Cynocephalus volans (the Philippine Flying Lemur, (Linnaeus 1758) extant is considered a member of the order Dermoptera. ~34 cm in length. Derived from a sister to Palaechthon and Ptilocercus, Cynocephalus is an extant taxon.
Much larger thyan and distinct from Ptilocercus, the skull of Cynocephalus has raised orbits higher than the rostral profile. The postorbital bones are incomplete, but more robust. As in Palaechthon, the braincase is reduced. The angular process of the mandible is full and round and posteroventrally deflected. Incisor 1 is reduced. Upper incisor 2 is the largest tooth and has a triangular shape. The similar canine is slightly broader and lower. Premolars 2 and 3 appear to have fused. Premolar 4 is flat, as in Palaechthon, similar to the three molars. Lower incisors have comb-shapes. The lower canine is double-rooted, perhaps due to fusion with premolar 2, which is otherwise absent. Premolars 3 and 4 are shaped like the three molars.
More similar to Chriacus in size and postcranial shape, the spine and limbs are all elongated. As in Ptilocercus and bats the dorsal ribs are broad and flat. The ulna is reduced to a splint. The fingers are elongated, but the foot has the same shape as in Ptilocercus. All ten unguals are deeper
Extradermal membranes stretching from the chin to the thumb, between the fingers, to the toes, between the toes and to the tail tip surround Cynocephalus. These membranes extend glides between trees. |
