CLASS MAMMALS: ORDER CHEIKOPTEKA. 



89 



ward that part of the membrane expanded between the hind 

 legs and tail, to serve as a skim-net. Its flight is uncertain 

 and awkward, as ever and anon it dives downward, making 

 complete somersaults in its effort to take the " catch " from 

 the net. There are over 30 genera and 200 species 20 at 

 least being indigenous to North America. The families of 

 the order are as follows : 



5 Phyllostomidse, Vampire. 



I Rhinolophidae, Horse-shoe Bat. 



J Vespertilionidae, Common Bat. 



J Noctiliouidae, Hare-lipped Bat. 



^ Pteropodidae, Wing-footed Bat. 



Phyllostomidae. The Vampire of South America has, 

 instead of a stomach, a long pouch for the reception of its 



Fig. W. 



Phyllost&ma spectrum, Vampire. *. 



food, which requires little digestion. Its teeth make a triple 

 puncture, through which it sucks the blood of its victim till 

 gorged. The bite, however, is rarely serious.* 



Bhinolophidse. The Horse-shoe Bats have large nose- 

 appendages, consisting of skin curiously folded, perhaps as 

 an extra organ of touch. The Puff Bat diminishes its spe- 



* Most exaggerated stories Have been reported by travelers, as that the Vampire, 

 winging its silent flight in the darkness, poises itself over the exposed toe of an 

 incautious sleeper, and painlessly extracts his life-blood, all the while by gentle fan- 

 ning inducing a deeper slumber, until its victim expires. 



