ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the locomotion of Desmodus which has been intensively studied. The adaptations for specialized locomotion in Desmodus are spectacular. Desmodus has a heavy wing loading and low aspect ratio. The relatively short hand is adaptive for terrestrial locomotion as is the reduced interfemoral membrane. Other musculoskeletal adaptations for locomotion in Desmodus include forearm muscle origins independent of elbow movement, clavo-scapular articulation specialized to permit deep lateral scapular border depression and high degree of mobility at scapulo-humeral articulation. In sharp contrast to Desmodus, Diphylla can readily climb head-up and typically does so when climbing branches to feed on roosting birds. Keeping delicate surfaces of the patagium tightly folded against the forearm while the elbow is fully extended in a variety of rapid terrestrial maneuvers is highly adaptive for Desmodus. Slow forward flight of Desmodus is similar to that of heavily loaded phyllostomatid bats like Artibeus jamaicensis.
