This particular bat is not really uncommon, but I have been looking to photograph one for years and years. Lovely, graceful, and not terribly friendly! Like all bats they prefer to be left to themselves when it comes to human interaction. 


The image of the red bat roosting on a tree limb was especially hard to obtain. This little male would land for about three seconds (just enough time to barely get into focus) and then take of before I could press the shutter!



eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) roosting on a tree limb



portrait of an eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis)



eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) in flight