Abstract
The bones of the thoracic and pelvic limbs of Lepus brachyurus brachyurus, Pentalagus furnessi and Oryctolagus cuniculus (strain : JW-NIBS) were investigated morphologically and osteometrically. The results obtained are summarized as follows. 1. The length of long bones in limbs is the largest in Lepus except the distal phalanges, next in JW-NIBS and the smallest in Pentalagus. 2. The breadth of long bones in limbs except the distal phalanges is generally larger in Pentalagus than in Lepus and JW-NIBS, and not significantly different between Lepus and JW-NIBS. 3. The area of articular surface in each limb bone is most extensive in Pentalagus. 4. The distal phalanges of Pentalagus are strong and heavy, the largest in length and the widest in breadth, while those of JW-NIBS are small and light. 5. The distances between the right and left cranial ventral iliac spines, acetabula or ischiatic tuberosities in hip bones are longer in the female than in the male. These differences in sex are distinct in Lepus and JW-NIBS and not clear in Pentalagus.
