528 MANUAL OF ZOOLOGY SECT. 



presence of an armour of bony dermal plates. This usually 

 consists of a scapular shield of closely-united plates covering 

 the anterior part of the body, followed by a series of trans- 

 verse bands separated from one another by hairy skin, and a 

 posterior pelvic shield. The tail is also usually enclosed in 

 rings of bony plates, and a number of plates protect the 

 upper surface of the head. 



In the Scaly Anteaters (Manidat) (Fig. 297) the head is 

 produced into a short pointed muzzle. The limbs are short 

 and strong, with five digits in each foot. The upper surface 



FIG. 297. Scaly Anteater (Mam's pentadactyla). (After Vogt and Specht.) 



of the head and body, the sides of the latter, and the entire 

 surface of the tail, are covered with an investment of rounded, 

 horny, epidermal scales. The lower surface is covered with 

 hair, and there are a few coarse hairs between the scales. 

 There are five digits in both manus and pes. 



The Aard-varks (Onyctcropida) have a thick-set body, the 

 head produced into a long muzzle with a small tubular mouth, 

 the pinnae of great length, and the tail long and thick. 

 The fore-limbs are short and stout with four toes. The 

 hind-limb is five-toed. The surface is covered with thick 

 skin provided with sparse hairs. 



