26 VERTEBRATES I MAMMALS. 



The Genus Plecotus, comprising P. Lccontii of the 

 Southern States and P. Townsendii of Oregon, is char- 

 acterized by greatly dilated ears, and by two fleshy crests 

 between the eyes and nostrils. 



The rapid flittings, turnings, and curious gyrations of 

 bats, observable in early evening, or on cloudy days, or 

 in the deep shade of woods, are for the purpose of cap- 

 turing insects, of which they devour immense numbers. 



SUB-SECTION IV. 



THE ORDER OF INSECTIVORA, OR INSECT-EATERS. 



THE Order of Insectivora comprises mammals which 

 feed wholly or mainly upon worms and insects. They 

 are mostly nocturnal in their habits, and in cool climates 

 many of them remain in a torpid state during the winter. 

 Their incisors and canines vary in proportion and rela- 

 tive position ; their molars are studded with acute points, 

 feet short, plantigrade, and clavicles perfect. Wagner 



has recognized five families : 



Fig. 26. 



Dermoptera, characterized by 

 the body being margined with 

 a hairy membrane. Such are 

 the Galeopithici, already no- 

 ticed with the Lemuridae. 

 Scandentia, characterized by a 



Teeth of an Insectivorous Animal. 



squirrel-like appearance, except 



that the muzzle is attenuated and elongated. They climb 

 trees with agility, and in this respect differ from all the 

 other Insectivora. Such are the Banxrings and their 

 allies, confined wholly to the Indian Archipelago. These 

 two families demand no further attention in the pres- 

 ent work; but the three remaining ones Soricidae or 

 Shrew Family, Talpidag or Mole Family, and Aculeata 

 or Hedgehog Family which are universally recognized 

 as distinct families, require somewhat special attention. 



