Xenorhinos
Xenorhinos halli is a species of bat that existed in the early Miocene. It was discovered at a fossil deposit of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area in the north of Australia.
| Xenorhinos | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Hipposideridae |
| Genus: | †Xenorhinos |
| Species: | †X. halli |
| Binomial name | |
| †Xenorhinos halli | |
Taxonomy
The description of Xenorhinos halli was published in 1998 by a senior researcher at the Riversleigh fossil sites Suzanne Hand, separated from other bats of the hipposiderid family by a new genus. A holotype was selected from fossilised material in a deposition at the Bitesantennary Site, a skull with some intact premolars. All the specimens included in the first description were obtained at the type locality.[1]
The genus name Xenorhinos was nominated in reference to the strangeness of the palate and rostrum, a broad and short feature that was unique amongst the hipposiderid family. The specific epithet honours Leslie S. Hall, a professor at the University of Queensland, who was noted for his contributions to the study of chiropterans.[1]
Description
A microchiropteran allied to the hipposiderid family, known as old world leaf-nosed and later trident bats, which use echolocation to hunt at night.[1][2] The extremely short palate, broad rostrum, and other cranial proportions distinguished the new taxon from others of the family.[1] The closest living relative is thought to be the Persian leaf-nosed bat Triaenops persicus.[3]
Distribution
Xenorhinos halli was discovered in a fossil deposit known as the Bitesantennary site, a diverse assemblage of bat species and other Riversleigh fauna of the time.[1]
References
- Hand, S.J. (1998). "Xenorhinos, a New Genus of Old World Leaf-Nosed Bats (Microchiroptera: Hipposideridae) from the Australian Miocene" (PDF). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 18 (2): 430–439. doi:10.1080/02724634.1998.10011070. ISSN 0272-4634.
- "Mammals". Riversleigh Faunal Encyclopedia. wakaleo.net. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
- Long, J.A.; Archer, M. (2002). Prehistoric Mammals of Australia and New Guinea: One Hundred Million Years of Evolution. UNSW Press. p. 188. ISBN 9780868404356.