1. Mexican Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis): This is the most common bat species found in the Houston area. Mexican Free-tailed Bats are known for their large colonies, which can number in the millions. They roost in caves, crevices, and even under bridges.
2. Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus): Big Brown Bats are also common in the Houston area. They are dark brown in color and have a wingspan of about 12-14 inches. They roost in trees, buildings, and even under loose bark.
3. Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis): Evening Bats are small, brown bats with a distinctive yellow-orange fur on their shoulders. They are active early in the evening and can be seen flying near bodies of water.
4. Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii): Rafinesque's Big-eared Bats are rare in the Houston area. They are distinguished by their large ears, which are almost as long as their heads. They roost in caves and mines.
5. Seminole Bat (Lasiurus seminolus): Seminole Bats are small, reddish-brown bats with long tails. They are active during the summer months and can be found in wooded areas and near bodies of water.