184 



BULLETIN 57, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



molars with the cusps normal in size and position ;- m 3 with distinct 

 entoconid and a slight postero-internal cingulum cusp. Skull (fig. 

 26) with globular braincase rising abruptly above level of narrow, 

 elongate rostrum. Greatest breadth of braincase about equal to depth, 

 including audital bulla ; rostrum about three-fourths as long as brain- 

 case, its width in lachrymal region about twice depth, its lateral walls 

 thin and translucent, but not inflated. Anterior edge of orbit over 

 middle of second molar. Antorbital canal very long, its anterior ori- 

 fice over middle premolar, its posterior orifice occupying entire ante- 

 rior wall of orbit, including region in which lachrymal foramen 

 usually occurs. Base of braincase parallel with palate. Audital bul- 

 la? well developed, but small, covering about half surface of cochlea?. 



Externally characterized by the very 

 long leg and tail, each of which exceeds 

 the head and body in length, the large, 

 funnel-formed ear (outer base slightly 

 in front of inner), with thickened, dis- 

 torted tragus, and the long muzzle with 

 simple lips and chin ; nostrils simple, di- 

 rected outward and slightly downward. 



Species examined. — I have examined 

 the three known forms. 



Genus PHODOTES Miller. 



1906. Phodotes Miller, Proc. Biol. Soc. 

 Washington, XIX, p. 85. June 4, 1906. 



Type - species. — Natalus tumidirostris 

 Miller. 



Geographic distribution. — Island of 

 Curacao, off coast of Venezuela. 

 Number of forms. — Only the type species is now known. 

 Characters. — Like Natalus, but maxillaries conspicuously inflated 

 and translucent, the swollen region extending from orbit to nares and 

 projecting so far laterally that the molar teeth are hidden when skull 

 is viewed from above. 

 Species examined. — Phodotes tumidirostris (Miller). 

 Remarks. — The inflated, semitransparent maxillaries of the type 

 species give the skull of Phodotes a very distinct aspect from that of 

 Natalus and Chilortatalus. The rostrum of Nycticllus is of somewhat 

 the same form ; but this genus is distinguished by the very different • 

 relative width of rostrum and braincase, Phodotes retaining in this 

 respect strictly the proportions of Natalus. As I pointed out in the 

 original account of Natalus tumidirostris," the palate in the only two 



Fig. 26.— Natalus mexicanus. Adult 

 female. mokelos, mexico. no. 

 102509. ■ 2±. 



a Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, XIII, p. 160, October 31, 1900. 



