Mystacinidae - New Zealand short-tailed bats

There are two species of medium-sized bats in this family, the lesser New Zealand short-tailed bat and the greater New Zealand short-tailed bat.

They have long, pointed snouts; large ears; short, pointed tails; and grayish-brown fur. New Zealand short-tailed bats have a unique sleeve-like membrane that they fold their wings into when they are not in use! They have strong rear legs that end in long claws. They are good walkers and forage for insects on the ground! They also catch insects in flight and eat some fruit and pollen.

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

Other Species Around the World
Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North America South America NH
New Zealand Greater Short-tailed Bat - Mystacina robusta		New Zealand Lesser Short-tailed Bat-Mystacina tuberculata

Additional Information

Key: Profile Photos Video Audio

New Zealand Greater Short-tailed Bat - Mystacina robusta
The New Zealand greater short-tailed bat is native to Big South Cape and Solomon Islands in New Zealand
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

New Zealand Lesser Short-tailed Bat - Mystacina tuberculata
The New Zealand lesser short-tailed bat is the most terrestrial bat in the world. It spends much of its time on the forest floor.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

New Zealand Lesser Short-tailed Bat - Mystacina tuberculata
The New Zealand lesser short-tailed bat is a very good crawler and climber.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School