1. Vespertilionidae (Vesper Bats):
- Big Brown Bat: Widespread across the continent, these bats inhabit forests, towns, and even buildings.
- Eastern Red Bat: Found in the eastern United States, these bats are known for their bright red fur.
- Little Brown Bat: One of the most common bats, inhabits a wide variety of habitats, including forests and urban areas.
- Mexican Free-tailed Bat: Found in the southwestern United States, these bats form massive colonies in caves.
2. Molossidae (Free-tailed Bats):
- Brazilian Free-tailed Bat: Common in the southern and western US, they are known for their fast and acrobatic flight.
3. Phyllostomidae (Leaf-nosed Bats):
- Virginia Opossum Bat: Found in the southeastern US, these bats have a unique nose leaf and feed on fruits and insects.
4. Emballonuridae (Sheath-tailed Bats):
- Northern Ghost Bat: Limited to the southernmost parts of Texas, these bats have distinct white markings and roost in caves.
5. Myotisidae (Mouse-tailed Bats):
- California Myotis: Found in western North America, these bats are adaptable to various habitats.
- Eastern Small-footed Myotis: Inhabits the eastern US, with specialized feet for roosting in trees.
- Yuma Myotis: Distributed across the southwestern US, these bats are associated with desert environments.
6. Thyropteridae (Disk-winged Bats):
- Mexican Disk-winged Bat: Present in the southwestern US, characterized by distinctive suction cups on their tail membranes.
These are just a few examples of the bat species found in North America. The continent is home to several other types of bats, each with its unique characteristics and ecological contributions to their respective habitats.