THE SHORT-TAILED BAT 39 



are its peculiarities, that it has been placed in a separate genus. 

 There are at least eighty genera known to science, and there is 

 an enormous number of species ; but New Zealand 's short-tailed 

 bat occupies a unique position, and is apart and distinct from 

 them all. It belongs to no other country, and has been seen so 

 seldom that very little is known about its habits of life. Some of 

 these, however, may be guessed at, as they are suggested by the 

 animal's physical peculiarities, w^hich have attracted special 

 attention. Most bats are well adapted for life in the air, feeding 

 on flying insects, and even drinking on the wing. But our short- 

 tailed species has adaptations which lead to the conclusion that 

 it hunts for its insect food not only in the air, but also on the 

 branches and leaves of trees, among which its peculiarities of 

 structure must enable it to creep and crawl with eaSe and 

 security. In cold climates, as winter approaches, bats seek 

 shelter in caverns, vaults, and ruined and deserted buildings, 

 where they remain in a torpid state until returning spring calls 

 them to active exertions. But in a sub-tropical climate, from which 

 this creature's ancestors came, bats are not likely to hibernate, 

 and as there are no flying insects in New Zealand in the winter 

 months, the climbing habit may be necessary for this little bat's 

 •existence. 



Family Vespertilionidae. 



Nostrils simple. Ears moderate, with large tragi. The first 

 joint of the middle finger, when in repose, extended in a line 

 with the wrist. Tail contained in the inter-femoral membrane. 

 Temperate and tropical regions of both hemispheres. 



Genus Chalinolohus. 



Muzzle short and obtiLse. Ears short, the tragus expanded 

 above and turned inwards. Lower lip with distinct fleshy 

 lobule near the angle of the mouth. Australian and Ethiopian 

 regions. 



