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The family Pteropodide is characterized by a relatively large size and the 


peculiar dentition. ‘The head is fox-like or dog-like and there is no re- ~ Ub: 
markably developed tragus, the ear being of ordinary form. The first — 
finger has usually a curved claw and is very short. The middle finger has 
but two phalanges. The skull is elongated. The molars have blunt — 
tubercles, nevertheless the dentition is to be considered as a modified in- 
sectivorous rather than a vegetarian type, as is indicated by the sharp and 
well developed canines. The peculiar form may be construed as the 
result of long continued vegetarian habit. The digestive tract also indi- 
cates a vegetable diet, a well developed cecum being present. None of 
the species suck blood although they do feed upon small animals. 
The principal genus is Pteropus which includes the largest of bats, some — 
of which measure nearly two yards in expanse of wings. Over fifty species 
or over half the family are included in this genus. The genus is at home 
in Australia and adjacent lands. Some species furnish a relished food. 
The other genera are as follows: Oynonycteris Peters, occurs in Africa — 
and the species are characterized by short tails and the following denti- 

tion: $:3444 3:3 Cynopterus Geoff., and Ptenochirus Peters, both have’a — i) cf 
formula 3:34 44 3:3, the latter having the tail distinct. In Megerops 
Peters, the tail is absent and the formula is 3:3 4 $4 3:3—the only species 
inhabiting Sumatra. Harpyia Illiger, has a still more peculiar dentition, 
3:3 } 42:3 and is found represented by one species in the Celebes, etc. 
Epomophorus Bennett, has a short tail, the dental formula being 4:3 } #4 
3:1. The eight or more species inhabit Africa including the Hypsigna- 

thus of Allen. The dentition of Cephalotes Geoff., is $:34374%:3% The — 
tail is short, the volar membrane springs from the spinal region, and the 
index hasa nail. Macroglossus Cuv., contains two species found in Siam 
and Australia. The tongue is long and protrusible, the dentition is 
8:3 1412:3. The genus Pterocyon is represented by a single African 
species. 
The suborder Entomophaga contains all other bats. The dentition is 
like that of the Insectivora with pointed cusps upon the molars. The 
thumb only has a claw and the muzzle is short. 
The first group, Phyllostomata, contains families which have large 
membranous processes on the nose. . 
The family Megadermata has well developed nasal appendages and large 
tragior ear valves. Thesingle phalanx of the index is short. The Genus 
Rhinopoma is represented by a single Egyptian species. The nose is but 
slightly appendaged, the tail long and mouse like, while the dental for- 
mula is 4143. The warmer regions of Asia and Africa furnishf our spe- 
cies of the genus Megaderma. The tail is absent, the interfemoral web 
extensive. Dentition varying from $+ 3:§ to $44:% Closely related is 
Nycteris Geoff., which has a membrane connecting the ears. Ten species 
mostly from Africa with dentition } } 3:3. 
Nyctophylus and Antrozous are given as generic names under this family. 
The Rhinolophide constitute the second family of leaf-nosed bats. These 
horse-shoe nosed bats have large appendages upon the nose. The index 
digit is reduced, the second digit has two phalanges. The tragus is 
wanting. The skull is remarkable for a prominent excrescence of the 
nasals and the peculiar form of the intermaxillary, the horizontal part 
alone being developed, forming a movable plate. The family is found in 
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