THE FAMILIES AND GENEBA OF BATS. 261 



the tooth; a low though distinct hypocone is, however, occasionally 

 present. Skull (fig. 49) essentially like that of Promops, but sagit- 

 tal crest even more conspicuously developed, and palate merely 

 arched — that is, the antero-posterior concavity is much less than the 

 lateral concavity. As in Promops and Evmops, the audital bullae are 

 much better developed than is usual in the family (the inner margin 

 not emarginate), and the basisphenoid pits are distinct. External 

 form thick and heavy. Ear as in Promops, except that the antitragus 

 is even more constricted at base, suborbicular in outline, and more 

 noticeably thickened; tragus minute, subterete. Muzzle and other 

 external characters as in Promops. 



Species examined. — Molossvs crassicaudatus (Geoffrey), M. cur- 

 renthim Thomas, M. nigricans Miller, M. ohseurus Geoffroy, M. pre- 

 tiosus Miller, M . pygmwus Miller, M. rufus Geoffroy, M. tropido- 

 rhynchus Gray. 



Remarks. — The genus Molossus is characterized by its short but 

 high and rounded skull with greatly developed, knife-like sagittal 

 crest, arched palate, short upper incisors, and 1-1 lower incisors. 

 Externally the only tangible character by which it can be distin- 

 guished from Promops is the very minute, subterete tragus, unique in 

 the group. 



