A large number of the known specimens were captured in mist nets set over permanent streams or water holes adjacent to steep cliffs in open scrub desert country. Little is known of the behavior of the spotted bat except that it appears to be most active well after dark. Most individuals caught in mist nets set over water, where bats come to drink, have been captured after midnight. Easterla speculated that its swoop over a water hole is made at relatively high speeds because several of the bats he has captured have been injured when they struck the nets. Several authors have commented on the docile disposition of captive spotted bats, but occasional individuals are ill-tempered.
Available data indicate that moths are highly important in their diet.
In fact, these bats may feed almost exclusively on moths. Data on reproduction are sparse. Two females captured June 30 and July 1 in Catron County, New Mexico, were in postpartus condition and lactating, as were three females collected in Garfield County, Utah, in mid-August. Thus, it appears that a single offspring is born to each sexually active female in June or July. This page is copyrighted 1994 by Texas Parks and Wildlife, Nongame and Urban Program.