II B R.AR.Y 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 OF ILLINOIS 
 
 v'ATURAL HISTORY SURVE 
 
 530.5 
 
 v.10 
 cop.3 
 
FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
 
 PLATE IV, ZOOLOt, 
 
 Map of Lake Maracaibo and adjacent region. Collecting stations marked x. 
 
MAMMALS FROM WESTERN VENEZUELA AND 
 EASTERN COLOMBIA. 
 
 BY WILFRED H. OSGOOD. 
 
 The subjoined report comprises the more obvious results derived 
 from a study of the mammals recently collected in Venezuela and 
 Colombia by the writer and Mr. Stanley G. Jewett, assistant. Owing 
 to the relatively large amount of time necessarily spent in travel and 
 preparation, actual field work was limited to about 40 days, but in 
 that short time the rich fauna yielded 232 specimens of large and small 
 mammals and 462 birds. 
 
 The birds have not yet been studied, but the percentage of novelty 
 and value among the mammals is worthy of remark as indicating in 
 slight degree the possibilities of South America as a field for zoological 
 exploration. The mammals obtained include 10 species and subspecies 
 new to science, some eight genera new to Field Museum, and three or 
 four genera for the first time brought to an American institution. 
 Practically all the species, known and unknown, were unrepresented 
 in our collections, and a considerable number were not to be seen out- 
 side of Europe. 
 
 Of particular interest and value were the discovery of the habitat 
 and the acquirement of complete specimens of the extraordinary mar- 
 supial, C&nolestes. This was previously known only from imperfect 
 native-made skins with skulls or parts of skulls and is one of the extreme- 
 ly few mammals, perhaps the only one of superfamily rank, of which 
 the general anatomy and osteology are unknown. Study of the rela- 
 tionships of this animal and their numerous important bearings demands 
 more time than is at present available. It is therefore deferred for 
 adequate treatment in a later paper. 
 
 Sailing from New York December 31, 1910, we reached Maracaibo, 
 Venezuela, via Porto Rico and Curacao, January 9, 1911. During the 
 delay before proceeding inland, a short trip was made from this point 
 to the opposite shore of Lake Maracaibo where we were guests of Sr. 
 Alberto Tinedo Velasco at his hato or ranch called El Panorama. Later 
 on January 28, we took a lake steamer and proceeded to the southern 
 end of the lake and thence up the Catatumbo River to the small settle- 
 
 33 
 
34 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 ment of Encontrados. Disembarking, we continued by rail the follow- 
 ing day to Uraca, the terminus of the "Gran Ferrocarril del Tachira." 
 Thence with mules we quickly passed into the highlands to San Juan 
 de Colon, and after slight delay in securing fresh animals, went on from 
 there westward to San Jose de Cucuta, Colombia. Further mule travel 
 brought us to the upper slopes of the Paramo de Tama, south of Cucuta, 
 where camp was established at about 7,000 ft. altitude, first on the 
 Colombian side of the boundary and later a few miles away on the 
 Venezuelan side. 
 
 On the return a month later, several days were spent at El Guaya- 
 bal near Cucuta. Rail transportation was then available to Puerto 
 Villamizar and canoes from there to Encontrados, where we found a 
 steamer lying at the bank bound for Maracaibo. Proceeding directly 
 there, Mr. Jewett, who had contracted a slight malarial fever, im- 
 mediately took passage for the United States while I remained to make 
 a brief trip to the savannas of Empalado, some thirty miles east of 
 Maracaibo. 
 
 Our collecting stations were comparatively few: (i) El Panorama, 
 Rio Aurare, Venezuela; (2) Paramo de Tama, Colombia and Vene- 
 zuela; (3) El Guayabal, Colombia; and (4) Empalado Savannas, 
 Venezuela. A few specimens from other places were obtained from 
 natives in Maracaibo, and a small collection secured for the Museum 
 by Mr. H. F. Raven at Encontrados also is recorded at this time. The 
 localities of our own work may be described briefly as follows : 
 
 El Panorama, January 17-24. Situated nearly due east of Mara- 
 caibo and scarcely beyond the sound of its church bells some eight 
 miles away, El Panorama, the hato of Sr. Tinedo, is nevertheless a 
 place of apparent isolation. It is reached by means of a shallow 
 winding slew or cany a, the lower part of which traverses a heavy growth 
 of overhanging mangroves and the upper a broad expanse of waving 
 bulrushes. The house and surrounding shelters from which we worked 
 are on high ground overlooking a sea of bulrushes and grassy swamp 
 with patches of open water in the distance. To the southwest is a 
 mangrove swamp extending to the shore of the big lake, while south 
 and east is relatively high dry land covered with the open forest char- 
 acteristic of arid tropical regions. Wild pineapples or mayas abound, 
 small palms and various cacti are scattered about, and numerous small 
 and mostly thorny shrubs are features of the vegetation. A half a 
 mile from the house is a large cienega, or spring-fed pond, and a few 
 miles beyond are several smaller ones. The course of the Rio Aurare, 
 which carries no water in the dry season, runs near by and is lost among 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 35 
 
 the mangroves bordering the lake. Cattle trails and bridle paths 
 lead in all directions, and in general great freedom of movement is 
 possible. Animal life is abundant and varied, including at least three 
 associations of species, that of the mangroves, that of the rushes and 
 open swamps, and that of the dry wooded upland. 
 
 Paramo de Tama, February i2-March 6. Paramo de Tama is the 
 name applied to the more or less distinct mountain mass lying near 
 the boundary between Venezuela and Colombia at the source of the 
 Tachira River.* Our approach to it was along the course of this river 
 and our final camps were near the headwaters, two days' hard travel 
 from the hot valley in which Cucuta lies. Much of the lower slopes 
 of the mountains is cultivated, or at least cleared and used for pasture. 
 The country is rugged, however, and the mountains close in rapidly, 
 sloping steeply to both sides of the river only a few miles south of 
 the picturesque pueblo of San Antonio. Among the steep canyons 
 well along the way is the settlement of Planadas, and some miles far- 
 ther is Mundo Nuevo, a forlorn but quaint-looking little village perched 
 on a shelving bit of mountain-side, from which steep declivities drop 
 almost directly to the river. 
 
 Here we are in the tierra fria and although an occasional palm, a 
 small cultivation of plantains, or a hedge of golden-fruited wild oranges 
 still reminds that we are not in a northern region, there are many fea- 
 tures distinctly incongruous with these. Waste places in the clearings 
 support great patches of familiar looking wing ferns and thickets of 
 veritable blackberries in full fruit, while about some of the houses are 
 peach trees, and on the cultivated hillsides growing corn, potatoes, 
 and beans. 
 
 Our headquarters were at the very last and uppermost hacienda, 
 known as El Severia, where we were introduced by our good friend Sr. 
 Don Mario Gonzales, the owner, and cordially received by Don Sebas- 
 tian Valencia, the due no, or manager. Considerable clearing sur- 
 rounds the hacienda, and a few outlying ranchos, or thatched shelters 
 for laborers, are encountered here and there, but in general the country 
 above and beyond is in virgin condition. A great unbroken forest 
 covers the slopes lying below the crescentic crest of the paramo, which 
 is largely rugged, rocky, and bare, but with tongues of forest or strag- 
 gling trees creeping over the summit at certain points. 
 
 The first camp was in the heart of this forest at an estimated alti- 
 tude of 7,500 feet. A narrow rough trail having been cut for several 
 
 * The word paramo, strictly speaking, applies to the bleak plateau which usually characterizes 
 the summit of such mountains, but in this case it often refers to the entire elevated region. 
 
36 FIELD MUSEUM or NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 miles directly into the forest, a clearing was made for the camp, and 
 short radiating trails cut in various directions, providing somewhat 
 greater possibilities of movement than beating one's way through the 
 undergrowth with a machete. The large forest trees, all of unfamiliar 
 species, lace their tops together at an average height of something 
 over 100 feet. Mists and drizzling rains prevail a great part of the 
 year and mosses, air plants, and climbing vines thrive, but the growth 
 in general is not so profuse as that of the hot tropics. A beautiful 
 climbing bamboo is exceedingly abundant, and graceful tree ferns raise 
 their spreading tops at pleasing intervals. 
 
 After two weeks in the forest we returned to the hacienda, and 
 from there crossed the river and ascended the opposite slope on the 
 Venezuelan side. Here we stopped a approximately the same alti- 
 tude as at the former camp, but although heavy forest was readily 
 accessible, clearings and partly burned areas predominated. An indis- 
 tinct trail led upward to the cliffs of the summit of the paramo. A 
 visit to these was very disappointing, for although scattered thickets 
 and clumps of trees alternate with grassy openings and small ponds in 
 somewhat Alpine character, little sign of animal life appears. The 
 few birds seen were of species common at less elevation, and signs of 
 small mammals were entirely lacking. In the swamps and woods 
 about the camp, however, we obtained most of the species taken at the 
 other camp and a few additional ones. 
 
 El Guayabal, March 12-17. The station of El Guayabal is a small 
 one on the railroad connecting Cucuta and Puerto Villamizar. It 
 serves only a very limited population engaged in farming and although 
 only some ten miles north of Cucuta, it is in a region of slightly different 
 character. This difference is not very pronounced and consists chiefly 
 in the presence at El Guayabal of some features indicating a slightly 
 more humid climate than that of Cucuta. That is, its character is 
 somewhat intermediate between that of Cucuta, where it is dry, and 
 that of Puerto Villamizar where it is relatively humid. 
 
 At Cucuta conditions are very arid, except near the river and in 
 cultivated areas more or less under irrigation. Cacti and small thorny 
 shrubs are the dominant types of vegetation. At Puerto Villamizar, 
 on the other hand, there is heavy forest and luxuriant undergrowth. 
 In passing by train between the two places one observes that the 
 change from the arid type to the humid one is quite gradual. It has 
 only begun at El Guayabal and in general the birds and mammals 
 taken there belong to associations of species usually found in arid rather 
 than humid regions. During the few days spent there, collecting was 
 
JAN., igi2. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 37 
 
 done mostly along a wooded quebrada some three miles west of the 
 railroad. This was probably quite dry earlier in the season but recent 
 rains had left pools of water of considerable extent at frequent intervals 
 along its course. The surrounding country consists of low rolling hills 
 a few hundred feet in height and covered with forest of considerable 
 density. The general elevation, however, is not great and the descent 
 is very gradual to the Zulia River and the lowlands, through which it 
 flows to Lake Maracaibo. 
 
