Functional Morphology of the Forelimb of Mormoopid Bats

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Abstract
The structure of the forelimb of all currently recognized species of bats of the family Mormoopidae and 18 species of leaf-nosed bats (Phyllostomati-dae) were studied. Characteristic of mormoopids are specializations furthering reduction of weight of the wing; these adaptations are associated with maneuverable, rapid flight, and the ability to remain continuously on the wing for long periods. Certain modifications of muscles, muscle attachments, and articular surfaces parallel specializations of corresponding structures in vespertilionids and molossids. in contrast, the wings of phyllostomatids are less well adapted for efficient flight, and retain muscular patterns that allow the "generalized" wing to be used for food handling and clambering in vegetation as well as for flight. Perhaps mormoopid bats were established in the Neotropics and exploited some of the most important feeding niches open to insectivorous bats before vespertilionids reached this region. Intense competition with mormoopids may have limited the success of vespertilionids in this area.

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