262 BA TS 



The small long-tongued fruit-bat (CarponycUrU minima) is the smallest of all 

 the fruit-bats, being considerably inferior in size to the European noctule described 

 in the next chapter. It has a very extensive geographical distribution, ranging 

 from Northern India and Burma to Australia and New Ireland. It is common in 

 the warm valleys of Sikhim ; and according to Mr. Blanford, generally roosts in 

 trees, although occasionally found in old buildings. It lives on fruits of all kinds, 

 of which it consumes, in proportion to its size, a large quantity. The cavern long- 

 tongued fruit-bat (Eonycteris spelcea) is rather a larger species, distinguished by the 

 absence of a claw on the index finger. It inhabits caves in Burma, Java, and 

 Cambodia. The only other species we shall mention is Woodford's long-tongued 

 fruit-bat (Nesonycteris woodfordi}, from the Solomon islands, which is remarkable 

 for its brilliant coloration, the body and hairy portions of the limbs being of a bright 

 orange, while the wing membranes are dark brown. Nothing seems to be known 

 of the habits of this bat. 



