The California myotis is one of North America's smallest bats. Its long fur varies from blond to dark brown, and distinguishing characteristics include a keeled calcar and extremely small feet. It ranges as far north as southeast Alaska and as far south as Guatemala, inhabiting deserts, grasslands, montane forests, and humid coastal forests. California myotis have been observed in a variety of roosts, including rock and tree crevices, bridges, caves, mines, buildings, shrubs, and even on the ground. Caves and buildings serve as hibernacula. This species feeds mostly on moths and flies but will also eat beetles, caddisflies, termites, and spiders. Females typically give birth to one pup at a time.