Rhinolophus gracilis, Andersen, 1905

Andersen, Knud, 1905, On some Bats of the Genus Rhinolophus, with Remarks on their Mutual Affinities, and Descriptions of Twenty-six new Forms., Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 2, pp. 75-145 : 129

20. Rhinolophus gracilis , sp. n.

(Plate IV. fig. 18«, b, c.)

Rhinolophus minor (partim, nec Horsf.) Dobson, ut supra .

Diagnosis. Skull: the minor -type. Sella parallel-margined; tail extremely short. Very small: forearm 36'2 mm.

Details. This is an aberrant species of the minor -type. The connecting process is quite of the same shape as in the foregoing species (very different from that of subbadius'). But the sella is parallel-margined, as broad at the summit as at the base; by means of a lens (probably not without) an exceedingly faint trace of a constriction can be observed; the summit of the sella is broadly rounded off, as in borneensis , not with a tendency towards a subacute shape, as in the foregoing forms of this group; length of sella 2'8 mm.; width at base 1'8 mm., at summit 1’7 mm.

The lancet is, considering the small size of the Bat, remarkably long (4 mm.), with the lateral margins almost straightly converging towards the tip; it recalls the lancet of Rh. midas and hipposiderus (with which species Rh. gracilis has no very close affinity).

The tail is extremely short (13 ’ 5 mm.), shorter than the lower leg. Plagiopatagium inserted a trifle above the ankle.

The colour (a little faded in alcohol) has probably been rather like that of Rh. lepidus .

Skull. Quite of the minor-type.

Dentition (one skull). p3 external. p2 and p4 distinctly separated.

p'2 in row; cusp extremely minute (unworn).

Measurements. On p. 132.

Type. ♀ ad. (in alcohol). Malabar Coast. Purchased. Brit.

Mus. no. 73.4.16.2.