A New Name for the Mexican Red Bat

by E. Raymond (Eugene Raymond) Hall

"A New Name for the Mexican Red Bat" by E. Raymond Hall is a scientific publication written in the early 1950s. The book addresses the nomenclature and classification of bat species, specifically focusing on the Mexican red bat and its proper taxonomical identification. It explores the historical context of the naming process within the family Vespertilionidae, contributing to the understanding of bat diversity in Mexico. In the publication, Hall reviews the previous classification system established by Gerrit S. Miller, Jr. and examines the discrepancies that arose from the overlapping ranges of different bat species in southern Mexico. He argues that the name previously attributed to the red bat, "A[talapha]. mexicana", should instead be associated with the hoary bat, "Lasiurus cinereus". To rectify this, Hall proposes a new subspecies designation, "Lasiurus borealis ornatus", for the Mexican red bat, providing detailed descriptions and comparisons with related species. The work highlights the intricate relationships and characteristics of various bat species, emphasizing the need for precise scientific nomenclature to enhance our understanding of biodiversity.