THE LONG-EARED BAT 



197 



I have seen no evidence of seasonal variation. 



The skull and teeth are typical of the genus. 



Individual variation manifests itself not infrequently in albinism, 

 partial or complete. White or "albino" varieties (the colour of the 

 eyes not stated) are mentioned by New- 

 man, Field, 2 1 St March 1874, 271 ; Borrer, 

 Zoologist, 1874,4128 (two); V>'d.x\n%, Journ. 

 cit.y 1898, 261. I have also records of 

 one with the foreparts paler than usual 

 (Bury, Journ. cit, 1844, 777)', a buff one 

 (in Dublin Museum of Science and Art), 

 and one of a uniform cream colour, with 

 pink eyes and nails (Oldham, Journ. cit, 

 1890, 349). Millais has seen a true albino 

 and a cream-coloured variety from Nor- 

 folk, and Eagle Clarke {Naturalist, iZg4.,62>) 

 mentions a melanic one. 



The extent of geographical variation 

 is quite unknown. Cross-channel speci- 

 mens resemble British, but Hungarian 

 and central European average larger and 

 are lighter in colour, with apparently larger 



ear and smaller foot, and may possibly Fig. 2o.-Front View of Incisors 

 represent a hitherto undescribed sub- 

 species. Those from Africa and others 

 from sandy regions are said to be of pallid coloration (? P. christii 

 of Gray), while Hodgson's P. homocJirous from the Himalayas has 

 a larger ear and smaller thumb. Specimens from Tor, Sinai, Ladak, 

 and Hokkaido appear to be of the latter form. For local English 

 difference, see Whitaker, Naturalist, 1910, 422. 



Dimensions : — The female appears to have slightly the larger wing. 



Proportionate lengths: — Foot (without claws), about -48 to -50 of 

 lower leg; fifth metacarpal, about -95 to -96 of third ; lower leg, about 

 •47 of forearm, and about -35 to -40 of head and body ; ear, about -74 to 

 '77 of head and body, and about -96 of forearm. 



Skxill: — Greatest length, 16-5; basal length in middle line, 12; 

 palatal length in middle line, 7 ; from posterior border of w^ to anterior 

 border of canine, 5 ; same in lower jaw, 6 ; greatest breadth at zygoma, 

 9 ; posterior breadth, 7 ; breadth at constriction, 4. 



Weight: — Charbonnier sends me the weight of a female as 2 

 drams 21 grains, or about 5 grammes. 



Distinguishing characters: — The enormous ears, united at their 

 bases in front, are a unique feature of this species amongst British 

 mammals. 



AND Canines of Plecotus auntus 

 (enlarged and diagrammatic). 