 Empalado Savannas, April 6-14. In the vicinity of El Panorama 
 and thence inland, there is practically continuous growth of moderate- 
 sized trees, palms, cacti, and small shrubs, but some thirty miles to 
 the east we suddenly emerge upon grassy openings varying in extent 
 from two or three to several hundred acres. These, the so-called sav- 
 annas of Empalado, are, strictly speaking, neither level nor treeless. 
 Open natural pastures alternate with fairly extensive wooded areas, 
 but narrow leads usually permit passage from one opening to another. 
 The heaviest growth is naturally along the watercourses or quebradas, 
 which are mostly dry during a great part of the year. Near our camp- 
 ing place, which was chosen with regard for them, were several cienegas 
 and permanent pools of water. Abundant rains, however, soon robbed 
 these spots of their distinction, and turbid floods covered the sandy 
 bottoms formerly so conveniently used as highways by man and beast.* 
 Many of the trees are of the same species found in the vicinity of El 
 Panorama. The big feathery-leaved carocaro (Pithecolobium) is the 
 most impressive of those growing near the quebradas, but is rivaled 
 in size by the smooth yellow-barked copaiba which is found more 
 commonly on higher, drier ground. Cacti are less common than at 
 El Panorama but palms are more so. A large heavy bamboo is abun- 
 dant, often covering extensive areas on low ground near the quebradas. 
 
 Passing acknowledgment has been made on other pages for some 
 of the hospitable aid received during our work, but too much can scarce- 
 ly be said. Mr. Ralph J. Totten, then American Consul at Maracaibo, 
 assisted us in many ways, not only officially but also through a lively 
 personal interest in natural history. Through him we met Sr. Don 
 Alberto Tinedo Velasco, in whom we found a genial host at El Pano- 
 rama as well as a hunter and naturalist with a keen interest in, and wide 
 knowledge of, the animals of his country. Later, the trip to Paramo 
 de Tama was made possible by Sr. Don Mario Gonzales of Cucuta, 
 who invited us to his hacienda and even accompanied us on the rather 
 
 * It is perhaps worthy of note that we experienced one severe hailstorm, a phenomenon entirely 
 novel to our native guides, some of whom were over fifty years of age. 
 
38 FIELD MUSEUM or NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 arduous trip to it. The short visit to El Guayabal was arranged for 
 us by Messrs. Kohler and Boue, German business men of Cucuta. 
 To Mr. Boue" we were indebted also for other courtesies. Sr. Don Jose 
 Osorio, a prominent citizen of Maracaibo, went with us to the Empalado 
 Savannas and performed various services for us in Maracaibo. 
 
 In identifying the collection of mammals, it has been necessary to 
 borrow specimens from the U. S. National Museum, the American 
 Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 
 In addition, specimens were sent to the British Museum for compari- 
 son, since it is the unfortunate fact that all American institutions com- 
 bined have not as yet sufficient material from South America to insure 
 satisfactory identification of specimens requiring only a few weeks t6 
 gather. The cordial cooperation received from the officers of these 
 institutions is most gratefully acknowledged. Special mention of 
 courtesies received from particular individuals will be found else- 
 where. 
 
 For the final preparation oT the accompanying map, I am indebted 
 to Mr. A. B. Walcott, Assistant in the Department of Zoology, Field 
 Museum. 
 
 Cifnolest.es obscurus Thomas. Dusky Csenolestes. 
 
 Eleven specimens, Paramo de Tama, head of Tachira River, Col- 
 ombia and Venezuela. 
 
 Being fortunate enough to find the home of these most interesting 
 arid little known animals, we made every effort to secure as many 
 as possible, but after a month's work our series was still quite small. 
 A limited amount of material for study of the osteology and gross 
 anatomy was preserved and this it is hoped may form the basis of a 
 subsequent paper to include also a discussion of habits and rela- 
 tionships. 
 
 One of our specimens was submitted to Mr. Thomas of the British 
 Museum, who pronounces it specifically identical with C. obscurus from 
 Bogota, agreeing in color and cranial characters and only showing such 
 differences in proportions as are doubtless due to the unreliability of 
 measurements taken from native-made skins. External measurements 
 of 5 males average: Total length 240.6 (235-251) ; head and body 119.2 
 (113-135); tail vertebras 121.4 (118-126); hind foot (c. u.) 23.5 (23-24.5). 
 Of 5 females: 223 (209-230); 107.6 (106-113); 115.4 (103-121); 22.5 
 (22-23). 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 39 
 
 Didelphis marsupialis colombica Allen. Colombian Opossum. 
 
 One specimen, El Panorama, Rio Aurare, Jan. 21, 1911. 
 
 Owing to its very large size, this specimen, an old male, seems 
 clearly referable to D. m. colombica, if that be a valid form. In fact, 
 our specimen exceeds the average size of the Santa Marta series forming 
 the original basis of the name colombica and almost equals D. m. insul- 
 aris of Trinidad, the largest of the forms of Didelphis marsupialis. 
 Flesh measurements are: Total length 865; tail vertebrae 435; hind 
 foot 64. Skull: Greatest length 110.7; zygomatic breadth 63.5; post- 
 orbital breadth 27.4; nasals 53.3x17.6; upper toothrow, including 
 canine 42. without canine 34.4. 
 
 Local name Rabo Pelado. 
 
 Didelphis paraguayensis meridensis Allen. Merida Opossum. 
 
 One specimen, Paramo de Tama, Venezuela. Alt. 6,000-7,000 ft. 
 
 This was caught by Mr. Jewett in a trap set in a large cavity under 
 the roots of a tree in the deep forest. It is in the light phase and the 
 dark facial markings are evidently not so greatly reduced as in the type 
 of this subspecies. Possibly it is nearer to D. p. andina. 
 
 Local name Faro. 
 
 Marmosa mitis pallidiventris subsp. nov. Pale-bellied Mouse 
 Opossum. 
 
 Type from El Guayabal, 10 miles N. of Cucuta, Colombia. No. 
 18692 Field Museum of Natural History. Female adult. Collected 
 March 14, 1911, by W. H. Osgood and S. G. Jewett. 
 
 Characters. Similar to M. mitis but slightly smaller and consider- 
 ably paler, especially on the underparts. Chin, throat, chest, and 
 middle of belly delicate pale whitish creamy instead of cream buff as 
 in mitis; forefeet and carpal joint whitish without extension of darker 
 from the forearm; upperparts, sides, and flanks a slightly paler shade 
 of clay color than in mitis, the color of the sides gradually paling over 
 the area of hairs w^th dark bases on either side of the midventral region; 
 face markings practically as in mitis, the lower cheeks somewhat paler. 
 
 Skull slightly smaller than in M. mitis; rostrum more "pinched" 
 in front of lateral expansions of nasals ; otherwise similar. 
 
 Measurements. Type: Total length 284; head and body 129; 
 tail vertebras 155; hind foot (c. u.) 20. Skull of type: Greatest length 
 33.8; condylo-basal length 33.2; zygomatic breadth 18.9; nasals 15 x 4.5; 
 
40 FIELD MUSEUM or NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 interorbital breadth 5.6; breadth of braincase 12.8; postpalatal length 
 12.2; three anterior molariform teeth 6.2. 
 
 Remarks. The area of hairs with dark bases seems to be quite as 
 extensive in this form as in M. mitis. Therefore it seems scarcely pos- 
 sible that it is the same as M. m. casta in which this area is said to be 
 greatly reduced. 
 
 The single specimen was brought to us by a boy who killed it with 
 a stick as it ran from an overturned corn shock. Considerable trapping 
 was done in the same field but none of this species was caught. 
 
 Myrmecophaga tridactyla artatus subsp. nov. Venezuelan Ant-bear. 
 
 Type (skull only) from Empalado Savannas, 30 miles east of Mara- 
 caibo, Venezuela. Adult. Collected March 19 ji by W. H. Osgood. 
 
 Characters. Differs from M. tridactyla and M. t. centralis in its 
 much narrower nasals and less expanded maxillaries, making the 
 entire rostral part of the skull decidedly narrower; anterior lateral 
 extensions of frontals less produced than in centralis but more so than 
 in tridactyla; greatest depth of maxillary much less than in tridactyla; 
 antero-inferior production of parietal considerably exposed on ventral 
 surface of skull as in centralis. 
 
 Measurements of skull. Greatest length 346 (344) ;* length of nasals 
 (median) 148.7 (150), (diagonal) 177 (178); greatest width of nasals 
 16 (19.6) ; least width of nasals 10 (14.2) ; greatest width of rostrum 22.3 
 (28.2); least width of rostrum 19.8 (24.3); greatest depth of maxillary 
 20.3 (20); least interorbital width 42.2 (45); median length of frontals 
 144.2 (140); mastoid width 54.4 (55.7); lacrymal 38.5 x 17.5 (31 x 18). 
 
 Remarks. This form seems well distinguished from both M. tridac- 
 tyla of Brazil and M. t. centralis of Central America, the characters of 
 which have been so clearly pointed out by Lyon (Prfoc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 
 XXXI, pp. 569-571, pi. XIV, 1906). It is somewhat nearer centralis, 
 agreeing with that form in the character of the antero-inferior part of 
 the parietal and in the relatively shallow maxillae. In the relations of 
 the anterior productions of the frontals it is somewhat intermediate. 
 A specimen from Dibulla, Colombia, loaned by the Museum of Comp- 
 parative Zoology, evidently is referable to the new form although less 
 pronounced in its characters than the type; while one from Ciudad 
 Bolivar, Venezuela, belonging to the American Museum of Natural 
 History, is quite as definitely referable to the Brazilian form. 
 
 Material is not as yet available to determine what external charac- 
 
 * Measurements in parentheses are those of an adult skull of centralis (No. 15966) from Guatemala. 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 41 
 
 ters, if any, distinguish the three forms. Our specimen was obtained 
 through Don Alberto Tinedo who killed the animal a few weeks before 
 our visit to the Empalado Savannas. During the few days we spent 
 in this locality we failed to see any large anteaters, although they are 
 regarded as not uncommon. 
 Local name Oso Palmero. 
 
 Tamandua tetradactyla instabilis Allen. Tamandua Anteater. 
 
