Rhinolophus ferrum-equinum proximus, 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 : 112-113

4 d. Rhinolophus ferrum-equinum proximus , subsp. n.

(Plate IV. fig. 15.)

Diagnosis. Size moderate, horse-shoe very narrow, tail short, Skull small and slender, with very narrow nasal swellings and short tooth-rows.

Details.— (1) Compared with the typical form: Although being of the same size as the larger and medium-sized individuals of the typical form, proXimus has a very short tail; in so far, it might, very properly, be characterised as a “ typical ” ferrum-equinum which has preserved the tail of the eastern races (c /. also its geographical habitat); the horse-shoe is remarkably narrow. The skull very small and slender; the nasal swellings narrow.

(2) Compared with obscurus: Larger, but proportionately with narrower horse-shoe. The skull is even smaller and more slender than in any individual of obscurus I have seen.

(3) Compared with the eastern races: The small size, combined with the very small horse-shoe, distinguishes it sufficiently. The skull is smaller and, especially, more slender, the nasal swellings narrower, than in any of the eastern forms.

Dentition (one skull). p3 and p2 present. Cingula of the upper canine and p4 overlapping. This dentition is more in accordance with that of the typical ferrum-equimcm than that of regulus, showing the “ western ” character of proXimus (notwithstanding the short tail), a conclusion borne out by the general external aspect of this Bat, and the size of the skull and the tooth-rows.

Type. ♀ ad. (in alcohol). Gilgit. Presented by Dr. J. Scully.

Brit. Mus. no. 81.3.1.10.