Although most people know them as the little brown bat, their scientific name is Myotis lucifugus. They belong to the Chiroptera family and the Vespertilionidae order. They are also known as mouse-eared bats. Little brown bats, being one of the most common bat species in most of the United States and Canada, have many interesting and unique characteristics that set them apart from other animals. Unfortunately, due to a disease called white-nose syndrome, bat populations are in decline. Because the species is threatened, it is even more important to fully understand the little brown bat and all of its habits and characteristics. Myotis lucifugus is easily identifiable when handled, but is difficult to distinguish from other species when in flight. Their fur is shiny with a variety of colors ranging from light brown to red or dark brown. Their stomach is lighter in color, with their wings and legs almost black. Their wings, ears and face have little to no fur on them. Little brown bats have a wingspan of up to 11 inches, a weight of 5 to 14 grams, and a body length of 2.5 to 4 inches. Females are generally larger than males, allowing them to easily carry their pups. Their distinct wings, which distinguish them from every other mammal and bird, are a thin extension of skin supported by bones that evolved from normal forelimbs. (Myers, P. “Bat Wings and Tails.” 2014). They fly at an average of 12 miles/hour but can reach up to 22 miles/hour. Their forelimbs and hindlimbs have five medapodials. While these features may appear similar to those of many other bats, there is a major difference in their skull. Little brown bats do not have a sagittal crest, which is where the jaw muscles would attach. They have 38... half the paper... the numbers are decreasing very fast, farmers are seeing the effects. (National Wildlife Health Center. Jan. 27, 2014) Not only are they useful to farmers, but they offer scientists a way to study echolocation, sonar and hibernation. Myotis lucifugus doesn't have many predators, but it has a good amount of them. Since little brown bats have difficulty getting off the ground, if they fall from the air or are low to the surface, they are susceptible to being attacked and eaten. One of the main daycare and nursery roosts for bats is found in buildings, where domestic cats are common. Houses and attics have small spaces to exit from, making the bat an easy target and catch for cats. Most predators take into account the fact that bats hibernate and do so in large groups. During the winter, while they sleep, they can be eaten by fishermen, hawks and snakes.