134 CHEIKOl'TERA. 



THE HORSESHOE BATS. 



The family Rhinolophidit, which embraces seven genera and SL-ve?ity 

 species, derives its scientific name from a curious crest-like membrane 

 on the nose. They are found most abundant and varied in Eastern 

 Asia, where twelve species are found. Africa and Australia possess 

 five, Europe one genus only. 



The nasal appendage consists of three portions — the horseshoe, the 

 longitudinal comb, and the lancet. The former begins at the end of the 

 snout, and surrounds the nostrils with a deep fold of skin. The comb 

 rises up inside the horseshoe behind the nostrils. The lancet rises up 

 between the eyes under the posterior end of the horseshoe, and contains 

 three cellular cavities. The ears are simple, without an inner ear; the 

 flying membrane short, and the flight clumsy. The tail is short, and 

 the interfemoral membrane entirely embraces it. At the flanks two 

 glands are found which have the aj)pcarance of mamm;«, and secrete an 

 odoriferous substance. The Rhinolophidie differ but little in size from 

 the Vespertilionidae ; they have a long, abundant fur, generally of a light 

 shade, which is sometimes remarkably handsome. 



These Cheiroptera are widely spread in the Old World, in Europe, 

 Africa, Asia, and the islands of Sunda ; no species are found in America. 

 They live in numerous bands during the greater part of the year. When 

 the females are with young, they separate themselves from the males, to 

 bring forth and rear their progeny. The following genus contains the 

 "Horseshoe Bats" proper: 



GENUS RHINOLOPHUS. 



The Lesser Horseshoe Bat, Rldnolophus hipposideros, is not uncom- 

 mon in Europe. During its winter sleep it folds itself so closely in its 

 wings that it seems a fungus rather than an animal. Its chief food is soft- 

 bodied insects, like flics or motlis, but it is said to be a blood-sucker, on 

 very inconclusive observations. It attains the size of only two inches, 

 with a spread of eight inches in the wings, and is distinguished from the 

 following species by an additional appendage to the nose, placed in front 

 of the ordinary lancet. 