 Two specimens, El Panorama, Rio Aurare (i), Empalado Savan- 
 nas (i). 
 
 These agree closely with topotypes in the small size which 
 seems to be the principal character. The animal is only moderately 
 common in the Maracaibo region and the two specimens secured were 
 the only ones seen. One was shot from the top of a small tree where 
 it was discovered and called to my attention by workmen cooking 
 their supper after dark under the tree. The other was met in midday 
 ambling across the end of a small savanna. It quickened its pace 
 somewhat when it saw me and as I advanced it finally broke into an 
 awkward lope toward the nearest tree, which it started to ascend. 
 
 Local name Oso Hormiguero. 
 
 Dasypus novemcinctus Linnaeus. Nine-banded Armadillo. 
 
 Fourteen specimens (skulls), vicinity of Maracaibo, Venezuela. 
 
 The nine-banded armadillo, cachicamo of the natives, is exceedingly 
 abundant in the sandy regions on both sides of the northern end of 
 Lake Maracaibo. Its favorite abode and safe retreat is in the extensive 
 areas grown to the wild pineapple or may a the sharp claws of which, 
 curving both inward and outward, render progress much simpler for 
 armorclads than for animals less protected. The armadillos, the 
 large land turtles, and certain iguanas, therefore, are found associated 
 in these areas which are shunned by other quadrupeds except where 
 open leads or trails permit easy passage. In the Empalado Savannas, 
 armadillos were found inhabiting more accessible places, burrowing 
 under clumps of low bushes, or in crevices of rock ledges. Their flesh 
 is eaten by all classes of people and the stripped carcasses may be seen 
 hanging in the market almost daily. 
 
 Possibly the Venezuelan nine-banded armadillo is not subspecifically 
 identical with the Brazilian one which was the basis of the name, but 
 this can best be settled by examination of the type which is still existing 
 (see Thomas, P.Z.S., p. 142, Mch. 1911). 
 
 Local name Cachicamo. 
 
42 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 Sotalia sp. Beaked Dolphin. 
 
 Small schools of dolphins were repeatedly observed in Lake Mara- 
 caibo from the brackish waters at the northern end to the most south- 
 ern part as well as just within the mouth of the Catatumbo River. In 
 most instances, they seemed to move rather sluggishly, appearing and 
 reappearing at the surface with considerable regularity but without 
 the vigor and dash usually displayed by more northern species. Their 
 color, too, is dull and in muddy water they are rather inconspicuous. 
 
 A standing order for specimens was placed with the Chinese and 
 native fishermen of Maracaibo, but they did not succeed in capturing 
 any until a few weeks after our departure when two full grown individ- 
 uals were secured. Through the interest of U. S. Consul Totten and 
 Sr. Domingo Betancourt Sucre of Maracaibo, the skins of these were 
 shipped in salt to the Museum together with the "beaks" of their 
 skulls, the braincases unfortunately having been chopped away by 
 the fishermen. Owing to the lack of complete skulls and to the con- 
 fused state of knowledge of the genus Sotalia, the true relationships of 
 the Maracaibo dolphins cannot well be determined at present. It is 
 probable, however, that complete skeletons will be obtained later. 
 The teeth in our specimens are slightly more numerous than usual, 
 the formulas being ffirff and |fri. Measurements taken from a 
 roughly stuffed skin with the long bony beak in situ are as follows: 
 Total length 1700 mm.; front of dorsal fin to end of snout 740; front 
 base of pectoral to end of snout 400; basal length of dorsal 240; height 
 of dorsal 120; anterior base to tip of pectoral 260; greatest width of 
 pectoral 113; angle of mouth to end of snout 220; front of eye to angle 
 of mouth 38; total breadth of flukes 425; girth behind pectorals 720. 
 
 Local name Tornina. 
 
 Odocoileus gymnotis Wiegmann. South American White-tailed Deer. 
 
 Six specimens. Empalado Savannas, 30 miles east of Maracaibo, 
 April 8-14, 1911. 
 
 This deer ranges throughout most of the drier parts of the region 
 surrounding Lake Maracaibo, but it is much more abundant in the 
 savannas of Empalado than in any other locality that came under our 
 notice. This is perhaps partly due to the greater number of hunters 
 that pursue all kinds of game for food in the immediate vicinity of the 
 lake. A few tracks were seen near El Panorama and thence eastward, 
 but in the heart of the savannas they were excessively abundant. 
 Here within a few days we obtained a good series of specimens and saw 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 43 
 
 a number of animals daily. The region affords excellent opportunity 
 for still hunting, but since the deer are most active after dark and our 
 object being specimens rather than sport, we adopted the method of 
 the native hunter, that is, watching from a point of vantage in a tree. 
 
 Although there is an abundance of other food, the deer prefer the 
 fruit of various trees which they glean from the ground and since the 
 fruit falls little by little from day to day, the animals form the habit of 
 going regularly from tree to tree in search of the tidbits. The trees 
 being often widely separated, it is perfectly simple to track the deer 
 to their favorite resorts and await their return. In April the trees in 
 bearing and therefore most resorted to were a large beautiful Pithe- 
 colobium known as the carocaro and yielding a curled fleshy brown pod 
 and an unidentified smaller tree with rough bark and glossy leaves 
 .known as the moquillo, bearing scanty clusters of green drupes somewhat 
 resembling short plump olives. Our watch was usually from 5 to 9 
 p. M. or even until 10 p. M., at which hour the animals were still moving. 
 The greatest activity, however, seemed to be between six and eight. 
 
 The specimens obtained should eventually throw considerable 
 light on the relationships of the nominal species 0. gymnotis and O. 
 savannarum, but without material from the savannas of Guiana little 
 can be done at present. The type of 0. gymnotis, in the Berlin Museum, 
 is said to have come from Colombia but its exact source is unknown. 
 As the earliest name applied to a deer coming from northern South 
 America, it is more than likely to be the proper one for our specimens 
 even though they were obtained in the "savannas." Moreover, they 
 lack metatarsal glands and have practically naked ears, characters 
 supposed to distinguish gymnotis from savannarum. External field 
 measurements of an eight point buck are: Total length 1570; tail 
 vertebras 185; hind foot 392; height at shoulder 930; front of shoulder 
 to hip 810; pectoral girth 870; circumference of neck 435. 
 
 Mazama americana citus subsp. nov. Venezuelan Brocket. 
 
 Type from El Panorama, Rio Aurare, eastern shore of Lake Mara- 
 caibo, Venezuela. Adult male. No. 18776 Field Museum of Natural 
 History. Collected Jan. 19, 1911, by W. H. Osgood and S. G. Jewett. 
 
 Characters. Similar to M. americana (M. nemorivaga of authors*), 
 but slightly larger with especially large cheek teeth and minor cranial 
 
 * Moschus americanus Erxleben 1777 unquestionably applies to the same animal as Cervus nem- 
 orivagus Cuvier 1817 and there appears to be no reason for continuing the use of the later name. The 
 dubious americanus found on an anterior page of Erxleben's work applies to the genus Odocoileus 
 and therefore has no interest in this connection except among those not only making the strained 
 attempt to give it nomenclatural status, but also failing to see generic distinction between Mazama 
 and Odocoileus. 
 
44 FIELD MUSEUM or NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 peculiarities; color paler and more grayish; cheek teeth 10 to 15 per 
 cent larger than in M. americana; anterior half of parieto-squamosal 
 suture abruptly deflected downward; basioccipital broad. General 
 color of upper parts grizzled cinnamon gradually becoming paler on 
 the sides where the punctulated effect is diminished and along the not 
 very sharp demarcation between upper and under parts where the 
 color becomes pale fawn or nearly ecru drab ; top and sides of neck and 
 sides of head and face brownish drab gray in considerable contrast 
 to general body color; chin and upper throat buffy white becoming 
 pale drab gray or ecru drab on lower throat and chest; belly buffy white, 
 this continued about half way down the inner sides of the legs; front 
 of forelegs deep brownish fawn merging into cinnamon and ochraceous 
 buff on the sides and about the hoofs; hind legs below the hock pale 
 drab all around, slightly darker in front; a white spot at tarsal gland; 
 tail white below, pale cinnamon above, the hairs drabbish at bases; 
 ears drabbish gray, the outside hairy at base and laterally but naked 
 or nearly so in middle, inside and anterior edges with long white hairs ; 
 a prominent white spot on each side of the rhinarium and thence bor- 
 dering the upper lips ; a white spot also above each eye ; ocular and post- 
 narial areas rather indefinitely cinnamomeous in contrast to more 
 grayish surrounding parts. 
 
 Measurements. Type and adult female, respectively: Total length 
 1,090, i, 060; tail vertebrae 105, 115; hind foot 278, 280; circumference 
 of chest 600, 560; neck 240, 218; shoulder to hip 550, 570; height at 
 shoulder 545, 587. Skulls of type, one adult female from Empalado 
 Savannas, and one adult female M. americana from British Guiana,* 
 respectively: Greatest length 189, 185, (183); zygomatic breadth 80.6, 
 81.8, (76.3); greatest length of nasals 50.6, 59, (51.5); tip of premaxillas 
 to front of pm 1 55.5, 56.1, (57.4); least breadth of basioccipital 16.6, 
 1 6. i, (14.5); greatest depth of squamosal (from top of meatus) 25, 25.5, 
 (18.4); breadth of braincase 57.4, 55, (54.4); maxillary toothrow 61.5, 
 58.8, (51.5); breadth between outer sides of M 2 56.2, 56.3, (52.1); 
 pm 1 9.5 x 6, 9.9 x 7.6, (7.6 x 6.8); M 2 12.7 x 12.4, 12.1 x 12.2, (10.2 
 x 10.8). 
 
 Remarks. Although there is considerable color difference, perhaps 
 the principal character distinguishing this form from typical americana 
 is the large size of the cheek teeth. To represent americana, one skin 
 and two skulls from the vicinity of Georgetown, British Guiana have 
 been available. Four specimens of the new form were taken by our 
 party: The type, an adult male; a slightly younger female which was 
 
 * Measurements of M. americana in parentheses. 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 45 
 
 accompanying it when both were killed near El Panorama; a second 
 female, fully adult, taken on the savannas of Empalado; and a spotted 
 fawn which had been kept some days as a pet at El Panorama but 
 obligingly died the night before our arrival there. Specimens from Bonda 
 and Guairaca, Colombia, seem referable to the new form; likewise two 
 adults from Dibulla, Colombia, loaned by the Museum of Compara- 
 tive Zoology. All the skulls examined except very aged ones show 
 traces of sockets of upper canines and it seems probable that these 
 teeth are normally present in the young. In the skull of the spotted 
 fawn above-mentioned, the canines are well-developed. 
 
