EMBALLONURIDJE 



67 r 



In the Mystacophn division the tail perforates the interfemoral 

 membrane and appears upon the upper surface. 



Mystaeojis.' 1 — This genus includes only M. Hberculatus of New 

 Zealand, where, together with Clmlinolobus tumorhi, it represents 

 the whole indigenous mammalian fauna of 

 the islands. There are three distinct 

 phalanges in the middle finger; the 

 greater part of the wing-membrane is 

 exceedingly thin, but a narrow portion 

 along the forearm, the sides of the body, 

 and the legs is remarkably thick and 

 leathery ; beneath this thickened portion 

 the wings are folded. AVith the wings 

 thus encased, this species is the most 

 quadrupedal of Bats. Other peculiarities 

 of structure are found in the remarkable 

 form of the claws of the thumbs and toes, 

 which have each a small talon projecting from its concave surface 

 near the base, also in the sole of the foot and inferior surface of 

 the leg, as shown in Fig. 317. The plantar surface, including the 

 toes, is covered with soft and very lax integument deeply wrinkled, 



Fig. 316. — Head of Nyctinomus 

 macrotis. (Dobson, Proc. Zool. Soc. 

 1876.) 



Fig. 317.— Pollex and leg and foot of Mystacops tuber xulatus, enlarged. (Dobson, 



Proc. Zool. Soc. 1870.) 



and each toe is marked by a central longitudinal groove with short 

 grooves at right angles to it. The lax wrinkled integument is 

 continued along the inferior flattened surface of the ankle and leg. 

 These peculiarities appear to be related to climbing habits in the 

 species. 



Fossil Emballonuridcv. — In the cavern-deposits of Madras remains 

 of the existing Taphozous saccolcemiis are not uncommon ; while in 

 the corresponding beds of Brazil bones of a Molossus, probably refer- 

 able to M. temmincki, now inhabiting the same region, are met with. 



1 Xew name: Syn. Mystacina ; Gray, Voyage of the "Sulphur," "Mamm.' 

 p. 23 (1843). Preoccupied by Mystacina, Boie, 1822. 



