| OCR Text |
Show 318 MR. G. KREFFT ON AUSTRALIAN MAMMALS. [Mar. 28, The skull of this Rat differs considerably from that of all other species of Hapalotis with which I am acquainted. In the small species the brain-cavity is dome-shaped, the parietals expand towards behind, and the occiput is rounded off; the frontals almost form a triangle, and are consequently very narrow between the zygomatic arches. The present large species differs considerably, as will be seen from the accompanying sketches by Miss Harriet Scott's pencil. The skull (figs. 1, 2, 3, p. 317) is elongate, not very broad, and narrows considerably towards the occiput; the frontals are depressed and smallest in the middle ; the parietals, also narrow and depressed, form an oblong square, as long again as broad. The teeth (figs. 4-7, p. 317) (as usual, I. -, M . ^- = 16 in number) are of moderate size, the upper incisor forming more than the half of a circle. The molars are much worn in the specimen before m e ; the first tooth has three, the second two, and the last one fold. In the lower jaw these worn-down tubercles or folds are four, three, and two respectively. Another, smaller Rat in the collection is probably a young individual. The tail is similarly spotted, the whiskers are long and black, but the fur appears softer and longer. I had no opportunity of examining the skull. HAPALOTIS PERSONATA, sp. nov. This is also a coarse-haired Rat, similar in colour to the previous species, but distinguished by a black mark from the side of the nose to the eye, which is surrounded by it. The fur beneath is sandy white ; and on the sides each hair is mottled with light-brown patches (sometimes in the middle, and occasionally at the tip), giving the fur rather a dirty appearance. The tail is about 6| inches long (the body 9 inches), covered with coarse irregular scales, between which a few stiff hairs are visible. The skull resembles that of Mus hirsutus. In the upper jaw the first tooth has three tubercles of almost equal size, the second also three (the inner one very small), and the third two (the inner less than half the size of the outer one). The teeth of the lower jaw have four, three, and two tubercles. A Bat probably referable to the genus Petalia, but not so large as Scotophilus morio, was found in the collection ; and the Australian Museum is in possession of another specimen from Rockhampton. This Bat is tailless, has a pointed muzzle, and is provided with teeth resembling those of the genus Pteropus. I also obtained a single skin of a Perameles from the same locality, which differs from P. nasuta and P. obesula. It has the harsh bristly fur of the latter, is, however, of a much lighter hue, and beneath quite white. It is larger than P. obesula, but not so large as P. nasuta. The dentition is very perfect and net much worn; but all the skulls of P. obesula or P. nasuta at m y disposal have the teeth so much ground down that comparison is impossible. I consider this species identical with P. dorey ana of Quoy and Gaim. |
