NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



patch of long white hairs. This sac or pit can be 

 turned inside out. These two white patches on the 

 shoulders give the animal the appearance of wearing 

 epaulettes. They are absent or rudimentary in the 

 female. A distinguishing feature of this bat is its 

 large loose lips, which can be considerably distended; 

 and the tufts of white hairs on the margins of the 

 ears. These are present in both sexes. 



The Epauletted Fruit Bats have been separated 

 into several species. They are all confined to Africa. 



There is only one young bat produced at a birth. 

 The little creature clings tight to its mother's ab- 

 domen with its hind claws, and its mouth is usually 

 attached to one of the teats. So close does it grip, 

 and so snugly does it nestle, that it is invisible, 

 except when viewed at a very short distance. When 

 at rest the parent folds one or both of her wings 

 over it. 



This not only completely hides it from view, but 

 keeps it dry and warm. It is suckled by the mother 

 until sufficiently developed to be able to fly and care 

 for itself. One which I kept in captivity gave birth 

 to a young one, which clung close to her breast, with 

 one or other of the teats all the time in its mouth. 

 As it grew in size and strength, it would at times 

 leave the mother and climb about the twigs in the 

 cage. Eventually it ceased to cling to her, and 

 roosted on a twig by itself. By this time it was able 

 to fiy efficiently. 



The Epauletted Fruit Bat is known, or at least 



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