THE FAMILIES AND GENEBA OF BATS. 



259 



Genus PROMOPS Gervais. i 



1855. Pi-omops Gervais Exped. clu Cointe de Castelnau, Stool. Mamm., p. 58. 

 1878. Prontops Dobson, Catal. Chiropt. Brit Mus., p. 407 (part). Subgenus 

 of Molossus. 



Type-species.— Promops ursinm Gervais= Molossus nasutus Spix. 



Geographic distribution. — Warmer parts of America, north to 

 southern Mexico. 



Number of forms. — This genus as now restricted contains only the 

 type species and Promops fosteri (Thomas). 



Characters. — Dentition as in Eumops, except that the upper inci- 

 sors are not as high (barely 

 one-half height of canine) , the 

 anterior upper premolar is re- 

 duced to a mere structureless, 

 often deciduous, spicule, the 

 lower premolars are greatly 

 crowded, their width notice- 

 ably exceeding their length, 

 and the upper molars lack all 

 distinct trace of hypocones. 

 Skull (fig. 48) differing con- 

 spicuously from that of Eu- 

 mops in its general shorter, 

 broader, and more rounded 

 outline, the presence of a high 

 sagittal crest extending for- 

 ward almost to level of lach- 

 rymal region, the very marked 

 shortening and deepening of 

 the rostrum (horizontal dis- 

 tance from orbit to nares 

 scarcely half depth through 

 lachrymal region) , the slightly 

 emarginate audital bullae (as in Molossus and Eumops), and the 

 highly domed palate (antero-posterior concavity nearly as great as 

 lateral). External form heavier and more robust than in Eumops. 

 Ears short, rounded, arising from same point on forehead, extending 

 barely to nostril when laid forward; keel low and rounded; anti- 

 tragus very distinct, constricted at base, its substance noticeably 

 thickened posteriorly; tragus minute, very slender though distinctly 

 flattened. Muzzle pad very small but rather distinctly outlined, 

 though without median ridge or horny processes; a keel-like ridge 

 from immediately behind muzzle to point of origin of ears. Lips 

 slightly expanded, scarcely wrinkled; spoon hairs small, forming a 



Fig. 48.— Promops fosteri. Adult female. Villa 

 Rica, Paraguay. No. 105677. x 2±. 