 The tarsal gland in our three specimens is perfectly obvious in the 
 dried skins, situated in a tuft of long hairs on the inner side of the 
 hock, the central hairs which cover it being pure white except at the 
 bases which are stained by sebaceous secretion. In the only Guiana 
 specimen available, no traces of the gland are to be seen although it is 
 possible they may have been destroyed in the preparation of the skin. 
 Fitzinger and Lydekker, following him, state that this gland is not 
 present in M. nemorivaga, but it is described and figured by Pocock 
 (P. Z. S., p. 962, fig. 139, 1910) from a specimen which he believed "to 
 have been correctly determined." Its source is unmentioned. 
 
 These little matacanes are quite abundant a short distance from the 
 shore of Lake Maracaibo and thence eastward to the Empalado Sav- 
 annas where they are much less numerous than the large deer (Odocoileus) 
 to which the Spanish word venado, or deer, is exclusively applied. Like 
 the larger deer, they feed upon the fallen fruits of various large trees, 
 the "moquillo," the "carocaro" (Pithecolobium) , and the so-called 
 ebony being the particular ones in bearing at the time of our visits. 
 Our specimens were killed with buckshot, two as they came to feed at 
 the foot of a large ebony tree and the third as it jumped and galloped 
 excitedly for cover when suddenly surprised feeding under the brow of 
 a low ridge in the savannas. 
 
 Another brocket called locho, perhaps M. rufa, is described by the 
 natives as larger and more reddish and of rather rare occurrence in the 
 region. 
 
 Local name Matacan. 
 
 ? Mazama bricenii Thomas. Merida Brocket. 
 
 Tracks and fresh signs of a small deer, possibly of this species, were 
 seen in rather rare instances on the upper slopes of Paramo de Tama. 
 
46 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 Tayassu torvum Bangs. Collared Peccary. 
 
 Two specimens, Maracaibo. 
 
 Peccaries are fairly common in the vicinity of Maracaibo, but al- 
 though many tracks and at least one adult animal were seen, no speci- 
 mens were obtained except two little ones only a few days old which 
 were purchased alive in Maracaibo. These were led into my hotel 
 room one morning trotting at the end of a string like a pair of puppies. 
 I kept them alive for a few days in a corner of the room screened off 
 by a woven wire bed spring. This was not altogether sufficient and 
 had to be covered at the top, for much to my surprise, the little squealers 
 were able to climb over. They would get in the angle, put their backs 
 against the wall and their little hoofs in the meshes of wire and quickly 
 scramble to the top and leap three and a half feet to the floor. At 
 other times they did not seriously object to being handled, but when 
 stopped in these attempts to escape, they snapped viciously with their 
 tiny needle-pointed tusks. I gave them a plate of milk, but although I 
 rubbed their noses in it and otherwise forced it upon them, it was some 
 time before they understood it, although squealing with hunger all the 
 while. Finally the larger more active one managed to suck up a little 
 but the other seemed content to stand in the plate or to slide around in 
 the milk spilled on the floor, constantly getting tangled up in his own 
 umbilicus which dragged after him. Later they learned to eat rolled 
 oats and water and sopped around in it with contented little grunts, 
 which were much more agreeable than the plaintive squealing with 
 which they had introduced themselves.- 
 
 The color of these young peccaries, which were eventually made 
 into specimens, is bright rufescent tawny thinly mixed with black, 
 except a line from the occiput to the rump which is intense, sharply 
 defined black. 
 
 The use of the name torvum for these specimens is necessarily provis- 
 ional, since they are much too young for satisfactory identification. 
 
 Local name Bdquiro. 
 
 Tapirus terrestris Linnaeus. Tapir. 
 
 One specimen (skull), Empalado Savannas. 
 
 Contrary to our expectations, tapirs were found in relatively arid 
 lowlands in regions of rather thin forest and little plant life of a succu- 
 lent character. Tracks were seen in the sandy bottom of a dry quebrada 
 a few miles west of El Guayabal near Cucuta, Colombia, and numerous 
 others in a somewhat similar place in the Empalado Savannas east of 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 47 
 
 Maracaibo. At the latter place a fine adult female had been killed 
 recently by Don Alberto Tinedo and we were able to obtain its skull. 
 My only sight of one of the living animals was a brief glimpse at about 
 9 o'clock at night while on the watch in a hammock strung between 
 bamboos at the edge of a dry quebrada. My attention was attracted 
 by its heavy tread and the sharp crack of breaking sticks, and after a 
 few moments of straining my eyes in the dim moonlight I saw the ani- 
 mal clearly outlined for a moment as it passed between two trees. It 
 was moving deliberately and scarcely twenty yards away, but its posi- 
 tion was such that I was unable to shoot. 
 Local name Danta. 
 
 Sciurus versicolor Thomas. Varicolored Squirrel. 
 
 Five specimens, El Guayabal, 10 miles north of San Jose de Cucuta, 
 Colombia, March 12-17, 1911. 
 
 Reference of squirrels from this region to S. versicolor is necessarily 
 provisional. They differ from typical versicolor in somewhat increased 
 black on the end of the tail and perhaps, therefore, should be regarded 
 as intergrades between versicolor and zulice. 
 
 The great variability of the squirrels of this group often has been 
 remarked, and, while this is undeniably justified to a certain degree, it 
 seems probable that with exact knowledge of physiographic and cli- 
 matic conditions and good series of accurately labeled specimens, it 
 will be found that this variation is not so much fortuitous or individual 
 as it is local and environmental. 
 
 Squirrels were fairly common in the rather open forest along the 
 quebradas a few miles west of El Guayabal. During our visit they 
 were marauding the crops of our host, Senor Nino, and several were 
 shot in the act of carrying away big yellow ears of corn. 
 
 Sciurus versicolor zuliae Osgood. Zulia Squirrel. 
 
 Five specimens, El Panorama, Rio Aurare (2), Shore of Lake Mara- 
 caibo opposite Maracaibo (i), Empalado Savannas (i), Encontrados 
 (i H. F. Raven.) 
 
 Squirrels are sparingly distributed in the dry open woods on the 
 northeast side of Lake Maracaibo, extending eastward at least to the 
 wooded quebradas of the Empalado Savannas. At El Panorama, 
 during eight days constantly in the field, I saw but one, and on the 
 savannas for the same time, also one. On the immediate shore of 
 Lake Maracaibo likewise they are scarce. The single specimen ob- 
 
48 FIELD MUSEUM or NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 tained there was shot from a coco palm and its stomach was well filled 
 with coconut. 
 
 At Orope, the type locality of S. v. zulia, the climate is so much 
 more humid and the vegetation so much more luxuriant than at the 
 northern end of Lake Maracaibo, that considerable difference in the 
 animal life should obtain. However, it does not seem advisable at 
 present to attempt the separation of the squirrels of these regions. 
 Those from the more arid region have somewhat lighter heads, more 
 intensely ferruginous feet, and broader, more abundantly haired tails. 
 
 Sciurus griseogena tamae subsp. nov. Tama Squirrel. 
 
 Type from Paramo de Tama, Colombia. Alt. 6,000-7,000 ft. No. 
 18736 Field Museum of Natural History. Male adult. Collected 
 Feb. 14, 1911, by W. H. Osgood and S. G. Jewett. 
 
 Characters. Similar to Sciurus g. meridensis, but paler colored 
 throughout; general color of upperparts only slightly darker than in 
 S. quebradensis, but more rufescent on shoulders; tail and other parts 
 quite different. Upper parts mixed clay color and blackish; shoulders 
 heavily suffused with ochraceous continuous with the same but slightly 
 heightened color on the outer sides of the forelegs; postauricular spot 
 cream buff bordered with ochraceous buff. Underparts bright tawny 
 ochraceous and white, the latter variable in extent, generally extending 
 medially from the throat to the groin, widening on the chest and extend- 
 ing to the forelegs; fore and hind feet tawny ochraceous, on the meta- 
 podials more or less mixed with dusky; upper side of tail about as in 
 S.g. meridensis, base (2 inches) grizzled, middle (4 inches) clear ochraceous 
 buff, tip (1^2 in.) black; under side of tail correspondingly colored but 
 middle part strongly mixed with blackish. 
 
 Skull practically as in griseogena and meridensis; rostrum apparently 
 a trifle more attenuate. 
 
 Measurements. Average of four topotypes: Total length 396 
 (385-416); head and body 216 (209-223); tail vertebras 180 (176-193); 
 hind foot (c. u.) 54 (53-55). Skull of type: Greatest length 53; basilar 
 length 39.3; zygomatic breadth 30.5; nasals 16.7; interorbital breadth 
 17; diastema 13; maxillary toothrow 8.6. 
 
 Remarks. This form is most closely allied to Sciurus g. meridensis 
 but is well distinguished by its general lighter color and the extensive 
 white markings on the under parts. These white markings are variable, 
 but three of the four specimens taken have them highly developed. 
 
 The extensive dense forests on the upper slopes of the Paramo de 
 Tama no doubt harbor considerable numbers of these squirrels, but in 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 49 
 
 any particular locality they are scarce and difficult to obtain. They 
 frequent the tops of trees most of the time none being seen on or near 
 the ground. Their extreme shyness was remarkable, and unless they 
 were suddenly surprised, it was impossible to get within gunshot of 
 them. 
 
 Local name Ardita, variant of the Spanish ardilla. 
 
 Epimys alexandrinus (Geoffrey). Roof Rat. 
 
 One specimen, El Panorama, Rio Aurare. 
 
 Rats are perhaps more abundant in the seaport of Maracaibo than 
 in the small interior villages but they are quite generally distributed, 
 even extending to isolated houses near regular routes of travel. 
 
 Oryzomys meridensis Thomas. Merida Oryzomys. 
 
 Nineteen specimens, Paramo de Tama, Feb. i2-Mch. 6. 
 
