138 CHElROrTERA. 



GENUS TAPHOZOUS. 



The animals belonging to this genus are natives of Africa and the hot 

 parts of Asia. They arc characterized by a liollow foreliead and a some- 

 what short tail, which is detached and projects downward. Their wings 

 generally have a span of from eight to twelve inches. It contains ten 

 species. 



GENUS VESPERUGO. 



This genus is distinguished by short, thick, fleshy ears, set wide 

 apart and rounded in front, the tragus or cover of the ear projects, 

 the wings are pretty long with a thick membrane, and the tail is as long 

 as the body. 



The Northern Bat, or Vcspcmgo Nilsoiiii, attains a length of about 

 ten inches. Its color on the upper surface is dark-brown, on the lower 

 somewhat lighter. It is found in the north of Sweden and Norway, 

 probably extending to the Arctic circle, and in Russia. It does not sus- 

 pend itself by the hind feet during its period of hibernation, but hides 

 in crevices from which only its snout projects. It migrates southwards 

 in the summer, because in the far north the days of June and July are too 

 long to suit nocturnal animals. 



GENUS VESPERTILIO. 



This genus is found over the whole of the Northern Hemisphere, and 

 contains many species. The wings are slender and capable of quick 

 movement and great endurance ; the covering of the ear is directed 

 inwards, and the tail is included in the flying membrane. 



THE PIPISTRELLE. 



The PiPlSTRELLE, Vcspcrtilio pipistrellus (Plate IV), is the smallest 

 European bat. It is only two inches and a half long, of which length 

 full one inch is taken up bv the tail. The fur is a yellowish red-brown 

 above, inclining below more to yellow. The thick ears and membrane 

 are brownish-black. 



