CLASS MAMMALS: OKDEE INSECTIVOKA. 91 



Fig. m. 



PterSpus edulis, Plying Fox, Java, 



Pteropodidae.— The Wing-footed Bats are adapted to a 

 regetable diet. There are no points on their molars, and the 

 pyloric, or digestive end of their stomach, is lengthened to 

 correspond to their fruit-eating habits. The Flying Fox— so 

 called from the shape of its head — is no larger than a squir- 

 rel, but is five feet across the wings. It receives its specific 

 name because its flesh is eaten.* 



ORDER INSECTIVORA. 



General Characteristics. — The members of this order 

 are insect-eating, and have teeth studded with points for 

 crushing the hard integuments of their prey. They are 

 plantigrade, with a tendency to an underground life. Those 

 inhabiting cold countries hibernate, as their food fails them 

 during the winter. 



* Hundreds are sometimeB found suspended by their hind claws to the limbs of 

 trees, presenting the appearance of uncommonly large fruit. If killed, they still 

 remain hanging. They commit great depredations on orchards, and in Java the 

 natives protect their trees by bamboo baskets. 