 The habitat of these large long-tailed mice is in the cool depths of 
 the heavy forest which prevails on the high mountain slopes. Here they 
 live under logs and roots and about the mass of vegetable refuse cover- 
 ing the ground. Most of our specimens were caught in special size 
 mouse traps but these are not quite strong enough for them and a fair 
 percentage escaped. 
 
 The series shows considerable uniformity in color and agrees with a 
 single typical specimen of meridensis but exhibits a few slight differences 
 from a series representing 0. m. maculiventer . The light markings of 
 the under parts are less extensive than in maculiventer and more nearly 
 pure white. The light inguinal area is much reduced and in some 
 specimens is practically nonexistent. It seems possible, therefore, 
 that maculiventer may be recognizable as a slight subspecies of meri- 
 densis and it remains to be seen whether or not both are subspecies of 
 albigularis. 
 
 Average measurements of 10 adults are: Total length 303.3 (282- 
 326); tail vertebrae 161.7 (145-175); hind foot (c. u.) 33.4 (32-35). 
 
 Oryzomys griseolus sp. nov. Grayish Pigmy Oryzomys. 
 
 Type from Paramo de Tama, head of Tachira River, Venezuela. 
 Alt. 6,000-7,000 ft. No. 18635 Field Museum of Natural History. 
 Male adult. Collected March i, 1911, by W. H. Osgood and S. G. 
 Jewett. 
 
 Characters. Most similar to Oryzomys vegetus Bangs but slightly 
 smaller and much duller in color; upper parts with an abundant mixture 
 
50 FIELD MUSEUM or NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 of black-tipped hairs producing a somewhat grizzled effect most pro- 
 nounced on the forehead and sides of face where fulvous is minimized 
 and gray predominates. Ground color of upper parts pale clay color 
 much duller than the ochraceous or ochraceous buff of the related forms 
 vegetus, tenuipes, humilior, and navus; a small preauricular tuft of ochra- 
 ceous-tipped hairs usually present. Under parts mostly between clay 
 color and ochraceous buff almost or quite concealing the slaty bases of the 
 hairs; middle of chin and throat white or whitish to bases of hairs; 
 feet white; outer sides of tarsal joints broadly dusky; tail dus'ky above, 
 dull whitish below. Mammas 3-3 = 6. 
 
 Skull similar to that of 0. vegetus; braincase deeper and more in- 
 flated; rostrum slightly more slender; zygomatic plate well developed, 
 projecting forward farther than in related forms; palatine slits long, 
 extending posteriorly to slightly beyond plane of front of first cheek tooth. 
 
 Measurements. Average of 7 specimens : Total length 183(173-199); 
 head and body 81 (76-85); tail vertebrae 102 (96-114); hind foot (c. u.) 
 21.7 (20-23). Skull of type: Greatest length 23; basilar length 17.1; 
 postpalatal length 7.4; palatine slits 4.1; zygomatic breadth 12.3; 
 interorbital constriction 3.6; width of zygomatic plate 2; diastema 5.7; 
 maxillary toothrow 3.2. 
 
 Remarks. This species belongs to the group of small slenderly formed 
 mice to which the subgeneric name Oligoryzomys has been applied. 
 Although geographically nearer to 0. dry as humilior, it shows greater 
 resemblance to 0. vegetus of Panama, especially in the extent of white 
 on the throat and in the forwardly projecting zygomatic plate. 0. 
 navus of northern Colombia is brighter colored and has white under 
 parts. O. tenuipes of Merida, which also belongs to this group, is paler 
 throughout, the head and ears, especially, being more ochraceous. 
 These appear to be the only described forms with which griseolus 
 requires close comparison and its grayish head is sufficient to distinguish 
 it from any of them. 
 
 Our series of thirteen specimens was obtained in and about small 
 grassy swamps in clearings on the upper slopes of Paramo de Tama on 
 the Venezuelan side of the Tachira River. Here they were not common 
 and a line of 50 carefully placed traps seldom yielded more than two 
 specimens in one night. 
 
 Thomasomys hylophilus sp. nov. Forest Vesper Rat. 
 
 Type from Paramo de Tama, head of Rio Tachira, Santander, 
 Colombia. No. 18583 Field Museum of Natural History. Adult male. 
 Collected Feb. 18, 1911, by W. H. Osgood and S. G. Jewett. 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 51 
 
 Characters. Somewhat similar to T. laniger and T. monochromes, 
 but larger with relatively small ears and a very long white-tipped tail. 
 Pelage very long, soft, and lusterless; upper parts tawny olive rather 
 heavily mixed with blackish, occasionally with a heavy concentration 
 of blackish on middle of back; ears thinly haired or nearly naked dis- 
 tally, a tuft of soft black or blackish hairs at their anterior bases and 
 extending backward over the anterior third of the ear conch; sides and 
 face wood brown to tawny olive; a narrow and indistinct blackish eye 
 ring; under parts cinnamon overlying slate color; fore feet silvery gray; 
 forearm blackish; hind feet whitish drab, tarsal joints blackish brown, 
 digits white ; tail blackish above and below except a well-marked white 
 tip. 
 
 Skull with ample braincase, the parietals slightly bulging; rostrum 
 rather narrow and slightly depressed; front border of zygomatic plate 
 somewhat receding; supraorbital border rounded anteriorly, very slightly 
 angled posteriorly; palatine slits nearly or quite reaching plane of first 
 molars; mesopterygoid fossa extending anteriorly to plane of middle of 
 last molar; upper incisors with relatively little recurvature. 
 
 Measurements. Type: Total length 273; head and body 126; 
 tail vertebrae 147; hind foot 26.5. Average of 10 adult topotypes: 
 261 (240-275); 120 (108-126); 141.6 (132-152); 25.8 (25-27). 
 
 Skull of type: Greatest length 30.5; basilar length 24.5; zygomatic 
 breadth 16.3; interorbital constriction 4.7; length of nasals 10.8; width 
 of nasals 1.3-3.7; postpalatal length 11.3; diastema 8.3; palatine slits 
 6.1 x 2.5; maxillary too throw 5.1. 
 
 Remarks. Although well characterized otherwise, this species is 
 to be recognized most readily by its long white-tipped tail. The amount 
 of apical white varies from a mere pencil to nearly two inches and is 
 totally absent in only one of a series of twenty-nine specimens. These 
 were found associated with Oryzomys meridensis in the depths of the 
 forests on the upper slopes of the paramo living among the innumerable 
 galleries naturally formed under moss-covered roots, logs, and debris. 
 
 Rhipidomys fulviventer Thomas. Buff-bellied Vesper Rat. 
 
 Two specimens, Paramo de Tama, Venezuela. 
 
 The under parts of these specimens are quite sharply distinguished 
 from the upper parts and although there is slightly more buffy suffusion 
 across the middle of the belly than elsewhere, the general color from the 
 chin to the vent is creamy white rather than fulvous. Still it cannot 
 be called pure white and it may be within the variation of this species 
 which is described as "fulvous or even buff, the line of demarcation 
 
52 FIELD MUSEUM or NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 scarcely marked." Mr. Thomas has kindly compared one of our 
 specimens with the type without finding differences that would warrant 
 separation. 
 
 Microxus bogotensis Thomas. Bogota Microxus. 
 
 Eighteen specimens, Paramo de Tama, head of Tachira River, 
 Colombia and Venezuela. 
 
 These mice were taken in small numbers in the depths of the forest 
 on the Colombia side of the Tachira but were much more common in 
 open grassy swamps on the slopes of the Venezuela side of the river. 
 In fresh specimens, the pointed noses and rather small ears combined 
 with the dense dark-colored fur, give them quite a soricine appearance. 
 Their identification as M. bogotensis has been substantiated by the 
 submission of specimens to Mr. Thomas of the British Museum. Aver- 
 age external measurements of ten adults are : Total length 1 50 (145-156) ; 
 head and body 85.4 (82-91) ; tail vertebras 63.4 (61-67) ! hind foot (c. u.) 
 19.1 (18-20). 
 
 Zygodontomys thomasi Allen. Thomas Zygodontomys. 
 
 Seven specimens, El Panorama, Rio Aurare (5) and Empalado 
 Savannas (2). 
 
 Although trapping was done in various other places, specimens of 
 this species were taken only on the low ground near the dry bed of the 
 Rio Aurare among loose sticks, logs, and drift. The majority of them 
 are practically indistinguishable from typical thomasi. Two individuals, 
 although apparently mature, are decidedly smaller than the others, 
 but it is difficult to believe this to be of specific significance. 
 
 Although formerly associated with Oryzomys, the species of this 
 genus seem to have much in common with A kodon, but their true posi- 
 tion in the involved series of Neotropical rodents is doubtless yet to be 
 ascertained. 
 
 Zygodontomys thomasi sanctaemartas Allen. Santa Marta Zygo- 
 dontomys. 
 
 Two specimens, El Guayabal, 10 miles N. of San Jose de Cucuta, 
 Colombia. 
 
 These mice, caught at the edge of a cornfield after much fruitless 
 trapping, were practically the only small mammals secured at this 
 locality. The single adult male agrees in color with lighter examples 
 of sanctcemartcB from the type locality, but its skull is very large and 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 53 
 
 heavy. It may represent a separable form, but for the present it seems 
 best to regard it as an exceptionally large and aged male of sancta- 
 martce. The relation of this form to Z. thomasi is evidently very close, 
 sanctamarta being characterized only by slightly larger size and somewhat 
 more elongated skull. For the privilege of examining topotypes of both 
 forms, I am indebted to Dr. J. A. Allen of the American Museum of 
 Natural History. 
 
 Chilomys fumeus sp. nov. Smoky Chilomys. 
 
 Type from Paramo de Tama, head of Tachira River, Santander, 
 Colombia. Alt. 6,000-7,000 ft. No. 18690 Field Museum of Natural 
 History. Male adult. Collected Feb. 18, 1911, by W. H. Osgood 
 and S. G. Jewett. 
 
 Characters. Similar to Chilomys instans as described, but end of 
 tail, digits of front feet, and distal phalanges of digits of hind feet white; 
 size slightly smaller. Skull differing in slight details of measurement 
 but in general similar to that of C. instans. Color of upper and under 
 parts practically uniform, the hairs dark slate color except for a narrow 
 tipping of silvery hair brown or broccoli brown ; face between nose and 
 eyes blackish; feet brownish; toes, at least the distal phalanges, white; 
 tail brownish above and below except the terminal inch which is white 
 with a few irregular underlying blotches of brownish; a bright buff 
 pectoral spot (in one specimen) continuous with a white line from throat 
 to middle of belly. 
 
