A case of cryptic diversity in the bat Hsunycteris thomasi (Lonchophyllinae, Chiroptera): New insights into unrecognized species

Integrating different lines of evidence is currently recognized as the most robust approach to investigating taxonomic questions, particularly those concerning cryptic diversity. In recent years, different sources of evidence have pointed to new cryptic taxa for bats, with the genus Hsunycteris bein...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Zoologica scripta 2024-11, Vol.53 (6), p.789-804
Main Authors: Benathar, Thayse Cristine Melo, Trevelin, Leonardo Carreira, Carneiro, Jeferson Costa, Rodrigues, Luis Reginaldo Ribeiro, Sampaio, Iracilda, O'Brien, Patricia Caroline, Ferguson‐Smith, Malcolm Andrew, Yangg, Fengtang, Nagamachi, Cleusa Yoshiko, Pieczarka, Julio César
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
chromosomal rearrangements
Chromosomes
Cryptic species
Genetic analysis
Genetic diversity
Genetic variability
Hemipeplus thomasi
integrative taxonomy
morphometrics
Morphometry
Phylogenetics
Phylogeny
Species
Taxonomy
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Summary:Integrating different lines of evidence is currently recognized as the most robust approach to investigating taxonomic questions, particularly those concerning cryptic diversity. In recent years, different sources of evidence have pointed to new cryptic taxa for bats, with the genus Hsunycteris being an excellent study group because of its large karyotypic variability and high genetic divergence revealed by the latest taxonomic and systematic reviews. This study tests the cryptic diversity hypothesis for the Hsunycteris thomasi complex through an integrative approach using species delimitation, phylogenetic analysis, chromosome painting, and linear morphometry. Our results suggest the existence of three lineages for H. thomasi that are morphologically indistinguishable, confirming the two previously described lineages in the literature and adding a third. We argue that the paraphyly in H. thomasi, as reported by previous studies, should be treated as independent species since they have unique evolutionary histories. Finally, we demonstrate that chromosomal and molecular methods are indispensable for recognizing and confirming groups that include cryptic species or species with confusing and controversial taxonomy.
ISSN:0300-3256
1463-6409
DOI:10.1111/zsc.12682