(Chalinolobus tuberculatus (Forster))

This bat is a member of a genus with representatives in Australia, New Caledonia, and several other Pacific islands. The genus belongs to a cosmopolitan group of simple-nosed bats (Vespertilionidae), and New Zealand's long-tailed bat is probably a comparatively recent immigrant, for it is very similar to one Australian species. It is easily recognised, when caught, by the 1½ in. tail which is almost as long as the rest of the animal, and is included in a large tail-membrane which stretches between the legs (diagram 1). The ears are small and rounded, scarcely reaching above the fur of the head, and all the limb elements are long and slender. When fully extended the wings span 10–11 in., but at rest they are furled inconspicuously against the sides of the body. Fur colour varies greatly from black to reddish or chocolate brown.