Distribution, roost site selection and food habits of bats in eastern South Dakota (Myotis lucifugus, Eptesicus fuscus, Lasionycteris noctivagans, Lasiurus borealis, Lasiurus cinereus)

From 2000 to 2002 Myotis lucifugus, Eptesicus fuscus, Lasionycteris noctivagans, Lasiurus borealis, and Lasiurus cinereus were found throughout eastern South Dakota. Myotis septentrionalis was distributed along the gallery forests of the Missouri River.; Capture rates and activity were greater within the gallery forests than other locations in eastern South Dakota. To investigate this phenomenon, Myotis septentrionalis, Myotis lucifugus, Eptesicus fuscus and Lasionycteris noctivagans were radiotracked. Roost tree characteristics (circumference, height, and decay) were documented.; Bats roosted in eastern cottonwoods (Populus deltoides). Eptesicus fuscus also roosted in Bur Oaks (Quercus macrocarpa ) and beneath a concrete bridge, and Myotis lucifugus in a picnic shelter. Myotis septentrionalis, Lasionycteris noctivagans , and Eptesicus fuscus selected larger trees for roosts, while Myotis lucifugus utilized trees of the same size as those available.; Food habits of Eptesicus fuscus collected from the South Dakota Department of Health in 2000 and 2001 were described. Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, and Lepidoptera were identified.