Amniogenesis in Schreiber’s long-fingered bat Miniopterus schreibersii natalensis

Abstract

Schreiber’s long-fingered bat, Miniopterus schreibersii natalensis is seasonally monoestrous, carrying a single foetus in the right uterine horn. Implantation is superficial, the amnion being a pleuramnion. Lateral folds, originating from the ends of the caudal and cephalic folds, are the main contributors in the formation of the definitive amnion. The formalion of the amnion by folding is preceded by the development of a primitive amniotic cavity within the inner cell mass which eventually disappears.