E. Geoffroy, 1810
False Vampire bats
The principal characters are as in the Family. In addition, the upper canine has a large posterior basal cusp (Fig. 56). The first upper premolar (PM2) is minute. It is situated internally between the canine and the large premolar (PM4). M1 and M2 have the normal W-pattern distorted by the reduction of the mesostyle and a consequent shortening of the median commissures (Fig. 57). This aberrant feature is more marked in Megaderma lyra which used to be referred to a separate genus Lyroderma . The frontal region of the skull is also wider in M. lyra (BW13) with the supraorbital ridges more distinct. The basisphenoid pits are less developed. These minor differences in cranial and dental structure are no longer considered of generic significance.
Dental formula: i - - - c 1 pm - 2 - 4 m 1 2 3 = 28.
1 2 - 1 - 2 - 4 1 2 3
The genus includes 2 species, with a geographical range that extends from Afghanistan to the Molucca Islands (Koopman, 1993).
Species of Megaderma encountered in the Indian Subcontinent:
Megaderma lyra
Megaderma spasma
Species identification
Jump to the Text Key of this genus Page 17: Genus Megaderma.