THE GREATER HORSESHOE BAT. 
231 
a character common to all the Bats of this alliance, with only a single exception ; and the ears have no 
tragus. Throughout the family there are two small incisor teeth in the upper jaw, and four in the 
lower, and three true molars on each side in both jaws ; but the number of pre-molars varies, being 
usually two on each side in the upper jaw, and either two or three in the lower; whilst in one cuiiou* 
species the upper pre-molars are only one on each side. 
The Rhuwlophidce are confined to the Eastern hemisphere, of which they chiefly inhabit the 
warmer parts. They are generally insectivo- 
rous in their habits, but some of the larger 
species are said to prey upon other vertebrate 
animals, and not even to spare their smaller 
brethren. Thus, Mr. Frith informed Mr. 
Blyth that “ a number of these Bats were in 
the habit of resorting to the verandah of his 
residence in Mymensing (Burmah), and that 
every morning the ground under them was 
strewed with the hind-quarters of Frogs and 
the wings of large Grasshoppers and Crickets. 
On one occasion the remains of a small fish 
were observed; but Frogs appeared to con- 
stitute their chief diet — never Toads, and of 
a quiet evening these animals could be dis- 
tinctly heai‘d crushing the heads and smaller 
bones of their victims.” 
Captain Hutton also states that various 
species of Rhinolophidce , and some Vesj)er- 
tilionidce ,* when confined with some smaller 
.. , HEAD 01’ THE GREATER HORSlSSHOE HAT 
species than themselves, will prey upon 
them; and he suggests that these carnivo- 
rous propensities may be “the reason why the larger species keep aloof in pairs, instead of 
congregating, as do some of the smaller kinds.” In illustration of this suggestion he gives the 
following interesting account of a cave frequented by Bats : — He says, “ I know of an enormous cave 
at Mussooree, to which various species, both large and small, are in the habit of resorting for rest and 
concealment during the day. Standing within this spacious vault in the earliest hours, just before the 
first streaks of day appear, the spectator is perfectly astonished at the numbers of Bats resorting to it ; 
not, however, in one promiscuous crowd, but in separate detachments, each seeking its own particular 
quarter of the cavern, and alighting against the sides, at first within reach of a Butterfly-net, and 
commence crawling upwards and backwards to spots beyond the reach of invasion from below. Here, 
in one spot, will be seen a pair of Rhinolophus luctus , hanging high up, and quite apart from all the 
rest ; in another place hangs a pair of Phyllorhina armigcr, the large ears and the facial crests in 
active tremulous motion as the head is turned in every direction to ascertain that no intruder is nigh 
its dwelling-place, until, this restlessness gradually passing off, the animal hangs at length quietly 
suspended by the feet. In another direction are a dozen or more of Rhinolophus minor , rapidly 
scrambling all together, like a lot of crabs, up the inequalities of the rocky surface, and hurriedly 
disappearing into some deep, narrow crack or crevice ; while again, in another part, the same scene is 
observed, as dozens of a very small species of Xycticejus (Scotophilus) scramble into similar hiding- 
places, to rest in peace until the hour for again emerging in search of prey calls them all forth once 
more.” 
THE GREATER HORSESHOE BAT.f 
Although, as already stated, most of the Horseshoe Bats inhabit warm countries, several species 
are found in more temperate regions. One of these is the Greater Horseshoe Bat ( Rhinolophus ferrum - 
* Rhinolophus luctus , Phyllorhina armiger , Nycticejus lutcus (=Scotophilus Temminckii ), Miniopterus blepotis , and 
Vespertifio Blythii. 
f Rhinolophus ferrum-equmum. 
