Vertebrate Zoology - V. M. Konstantinov 2011

Chordates
Terrestrial, or Tetrapod, Vertebrates — Amniotes
Class Mammalia — Subclass Theria — Suborder Megadontia

The suborder Megabats (Megachiroptera) comprises large Representatives of the order, distributed across the tropics of Asia, Africa, and Australia. They feed on juicy fruits, sometimes causing significant damage to orchards. The crowns of their cheek Teeth have flat chewing surfaces. Their eyes are relatively large; they forage by relying on sight and a very acute SENSE OF SMELL. Echolocation ability is characteristic of only a few cave-dwelling species. They typically roost in trees, under roof eaves, in caves, and less frequently in tree hollows. They usually gather in colonies numbering many hundreds or even thousands of individuals.

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Fig. 194. Malayan flying fox, or large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus)

The total number of species is about 130. A typical species is the kalong, or large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus), which is the largest of the true fruit bats (body length up to 40 cm) and inhabits the Malay Archipelago (Fig. 194).



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