Bat Species in South Carolina
Eastern Red Bat (_Lasiurus borealis_): Found throughout South Carolina and one of the most common species. Reddish brown with a white belly. Roosts in trees, buildings, or other structures. Feeds primarily on insects.
Hoary Bat (_Lasiurus cinereus_): Found throughout South Carolina but less common than the Eastern Red Bat. The largest bat species in the state, with a wingspan up to 15 inches. Pale brown or gray with a white belly. Roosts in trees or buildings. Feeds primarily on insects.
Silver-haired Bat (_Lasionycteris noctivagans_): Found throughout South Carolina but less common than the Eastern Red Bat and Hoary Bat. Small brown bat with a silvery sheen. Roosts in trees or buildings. Feeds primarily on insects.
Big Brown Bat (_Eptesicus fuscus_): Found throughout South Carolina and one of the most common species. Brown with a slightly lighter belly. Roosts in buildings, trees, or other structures. Feeds primarily on insects.
Little Brown Bat (_Myotis lucifugus_): Found throughout South Carolina but less common than the Big Brown Bat. Small brown bat with a slightly lighter belly. Roosts in caves, mines, or buildings. Feeds primarily on insects.
Evening Bat (_Nycticeius humeralis_): Found in the coastal plain of South Carolina. Small brown bat with a pale belly. Roosts in trees or buildings. Feeds primarily on insects.
Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat (_Corynorhinus rafinesquii_): Found in the upstate of South Carolina. Medium-sized bat with large ears. Roosts in caves, mines, or buildings. Feeds primarily on insects.
Seminole Bat (_Lasiurus seminolus_): Found in the coastal plain of South Carolina. Small reddish brown bat with a white belly. Roosts in trees or buildings. Feeds primarily on insects.
Florida Bonneted Bat (_Eumops floridanus_): Found in the coastal plain of South Carolina. Large brown bat with a distinctive crest of fur on its head. Roosts in caves, mines, or buildings. Feeds primarily on insects.
Mexican Free-tailed Bat (_Tadarida brasiliensis_): Found in the coastal plain of South Carolina. Large brown bat with long, narrow wings. Roosts in caves, mines, or buildings. Feeds primarily on insects.