Biology:Xenorhinos

From HandWiki
Short description: Species of bat

Xenorhinos
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Hipposideridae
Genus: Xenorhinos
Species:
X. halli
Binomial name
Xenorhinos halli
Hand, 1998[1]

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.

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

Wikidata ☰ Q16689217 entry