Atypical American Beech Tree Used by Indiana Bat Maternity

Abstract

Encountered in Clermont County in southwest Ohio during the summer of 2013, an American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) snag was being used as a roost by two juvenile male Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) for six days with at least 25 other bats (presumably Indiana bats). More bats were seen emerging from this tree than any of five roost trees at our study site and suggests that it may have been a primary maternity roost tree. Beech trees are rarely observed in use as Indiana bat maternity roosts.