 Measurements. Type and topotype, respectively: Total length 
 211, 206; head and body 90, 86; tail vertebrae 121, 120; hind foot (c. u.) 
 22, 23. Skulls of same : Greatest length 23.8, 23.4; basilar length 19.1, 
 18.9; postpalatal length 8.8, 8.4; zygomatic breadth 13.2, 12.8; braincase 
 12.8 x ii. i, 12.5 x 11.4; interorbital constriction 4.6, 4.8; width of zygo- 
 matic plate 2.1, 2; diastema 6.7, 6.5; maxillary toothrow 3.1, 3.15. 
 
 Remarks. Only two specimens of this peculiar mouse were obtained 
 during some twenty days' trapping in the forests about the head of the 
 Tachira. It inhabits the same dark damp depths of the forest as 
 Thomasomy shylophilus,and from its peculiar plumbeous color, white- 
 tipped tail, and slender form was at first believed to represent the im- 
 mature of that species. 
 
 Material is not at hand for satisfactory discussion of the generic 
 characters of Chilomys from a comparative standpoint, but several 
 peculiarities not mentioned heretofore may be noted. The pollex is 
 extremely rudimentary, and the soles of the hind feet lack imbrications, 
 the subdigital pads being relatively large and the interspaces smooth and 
 
54 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 without scales; the upper side of the hind feet, however, is unusually 
 scaly and the scales being dark colored with lighter margins and but 
 slightly overlaid by hairs, they are quite obvious. The skull is peculiar 
 in shape and the dorsal view reminds rather forcibly of immature skulls 
 of Evotomys. Aside from the forwardly projecting incisors, there are 
 certain slight dental peculiarities not easily described, but it may be 
 mentioned that the second upper molar is as wide as long and its outer 
 side is markedly external to the outer sides of Ml and ML Another 
 unusual feature is a pair of swollen ridges lying on either side of the 
 palatine foramina and in front of Ml. So far as I am aware, with 
 the exception of the type in the British Museum, no other specimens of 
 this interesting genus have been recorded. 
 
 Sigmomys alstoni Thomas. False Cotton Rat. 
 
 Seven specimens, El Panorama, Rio Aurare (4), Empalado Sav- 
 annas (3). 
 
 These were taken about the roots of cacti and small thorny 
 shrubs and among crumbling exposed rocks in decidedly dry situations 
 but always closely adjacent to grassy openings. They are evidently 
 diurnal as practically all were caught in the day time. The exact type 
 locality of this species is unknown but specimens from Cumana are 
 regarded as typical by Thomas.* Whether our specimens differ from 
 these cannot be determined except by comparison. 
 
 Heteromys anomalus brachialis subsp. nov. White-armed Spiny 
 Pocket Mouse. 
 
 Type from El Panorama, Rio Aurare, eastern shore of Lake Mara- 
 caibo, Venezuela. No. 18623 Field Museum of Natural History. Adult 
 female. Collected Jan. 19, 1911, by W. H. Osgood and S. G. Jewett. 
 
 Characters. Similar to Heteromys anomalus jesupi but upper parts 
 paler and front legs nearly all white; dark marking on outer side of 
 arms reduced to a few scattered grayish hairs widely separated from 
 the main body color by pure white. Ground color of upper parts drab 
 somewhat brightened in middorsal region by wood brown and cinna- 
 mon; rump grayish drab or hair brown continuing along outer side of 
 hind legs to calcaneum; feet white; tail grayish drab above, white below; 
 ears narrowly edged with whitish. 
 
 Skull practically as in H. anomalus and H. a. jesupi. 
 
 Measurements. Type: Total length 284; head -and body 134; 
 
 * Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), VIII, p. 150, footnote, 1901. 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 55 
 
 tail vertebras 150; hind foot (c. u.) 34. Skull of type: Greatest length 
 35.2; basilar length 25.5; zygomatic breadth 16.1; interorbital breadth 
 7.3; length of nasals 14.2; width of nasals 2.5-4.6; width of braincase 
 14.8; maxillary toothrow, crowns 4.8, alveoli 5.6. 
 
 Remarks. With a small series of each of the forms of the anomalus 
 series before me, it is obvious that the one here described is sufficiently 
 characterized for recognition, although it may be found to have a limit- 
 ed range. Specimens from San Julian, Venezuela, in the collection of 
 the U. S. National Museum, supposed to represent " melanoleucus ," 
 seem to be tending slightly toward brachialis but are much nearer typical 
 anomalus. Since the original description of melanoleucus states "legs 
 and feet black" there can be little doubt that the type is of the dark 
 form of eastern Venezuela and Trinidad. The majority of the speci- 
 mens of H. a. jesupi seem to be almost or quite as dark as anomalus, 
 differing mainly in the white inner sides of the arms. 
 
 Our specimens, six in number, were obtained under may as and thorny 
 shrubs which form hedgelike borders to the trails leading in various 
 directions from El Panorama. 
 
 Dasyprocta rubrata f lavescens Thomas. Yellow-rumped Agouti. 
 
 One specimen, El Panorama, Rio Aurare, Jan. 23. 
 
 This example, an adult male, was shot as it crossed a trail one even- 
 ing just before dark. A few tracks of others were seen in various places, 
 but with the one exception, the animals themselves succeeded in evading 
 observation. 
 
 No material is available for comparison, but judging from descriptions 
 our specimen differs but little from typical flavescens, possibly being 
 slightly larger and darker. 
 
 Local name Picure. 
 
 Dasyprocta variegata colombiana Bangs. Colombian Agouti. 
 
 A skull of a young Dasyprocta, apparently of this .species, was ob- 
 tained in Maracaibo from a market hunter who said it came from the 
 Limon River some 20 miles west of Maracaibo. 
 
 Agouti sierrae Thomas. Mountain Paca. 
 
 Said to be fairly common in certain heavily wooded parts of the 
 mountains. We did not find it on Paramo de Tama although it is 
 well known to the natives there. 
 
 Local names Lapa and Tinaja. 
 
56 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Linnseus). Capybara. 
 
 Six specimens, El Panorama, Rio Aurare. 
 
 A series of shallow ponds near the Tinedo hato were the resort of 
 several families of capybaras and during our stay from one to a dozen 
 individuals were almost always to be found there. The ponds were 
 surrounded by mangroves and heavy thickets of a tall clustering fern 
 under which the animals retreated when alarmed. Once within the 
 intricate depths of this cover they were almost as safely concealed as 
 the rails and gallinules which frequently accompanied them. Although 
 they fled precipitately upon sighting a man, they could hardly be 
 called shy since they fed daily within a fourth of a mile of the hato 
 where people were constantly coming and going. Moreover, they paid 
 not the slightest attention to cattle and domestic hogs which wallowed 
 in the same ponds with them. So far as could be observed their food 
 at this time consisted principally of a fine slimy algas forming a thick 
 mat on the bottom of the ponds. They seemed to be quite diurnal and 
 were most often seen feeding in glaring midday standing belly deep or 
 with only their heads and hips above water, alternately rooting in the 
 bottom and raising their heads to chew contentedly and look about. 
 As they stand in the water, they have a decidedly saddle-backed ap- 
 pearance and the general shape of the body is that of a common guinea 
 pig on a large scale. 
 
 The specimens secured range from quite young to fully adult. 
 Measurements of an adult male are: Total length 1,000 mm.; circum- 
 ference of chest 730; of belly at middle 900; of neck 445; hip to shoulder 
 650; height at shoulder (to end of toe) 500; hind foot 215. 
 
 Local name Piropiro. 
 
 Proechimys ochraceus sp. nov. Ochraceous Spiny Rat. 
 
 Type from El Panorama, Rio Aurare, Zulia, Venezuela. No. 18687 
 Field Museum of Natural History. Male adult (last molar very slight- 
 ly worn). Collected Jan. 17, 1911, by W. H. Osgood and S. G. Jewett. 
 
 Characters. Size small; tail short; color pale. Somewhat similar 
 to P. canicollis but coloration of the head, neck, and legs not grayish 
 but uniform with back and sides. Similar to P. guairce but smaller 
 and paler, therefore much the palest of the known members of the 
 cayennensis group. Spines rather weak, confined to back, about 19 
 mm. long by .6 mm. wide. Color of upper parts chiefly tawny ochraceous 
 lightly lined with blackish, the rump, sides of body, and outer sides of 
 hind legs somewhat paler, more buffy; under parts pure white; hind 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 57 
 
 feet white except a slight extension of buffy and grayish on the tarsal 
 joint; inner sides of forefeet white, outer sides including the fourth and 
 fifth toes pale grayish; tail hair brown above, white below. 
 
 Skull short, broad, and but slightly ridged ; parietals smoothly rounded 
 laterally; palatine foramina broad; palate with a median ridge, but no 
 lateral channels; pterygoid processes broad; teeth relatively large and 
 heavy; audital bullse actually and relatively larger than in P. guairce. 
 
 Measurements. Type and one topotype, respectively: Total length 
 346, 341; head and body 196, 209; tail vertebrae 150, 132; hind foot 
 (c. u.) 45, 44. Skulls of same: Greatest length 49.1, 49; basilar length 
 34.9, 35; zygomatic breadth 24.7; 24.3; length of nasals 18.1, 17.6; 
 interorbital breadth 11.2, 11.3; interparietal 12x6.4, 12-5x7.1; dias- 
 tema 9.9, 10; postpalatal length 19.2, 19.2; palatal foramina 6.2 x 2.8, 
 5.7 x 3.1; width of pterygoid process 1.9, ; crowns of upper too throw 
 9.2, 8.8 
 
 Remarks. The bright ochraceous or almost ochraceous buff color 
 of this species combined with its small size distinguish it from the other 
 forms of northern South America. Its closest relationship is perhaps 
 with P. guaira but it is readily distinguished by its paler color, nearly 
 pure white hind feet, and its small size. P. cherriei of the upper Ori- 
 noco evidently approaches it in size but is much darker in color. Prac- 
 tically all the other described forms are much larger. 
 
 Our specimens were trapped about the roots of the wild pineapple, 
 locally known as maya and very abundant in the arid parts of the 
 northeast shore of Lake Maracaibo. 
 
