Which of the following is NOT a species typically categorized as a “colonial bat”?

The Great Horned Bat is not typically categorized as a "colonial bat," which is why this choice is correct. Colonial bats are known for roosting in large groups, often in large colonies that can number in the thousands or more. These species benefit from social interactions, which can offer advantages like enhanced warmth in roosts and improved predator avoidance.

In contrast, the Great Horned Bat tends to roost alone or in much smaller groups compared to true colonial species, which is characteristic of their behaviour. This solitary or less social nature disqualifies it as a typical representative of colonial bats.

On the other hand, species like the Little Brown Bat and the Mexican Free-tailed Bat are well-documented as colonial bats and often roost in large colonies. The Evening Bat may also roost in groups, further illustrating the characteristics of colonial species. Understanding these distinctions is important for wildlife management and conservation efforts, particularly in the study of bat ecology and population dynamics.