THE BATS OF THE UNITED STATES 171 



THE FAMILY OF COMMON BATS 



Vespertil ion ida e 



These are the bats that are the most numerous and the 

 most widely known. Dr. E. L. Trouessart recognizes more 

 than 200 species. They range over all portions of the world 

 that are habitable by small bats. 



The distinguishing characteristics of the members of this 

 Family are chiefly negative. There are no nose-leaves, the 

 nostril openings are simple, and the tail does not extend far 

 beyond the interfemoral membrane. 



All the bats of the United States are of small or medium 

 size, and the majority of them belong to this Family. Along 

 the Atlantic coast they are so common that nearly every 

 person living beyond the confines of the great cities is per- 

 sonally acquainted with at least one species. The common- 

 est is the beautiful little Red Bat 1 which appears in the early 

 twilight, gliding on swift yet noiseless wings up and down 

 the shaded streets and roads, and occasionally making a 

 friendly diversion into an open window, or through your 

 veranda, partly for business purposes, and partly as an evi- 

 dence of friendly regard. 



In midsummer sharp eyes sometimes find this bat hang- 

 ing close in amongst the leaves of a chestnut-tree, its delicate 

 fur as red as the brightest iron-rust. Touch it ever so gently 

 and whisk! it is off as swiftly as a swallow, to seek another 

 and a better hiding-place. 



From sunset until it grows quite dark, it is very busy, 



1 Las-i-u'rus bo-rc-al'is. 



