24 BULLETIN NO. VII. 



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

 peculiar dentition. The head is fox-like or dog-like and there is no re- 

 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 caecum 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: Cynonycteris Peters, occurs in Africa 

 and the species are characterized by short tails and the following denti- 

 tion: |:| } | i f :jh Cynopterus Geoff., and Ptenochiws Peters, both have a 

 formula f:f if \ |:f, the latter having the tail distinct. In Megcerops 

 Peters, the tail is absent and the formula is f :| ill |:f the only species 

 inhabiting Sumatra. Harpyia Illiger, has a still more peculiar dentition, 

 l-l t f i t : l an( i is found represented by one species in the Celebes, etc. 

 Epomophorus Bennett, has a short tail, the dental formula being i:| \ f { 

 |:|. The eight or more species inhabit Africa including the Hypsigna- 

 thus of Allen. The dentition of Cephalotes Geoff., is J:J * f f fc:f. The 

 tail is short, the volar membrane springs from the spinal region, and the 

 index has a nail. MacroglossusCu\. t contains two species found in Siam 

 and Australia. The tongue is long and protrusible, the dentition is 

 I't i t i f : f 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 

 tragi or ear valves. The single phalanx of the index is short. The Genus 

 Ehinopoma 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 i | i |. The warmer regions of Asia and Africa furnishf our spe- 

 cies of the genus Megaderma, The tail is absent, the inberfemoral web 

 extensive. Dentition varying from f } |:f to g 1 i:|. Closely related is 

 Nycteris Geoff., which has a membrane connecting the ears. Ten species 

 mostly from Africa with dentition f :f . 



Nyctophylus and Antrozous are given as generic names under this family. 



The Rhinolophidce 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 