 Sylvilagus nigronuchalis continentis subsp. nov. Black-naped 
 Rabbit. 
 
 Type from vicinity of Maracaibo, Venezuela. No. 18695 Field 
 Museum of Natural History. Collected Jan. 13, 1911, by W. H. 
 Osgood and S. G. Jewett. 
 
 Characters. Very similar to S. nigronuchalis of the islands of Aruba 
 and Curagao but slightly more rufescent in color especially on the fore- 
 head and nose; ears more broadly tipped with black. Skull practically 
 as in nigronuchalis. Upper parts mixed with pale buffy or clay color 
 and black; interorbital region slightly more buffy or rufescent than 
 back; nape deep black extending in made skins about to the ends of 
 the laid back ears; ears ("proectote ") buffy brown except a grayish area 
 near the inner base and a broad intensely black tip ; a broad buffy ring 
 surrounding the eye except the anterior lower half; rump grayish; under- 
 
58 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 parts except throat white, somewhat more narrowly so than in nigro- 
 nuchalis. 
 
 Measurements. Average of five adults: Total length 403 (390-415) ; 
 tail vertebrae 39.6 (35-43); hind foot 78 (75-80); ear from notch (dry) 
 52 (50-54). Skull of type: Greatest length 72.4; basilar length 67.5; 
 zygomatic breadth 33.7; width of mesopterygoid fossa 5.4; nasals 
 (diagonally) 30.7; interorbital breadth 17.8; diastema 21; palatine fora- 
 mina 19.8 x 5.8; maxillary toothrow, crowns 11.7, alveoli 14.3. 
 
 Remarks. This black-naped rabbit is excessively abundant in the 
 vicinity of Maracaibo and in the similarly arid region on the east side 
 of the lake, extending in this direction at least to the Empalado Savannas 
 where it is rather rare. It is -sold daily in the market of Maracaibo 
 and it was there our specimens were obtained. The Venezuelans hunt 
 it at night with a torch made from a tightly wrapped bundle of dry 
 sticks, one man carrying the torch and another the gun, usually a 
 single-barreled muzzle-loader of the cheapest possible construction. 
 At other times small ground fires are kindled at intervals throughout 
 several acres and the hunter goes stealthily from one to the other 
 shooting such rabbits as have been attracted by the lights. The rabbits 
 seem to be exclusively nocturnal, not stirring even in the short twilight 
 of morning and evening. At daybreak or nightfall I repeatedly trav- 
 ersed localities much frequented by them but had no glimpse of one. 
 
 The abundance of these rabbits at this locality combined with the 
 fact that specimens have not before reached a museum probably indi- 
 cates that their range is limited. They are quite distinct from the 
 rufous-naped species of the gabbi and brasiliensis series which occur 
 east and west in Colombia and eastern Venezuela respectively. From 
 the insular form, however, they are distinguished only by slight average 
 characters. 
 
 ? Sylvilagus meridensis Thomas. Merida Rabbit. 
 
 Some small rabbit is of rare occurrence on the upper slopes of Para- 
 mo de Tama, but we were unable to obtain it. It is known to the natives 
 and we corroborated their reports by finding a few much-weathered 
 pellets of dung. 
 
 Tremarctos ornatus major! Thomas. Northern Spectacled Bear. 
 
 The spectacled bear inhabits the heavy forests of the Paramo de 
 Tama but is very seldom seen and at least in the particular localities 
 we visited is decidedly rare. We found no tracks and only one frag- 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 59 
 
 ment of dung was observed during our four weeks on the paramo. The 
 dried foot and claws of a bear killed several years previously was exhibit- 
 ed to us at the hacienda "El Severia" just below our camps. Natives 
 say the bears live almost exclusively in the forest and it is only on the 
 very rare occasions when they wander out into the cultivated clearings 
 that they have been killed. One of their favorite foods is said to be 
 obtained from some part of a smallp hardy palm which grows sparingly 
 at considerable altitudes. 
 
 Potos flavus meridensis Thomas. Merida Kinkajou. 
 
 A captive kinkajou was seen in Cucuta, and although the species 
 was not noted elsewhere, it is probably generally distributed. 
 Local name Cuchi-cuchi. 
 
 Canis thous savannarum Thomas. Savanna Fox. 
 
 Two specimens, Empalado Savannas, 30 miles east of Maracaibo, 
 Venezuela, April 8, 1911. 
 
 Foxes or "zorros" are common from the shore of Lake Maracaibo 
 eastward. Our specimens agree very closely with the description of 
 the subspecies savannarum from the savannas of Guiana. They were 
 killed with small shot from a lookout in a tree at about nine o'clock in 
 the evening. As seen from above in rather dim moonlight against a 
 background of sandy soil and tufts of dry grass, only their black dorsal 
 streaks were visible. These appeared to glide sinuously over the ground 
 in a most uncanny manner and as I fired I could not imagine what they 
 would prove to be. 
 
 Field measurements are, for male and female respectively: Total 
 length 870, 890; head and body 616, 597; tail vertebras 254, 293; hind 
 foot 125, 130. 
 
 Pel is onca Linnaeus. Jaguar. 
 
 One specimen, Maracaibo (purchased). 
 
 Jaguars are quite common throughout the region surrounding Lake 
 Maracaibo. They are held in considerable fear by most of the native 
 hunters and though frequently killed by them it generally occurs when 
 all the circumstances favor the hunter. This is most often when el 
 tigre unexpectedly appears while the hunter is perched in a tree watching 
 for deer and a heavy charge of buckshot at short range is generally 
 effective. We noted considerable evidence of the destruction of cattle 
 by jaguars, especially in the region between Lake Maracaibo and the 
 
60 FIELD MUSEUM or NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 Empalado Savannas. Of their natural prey, the capybara is perhaps 
 the favorite and they doubtless do not hesitate to pursue it into the 
 water. A partly eaten carcass of one of the big rodents was found near 
 our camp in the Empalado Savannas but the jaguar that had been 
 frightened from it failed to return. 
 
 Jaguars seem not only to have less distaste for water than most cats 
 but even enter it and swim freely. In some of the mangrove swamps 
 near Maracaibo their trails are frequently found leading to the edge of 
 rather wide channels of water and out on the other side. According to 
 report, two were killed in Lake Maracaibo not long ago while swimming 
 from the mainland to Toas Island, a distance of more than two miles. 
 
 Felis pardalis subsp. Ocelot. 
 
 Evidently not very common. Several poorly prepared skins 
 offered for sale in Maracaibo were purchased for a few cents each. The 
 enterprising venders, in the expectation of a higher price, insisted that 
 these were the skins of young jaguars but after being convinced that 
 we could not be fooled in this way, acknowledged their deception. 
 
 An occasional track of an ocelot was seen near El Panorama and 
 once I was so fortunate as to see one of the animals. This was in the 
 full heat of midday and rather unexpected. It was surprised at a 
 little pool of water among some large mangroves and bounded across 
 in front of me scarcely 30 yards away, presenting a very attractive 
 sight. 
 
 Tracks of some small cat about the size of an ocelot were seen at 
 high altitudes on Paramo de Tama. 
 
 Local name Tigrillo. 
 
 Felis concolor Linnaeus. Cougar. 
 
 According to report, cougars are not uncommon in certain districts 
 near Maracaibo. They are seldom seen, however, and to successfully 
 hunt them good dogs are necessary. One hunter living on the shore of 
 the lake and almost directly opposite Maracaibo is reputed to have 
 killed from twenty to thirty during the last fifteen years. Several 
 hides in poor condition were seen in Maracaibo. 
 
 Local name Leon or Leon bayo. 
 
 Lutra sp. Otter. 
 
 One hears but little of otters although it is probable they are generally 
 distributed. A dressed hide was seen in Colon. 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 61 
 
 Tayra barbara Linnaeus. Tayra. 
 
 One specimen, Empalado Savannas, April 8. 
 
 This is an adult male shot and presented by U. S. Consul Totten 
 who encountered it roving about in midday. External field measure- 
 ments are: Total length 1035; head and body 625; tail vertebrae 410; 
 hind foot 118. 
 
 Local names Guache and Guanaico. 
 
 Mustela affinis Gray. Allied Weasel. 
 
 Two specimens (c? and ?), Paramo de Tama, head of Tachira 
 River, Venezuela and Colombia. 
 
 One of these was caught in a steel trap baited with birds and set 
 by the side of a rushing mountain stream, the conditions being essentially 
 those under which so many weasels are caught in more northern coun- 
 tries. The other was shot in midday as it came prowling about our 
 "house" in the clearing on the Venezuelan side of the Tachira. 
 
 No doubt these specimens are fairly typical of M . affinis, the type 
 of which is stated to have come from "Columbia." They differ from 
 a specimen from Sierra de Merida only in somewhat richer color of the 
 under parts, the male being bright orange rufous on the abdomen and 
 paler on the chest, throat, and inguinal region. The white marking in 
 front of the ear is absent in the female which is in very fine coat, the 
 entire upper parts except the head and tip of tail being rich seal brown 
 so dark that the blackish head and tail-tip are not in great contrast. 
 The general appearance of the upper parts, therefore, is extremely 
 suggestive of a miniature of a North American mink. 
 
 Conepatus mapurito Gmelin. Hog-nosed Skunk. 
 
 One specimen, El Panorama, Rio Aurare, Jan. 19. 
 
 Although taken in the dry coast lowlands, this specimen must for 
 the present be referred to C. mapurito, the type locality of which is 
 Pamplona, Colombia, in the cool highlands not far from Paramo de 
 Tama. It is greatly to be regretted that our efforts to secure skunks 
 in that vicinity were unsuccessful. The Rio Aurare example is thinly 
 haired and has two short white dorsal stripes, apparently being quite 
 similar in markings to the Bogota specimen to which Thomas has re- 
 ferred.* External field measurements are: Total length 600; head 
 and body 387; tail vertebrae 213; hind foot 74. 
 
 Local name Mapurite. 
 
 * Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., (7), II, p. 318, 1898. 
 
62 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 Blarina meridensis Thomas. Merida Short-tailed Shrew. 
 
 Sixteen specimens, Paramo de Tama, head of Tachira River, Vene- 
 zuela and Colombia. 
 
