. Natural history. Zoology. THE BATS. 41. Fitj. 21.—Vampibe-Bat (Desmodus riifus). In two small genera of the family (Ghilonycteris and Mormops) the nose- leaf is wanting, and its place supplied by two or more lappets of skin hanging from beneath the skin. One of these ° chin-leafed bats {M. hlainvilhi) is remark- able for its bright orange fur, and like- wise for the extremely fragile structure of the whole head and body. The harm- less vampires (Fampirus) belong to a group of genera in which the tail, when present, perforates the membrane between the legs, while the nose-leaf is spear- shape
. Natural history. Zoology. THE BATS. 41. Fitj. 21.—Vampibe-Bat (Desmodus riifus). In two small genera of the family (Ghilonycteris and Mormops) the nose- leaf is wanting, and its place supplied by two or more lappets of skin hanging from beneath the skin. One of these ° chin-leafed bats {M. hlainvilhi) is remark- able for its bright orange fur, and like- wise for the extremely fragile structure of the whole head and body. The harm- less vampires (Fampirus) belong to a group of genera in which the tail, when present, perforates the membrane between the legs, while the nose-leaf is spear- shaped. The largest is the great vampire (V. ), from Brazil, in which the expanse of wing is upwards of 28 inches ; the tail being wanting. Apparently these bats feed exclusively on fruits. Nearly allied are the three species of javelin-bats {Phyllostoma), which may be distinguished from the harmless vampires by the shorter and broader form of the muzzle, as well as by the reduction in the number of the lower premolar teeth from three to two pairs. There is some degree of doubt whether any of the javelin-bats are addicted to blood-sucking propensities. More remarkable than any of the family are the long-tongued vampires, which are referred to several genera, such as Olossophaga, Ghceronyctelia, Phyllonycteris, etc., easily recognised by the narrow muzzle and the long, slender, extensile tongue, tipped at the extremity with sensile papillce, and capable of being protruded a long distance in advance of the tongue. Like the javelin-bats, these vampires have a small spear-shaped nose-leaf rising vertically from the muzzle immediately between the nostrils. The tongue appears to be used both to scoop out the soft interior of fruits, and likewise to extract small insects from tubular flowers. Another well-marked assemblage is formed by the short-nosed vampires, of which there are no less than nine genera, and among which Artibens and Stenuderma may be mentioned by name. All the
Size: 1767px × 1414px
Photo credit: © The Book Worm / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookauthorly, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectzoology
