# Cryptic myotis

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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptic_myotis
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|{{Short description|Species of bat}}
{{expand french|topic=sci|date=November 2021}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Myotis crypticus - Manuel Ruedi.jpg
| image_alt = 
| image_caption = 
| status = NT
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn">{{cite iucn |author=Russo, D. |author2=Cistrone, L. |year=2023 |title=''Myotis crypticus'' |volume=2023 |article-number=e.T215154989A215155119 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T215154989A215155119.en |access-date=12 January 2024}}</ref>
| genus = Myotis
| species = crypticus
| authority = [Juste](/source/Javier_Juste), [Ruedi](/source/Manuel_Ruedi), [Puechmaille](/source/S%C3%A9bastien_J._Puechmaille), [Salicini](/source/Irene_Salicini) & [Ibáñez](/source/Carlos_Ib%C3%A1%C3%B1ez_(mammalogist)), 2019
| synonyms = 
| synonyms_ref =
| range_map = Myotis crypticus range.svg 
| range_map_caption = Cryptic myotis range
}}

The '''cryptic myotis''' ('''''Myotis crypticus''''') is a [Europe](/source/Europe)an [vespertilionid](/source/Vespertilionidae) [bat](/source/bat). It is a member of the [Natterer's bat](/source/Natterer's_bat) (''M. nattereri'') [species complex](/source/species_complex), and is also the closest living relative of ''M. nattereri''. 

== Distribution and habitat ==
It is mostly distributed across European countries bordering the [Mediterranean Sea](/source/Mediterranean_Sea), from [Spain](/source/Spain) west to [Austria](/source/Austria), north to [Switzerland](/source/Switzerland), and south to most of the [Italian Peninsula](/source/Italian_Peninsula). Populations of similar bats in southern [Italy](/source/Italy) and [Sicily](/source/Sicily) display significant genetic divergence from ''M. crypticus'', and thus may represent a unique taxonomic entity that requires more study. It is found in a wide range of altitudes, from sea level to 1000 meters above. It feeds in forest and grassland habitats and roosts in tree hollows as well as man-made structures. In autumn, ''M. crypticus'' swarms with other ''Myotis'' in large numbers, and [overwinters](/source/Overwintering) with them in underground sites such as crevices.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Two new cryptic bat species within the ''Myotis nattereri'' species complex (Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera) from the Western Palaearctic |year=2019 |vauthors=Juste J, Ruedi M, Puechmaille SJ, Salicini I, Ibáñez C |journal=Acta Chiropterologica |volume=20 |issue=2 |pages=285–300 |doi=10.3161/15081109ACC2018.20.2.001|doi-access=free}}</ref>

== Food ==
The cryptic murine is still poorly understood as it was discovered late. However, its resemblance to the Natterer's Murin means it probably hunts in closed environments. In some areas like western Switzerland, it feeds on spiders and caterpillars.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Myotinae nav}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q61765729}}

Category:Mouse-eared bats
Category:Mammals described in 2019
Category:Bats of Europe

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Cryptic myotis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptic_myotis) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptic_myotis?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.