 The locality from which this series comes lies between Bogota and 
 Merida, type localities respectively of the two known South American 
 species of Blarina. The difference between the two forms is mainly 
 of size and our specimens agree in that respect with meridensis. A 
 specimen submitted to Mr. Oldfield Thomas is pronounced by him to 
 be typical of that species. 
 
 Shrews can scarcely be called abundant in this locality since a line 
 of over 100 traps seldom yielded more than one or two in a single night. 
 Their habits apparently are similar to those of their northern relatives 
 and like them they readily take oatmeal bait in traps set in moist places 
 in the heavy woods or along trickling streams. Average flesh measure- 
 ments of ten adults are: Total length 123.7 (120-129); tail vertebrae 
 36.3 (35-3 8 ); nin(i foot ( c - U J 5-4 (i5~ l6 )- 
 
 Molossus crassicaudatus Geoffrey. Lesser Dusky Molossus. 
 
 Eleven specimens, Maracaibo, March 23-29. 
 
 Two of these were caught fluttering about a lighted room at night 
 and the others were taken from the hollow pillars surrounding the 
 patio of the American consulate. The species is excessively abundant 
 in the city of Maracaibo in which every suitable building harbors it 
 in numbers. In walking the streets towards evening, or frequently 
 during the day, one hears the wheezing cries of many bats from concealed 
 cavities under eaves and cornices. 
 
 Dr. G. M. Allen, who has recently elucidated the status of this 
 species, has kindly made critical examination of specimens from our 
 series. Measurements of forearms of 10 alcoholic specimens average 
 39.3 (38-40.5) mm. 
 
 Noctilio albi venter minor Osgood. Lesser Noctilio. 
 
 Noctilio minor Osgood, Field Mus. Pub. No. 149, Zool. Ser. X, p. 
 30, Oct. 20, 1910. 
 
 Two specimens (skins), El Panorama, Rio Aurare, Jan. 18. 
 
 A slight difference in size between these two specimens, both of 
 which are males, and the fact that both are slightly larger than the 
 type of N. minor, which is a female, makes it more than likely that 
 N. minor is only subspecifically separable from N. albiventer. The 
 color also is variable, the upper parts in one being bright cinnamon 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 63 
 
 rufous to chestnut without trace of middorsal streak and in the other 
 dull clay color with an indistinct light median streak. 
 
 Diremus youngi (Jentink). Blood-sucking Bat. 
 
 One specimen (skin), El Panorama, Rio Aurare, Jan. 21. 
 
 This rare bat, one of the few known specimens, was disabled by a 
 blow from a light club in the hands of our cook-boy who discovered it 
 hovering near his fire one evening after complete darkness had set in. 
 The color of the under parts in our specimen is much as in many examples 
 of Desmodus rotundus, the hairs cinnamon brown or lighter at the bases 
 and ecru drab at the tips. The upper parts are rather dark cinnamon 
 brown more glossy and uniform than in Desmodus;* between the shoul- 
 ders is a thinly haired patch in which the light bases of the hairs are 
 .evident. The white wing markings are very pronounced, as follows: 
 Antebrachial membrane sharply and narrowly white-bordered; mem- 
 brane between second and third fingers largely white, this extending 
 to the covering of the bones of the second finger; wing tips white to 
 middle of membrane between third and fourth fingers; lower edge of 
 wing white-bordered throughout. The skull differs from that of 
 Desmodus in several characters which have not been pointed out. The 
 braincase is much broader and more expanded laterally; the zygomata 
 are heavier and more angular anteriorly; the audital bullas are nearly 
 twice as large; and the palate is shorter, broader, and less excavated. 
 
 A specimen of D. youngi from Parana, Brazil, loaned by the U. S. 
 National Museum, is markedly paler than ours, being uniform rather 
 glossy clay color; but considering the great color variation in bats and 
 since no dry specimens from Guiana are available, separation at this 
 time does not seem warranted. 
 
 Artibeus jamaicensis palmarum Allen and Chapman. Palm Artibeus. 
 
 One specimen (skin), Encontrados, Sept. 25, 1910; collected by H. F. 
 Raven. 
 
 Andersen, in his careful monograph of Artibeus,^ has recognized a 
 subspecies under the name palmarum, on the basis of a very slight 
 average reduction in the size of the teeth. Therefore, it seems best at 
 
 * In selecting specimens of Desmodus for comparison, I find a noticeable difference in size between 
 examples of typical D. rotundus from Paraguay and specimens from Mexico and Central America. 
 In typical rotundus, the forearm measures 60-64 nun., while in Mexican and Guatemalan specimens the 
 maximum is 55. A corresponding difference is shown by the skulls. It would seem advisable, there- 
 fore, to recognize a northern subspecies, using Wagner's name murinus (Suppl. Schreb. Saugeth., I, 
 P- 377, 1840) which would stand as Desmodus rotundus murinus Wagner. 
 
 t Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., pp. 205-319, 1908. 
 
64 FIELD MUSEUM or NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 present, with no great accession of new material, to use this name. 
 But after noting the faint-hearted and apologetic way in which the 
 monographer has given it place,* and after the comparison of our 
 Venezuelan specimen with a single Brazilian one and finding the teeth 
 of the latter actually the smaller, one is strongly tempted to discard 
 palmar um in favor of lituratus. 
 
 Uroderma bilobatum Peters. Common Uroderma. 
 
 Two specimens (skins), Encontrados, Sept. 25, 1910; collected by 
 H. F. Raven. 
 
 Vampyrus spectrum (Linnaeus). False Vampire. 
 
 One specimen (skin), Encontrados, Sept. 30, 1910; collected by H. 
 F. Raven. 
 
 Saccopteryx leptura (Schreber). Striped Sac-winged Bat. 
 
 Three specimens (skins), El Panorama, Rio Aurare, Jan. 18-21, 1911. 
 
 Two were obtained from their diurnal resting place in a decayed 
 crevice in the side of a tree and the third was shot while flying back 
 and forth over a trail bordered on either side by tall trees. Others, 
 apparently of the same species, were seen. 
 
 The palest specimen agrees well with the description of S. canes cens 
 except for the slight development of the light superciliary stripe. The 
 head and under parts are pale Isabella color, the back more brownish, 
 and the marginal hairiness on the membranes slightly rusty. The 
 darkest one is chiefly Vandyke brown, becoming seal brown between 
 the light stripes. The third is intermediate between the other two, 
 thus forcing the conclusion that color is of relatively little importance. 
 
 Rhogeesa io Thomas. South American Rhogeesa. 
 
 One specimen (skin), El Panorama, Rio Aurare, Jan. 24; two speci- 
 mens (in alcohol), io miles north of Cucuta, March 16; seven specimens, 
 Empalado Savannas, April. 
 
 The color of the body and head of the dry specimen evidently is 
 even brighter than that of the type as described by Thomas. Both 
 upper and under parts are bright clay color (Ridgw., PI. V, No. 8), 
 the head and shoulders being somewhat lighter than the back and rump 
 
 * In one place (p. 278), he says, "I should not have tried to keep this form separate from A. 
 j. lituratus, if the name palmarum had not been available," thus confessing a prostitution of zoology 
 to nomenclature which scarcely seems justifiable. 
 
JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 65 
 
 and the bases of the hairs everywhere being lighter than the tips. A 
 specimen of R. tumida from Mexico is very decidedly darker throughout. 
 The skull is slightly smaller and especially narrower than in 
 R. tumida, but the braincase is by no means lower and flatter 
 as is said to be the case in the type. Measurements of forearms indi- 
 cate some variation in size, the smallest scarcely exceeding R. minu- 
 tilla. They are as follows: 27.2, 26.8, 25.8. Probably this and other 
 forms will eventually be regarded as subspecies of R. tumida, 
 
 One specimen was caught in a net as it was issuing from its roosting 
 place among the dead rushes forming the thatched roof of an outbuilding ; 
 two others were "switched" as they rapidly flitted about our heads 
 under the covered portico of a dwelling house; and the remainder were 
 obtained in similar manner about the camp in the savannas. 
 
 Myotis nigricans concinnus (H. Allen). Northern Blackish Bat. 
 
 One specimen (skin), El Panorama, Rio Aurare, January 22. 
 
 The small size, narrow skull, and dull color of this specimen amply 
 distinguish it from typical nigricans of Brazil. It agrees closely with 
 certain specimens from southern Mexico in the collection of the U. S. 
 Biological Survey probably representing M. n. concinnus, a name which 
 has been called to my attention by Mr. Gerrit S. Miller, Jr.* M. 
 nesopolus of the island of Curagao also is closely related. 
 
 Myotis albescens (Geoffroy). Pale-bellied Bat. 
 
 One specimen (skin), El Panorama, Rio Aurare, January 22. 
 
 Comparison of this bat with typical examples of albescens from Para- 
 guay reveals a few slight differences; but until the status of several 
 names is determined, especially Vespertilio arsinoe Temminck of Suri- 
 nam, and until more material is secured, it seems best to allow our single 
 specimen to rest under the "blanket name" Myotis albescens. 
 
 Alouatta senicula Linnasus. Red Howler. 
 
 The red howlers are abundant in the Maracaibo region. They are 
 heard daily in the mangrove thickets on the east side of Lake Maracaibo 
 and several were seen in the canya leading from El Panorama to the 
 lake. One very large male was encountered there at very short range, 
 suddenly coming into view through an opening as we pushed our little 
 flat -bottomed cayuca up the oozy channel. He appeared too startled 
 
 * Cf. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., XIII, p. 154, June 13, 1900. 
 
66 FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 
 
 to move immediately but stood facing us from the top of a mangrove, 
 his rich color glowing in the full glare of the sun. In ascending the 
 Catatumbo River to Encontrados by steamer, we saw some forty or fifty 
 howlers from the deck of the boat. They were in parties of five or 
 six nearly always including several half grown young. 
 Local name Araguato. 
 
 Cebus apella leucocephalus Gray. Brown-faced Capuchin. 
 
 A small troop of monkeys apparently of this species was seen clam- 
 bering through the tops of some thinly foliaged trees near El Panorama, 
 Rio Aurare. Several captive animals were seen at various times in 
 Maracaibo. 
 
FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
 
 PLATE V, ZOOLOGY. 
 
 Interior of forest on Paramo de Tama at 7.000 ft. altitude. 
 
 Vegetation of arid region near Lake Maracaibo. 
 
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA