Studies on New Zealand Chiroptera

Abstract

The external anatomy and osteology of Mystacina tuberculata Gray and Chalinolobus tuberculatus (Forster) are described. M. t. robusta n. subsp. is described from the Stewart Island region. In Mystacina a unique arrangement of the phalanges in the folded wing permits considerable freedom of the limbs for crawling and climbing. The F. Mystacinidae combine characters of the Emballonuridae and Noctilionidae but resemble the Vespertilionidae in the structure of the pectoral girdle and limb. No true affinity is found with the Molossidae. A 12 mm foetus of C. tuberculatus is described. C. tuberculatus is closely similar to C. picatus (Gould). The decrease in the distribution of New Zealand bats during the last century is correlated with the restriction of forest. Field observations in relation to behaviour and habitat are reviewed. Species differences in feeding period, hibernation and diet are indicated. Mites from three families are recorded from New Zealand bats for the first time.