BRITISH MAMMALS 



Order CHEIROPTERA— BATS. 



Family RHINOLOPHIDvE. 

 Genus Rhinolophus. 



THE GREATER HORSE-SHOE BAT. 



Rhmolophus ferrtim-equinum (Schreber). 

 Plate i. 



In beginning this short description of our British Bats, it would be 

 well to consider first the chief distinguishing features of these animals, 

 by which the different species may be readily recognised. 



There are now known to be twelve distinct species inhabiting the 

 British Islands, whilst a few others formerly on the list are now omitted, 

 two having been wrongly identified, and the others apparently immigrants 

 brought over from the Continent of Europe in vessels. 



The form of the ear, with its earlet or tragus placed at the doorway of 

 this organ, the shape of the wings and interfemoral membrane, especially 

 the point of attachment of the former at the ankle or toes, and also the 

 number and character of the teeth, are all useful means of identification. 



The Greater and Lesser Horse-shoe belong to the group of "leaf-nosed" 

 Bats, so named on account of the curious nasal appendage surrounding the 

 nostrils, with a lancet-shaped extension over the forehead. 



These two species are the only representatives of their kind in the British 

 Islands, though many others showing a wonderful variety in the form of the 

 nose-leaf are found in various parts of the world. 



