5 24 



FLYING FOXES 



of the vertebrae tend to become ankylosed in old individuals ; 

 the caudals have no processes, but are like those Cjuite at the end 

 of the series in long-tailed animals. The sternum is keeled for 

 the better attachment of the pectoral muscles, the chief muscles 

 of flight. The ribs, which are much flattened, are occasionally 

 ankylosed together by their margins. There is a well-developed 

 clavicle. In the carpus the scaphoid, lunar, and cuneiform are 

 all fused together. In the hind-limb the fibula is rarely fully 

 developed. 



The Bats are divisible into two primary groups, which are 

 those of the Megachiroptera and the Microchiroptera. 



Sub-Oeder 1. MEGACHIEOPTEEA. 



The Pteropodidae are frugivorous Bats, usually of large size. 

 The chief distinguishing feature is the fact that the molars 

 are not tubercular, but marked with a longitudinal furrow, 

 which is, however, concealed in the genus Pteralopex by cusps. 

 The palate is continued back behind the molars. The index 

 finger has three phalanges, and is usually clawed. The ears 



Fig. 256. — Skull oi Pteropus fuscus. 



(After (le Blainville.) 



are oval, and the two edges are in contact at the base of the 

 ear. The tail, if present, has nothing to do with the inter- 

 femoral membrane. This group is entirely Old World in range. 

 The genus Ptcro'pus embraces the creatures known as Flying Foxes. 

 They are the largest forms in the sub-order, sometimes having 

 an expanse of wing of 5 feet (this is the case with P. eclulis). 

 The muzzle is long, and the face therefore " foxy " in appearance. 



