274 



VERTEBRATA 



so as to subtend the large membrane stretching from the 

 hind limb, thus affording the means of flight. Among 

 the insect eaters occurring in our land are the red bat and 

 brown bat flitting through the air at twilight. The fruit 

 eaters or flying foxes, including some species with a wing- 

 spread of three feet, inhabit southeastern Asia and adja- 

 cent islands. The vampire bats are confined to Central 



FIG. 311. Short-tailed shrew 



o thirds life size. 



America and South America and the West India Islands. 

 While a few of them, such as the Javelin bat, suck the 

 blood from horses and cattle and even attack man, the 

 majority are insect or fruit eaters. 



Insect Eaters (Insectivora). -Although members of 

 this order are common in every state, but few people have 

 seen them, because they pass their lives in underground 

 burrows seeking insects and earthworms. As their eyes 

 are of no use in the dark, they have become rudimentary 



