Family RHINOLOPHIDAE
Compiler and date details
31 December 1998 - J.A. Mahoney & D.W. Walton (1988); updated by Barry J. Richardson (1999), Centre for Biostructural and Biomolecular Research, University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury
Introduction
Although bats of the families Rhinolophidae and Hipposideridae are sometimes treated together as the family Rhinolophidae, familial distinction is retained here. Following this arrangement, the Rhinolophidae sensu stricta is represented in Australia by only two species.
The family is characterised by the absence of postorbital processes, the premaxillae are present only as the palatal portion and are not fused with the maxillae or with each other. The upper incisors are small as are the second and third premolars and third molar; the second and third premolars are variable in presence. The greater tuberosity of the humerus articulates with the scapula. The second manal digit is represented only by a metacarpal and the third has only two phalanges.
The ears are simple and lack a tragus. Foliaceous appendages adorn the region of the external nares. These appendages are roughly U-shaped and remotely resemble a horse-shoe.
Rhinolophids, or horse-shoe bats, are insectivorous. Although roost sites include trees and buildings, these bats are essentially troglophiles, especially in temperate areas where hibernation occurs. The species are varyingly gregarious.
In Australia, these bats are found in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of east coastal parts of the continent.
References
Hall, L.S. 1989. Rhinolophidae. pp. 857–863 in Walton, D.W. & Richardson, B.J. (eds). Fauna of Australia. Vol. 1B. Mammalia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service