Hoary Not Sticking to the Story: Evidence of Hoary Bats (Lasiurus cinereus) Using Artificial Roosts in Illinois
Ricky Gieser1, *, Jordyn Chace1, Tara Hohoff1, Carson McNamara2, Joe Kath2, and Mark A. Davis1
1Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Forbes Natural History Building, 1816 S. Oak St., Champaign, IL 61820. 2Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702. *Corresponding author.
Journal of North American Bat Research Notes, Volume 4 (2026):N1–N7
Abstract
Artificial roosts are a commonly used tool in bat conservation to supplement or replace natural habitat features. During routine surveys, we collected guano from directly underneath several artificial roost structures from 2 sites in Illinois. Genetic sequencing of the mitochondrial COI gene revealed several guano samples were from Lasiurus cinereus (Hoary Bats), in addition to expected species like Eptesicus fuscus (Big Brown Bat), Myotis sodalis (Indiana Bat), and Nycticeius humeralis (Evening Bat). Our repeated findings of Hoary Bat guano at artificial roosts were unexpected, because the species is believed to roost primarily in foliage. Detection of Hoary Bat DNA hints at the use of artificial roosts by this species in some fashion. Our results highlight the utility of genetic tools in uncovering cryptic behaviors and raise new questions about Hoary Bat behavioral ecology.
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Journal of North American Bat Research is valued by the academic, agency, NGO, and private-sector research community as a respected and trusted source for science related to all aspects of the biology, ecology, and conservation of bats, Order Chiroptera, and their habitats in North America, from Canada to Panama, and the West Indies (Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and Lesser Antilles). Manuscripts based on studies outside this region that provide information on species within the region may be considered at the Editor’s discretion.