Species New to Science

Type locality – Phnom Penh, Cambodia, ... The holotype was collected in an urban area with scattered gardens planted with various species of palms and broad-leaved trees.

Diagnosis – A small species of Myotis (Table 2) with the forearm length of 33.8 mm and a skull length of 13.64 mm. The thumb, footpad, and calcar (including keel) are distinctly yellowish and contrast sharply with the overall brownish wing membranes. The thumb is shortened and thickened (Fig. 2). The sole of the hind foot is wide, smooth, and concave and its greatest width (measured at the base of the digits) exceeds the length of the longest digit (Fig. 3). The rostrum is relatively short, and the frontal part of the skull is elevated, although the braincase is not especially globose (Fig. 4). There are three upper and lower premolars, and the middle premolars are situated within the toothrow (Fig. 5).

 Etymology – Named after Benjamin Hayes, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to improving understanding and conservation of bats in Vietnam and Cambodia. The proposed English name is ‘Hayes’ thick-thumbed myotis’.

 Keywords: baculum, South Asia, taxonomy, wing morphology, Mammalia

Uttam Saikia, Manuel Ruedi and Gabor Csorba. 2022. Out of Southeast Asia: A New Species of Thick-thumbed Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Glischropus) from Meghalaya, north-eastern India.  Zootaxa. 5154(3); 355-364. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5154.3.8

Cover: Yellow house bats (Scotphilus) have been known for centuries as a widespread genus of vesper bats in the Indomalayan Region, yet their taxonomy, phylogeny, and phylogeography remain unclear. In a comparative phylogeographical study, Tu et al show that Asiatic Scotophilus comprise just two morphologically distinct species that co‐occur in many parts of the region, namely the smaller S. kuhlii and the larger S. heathii. Although these two species have similar eco‐ethological preferences, they differ considerably in their demographic and phylogeographic patterns, and vary geographically in their morphological traits. These divergences may reflect adaption to differing environments and interspecific competition in areas of sympatry during their evolutionary history. 

The cover image features a male of the Greater Asiatic yellow house bat, S. heathii, from Kampong Speu province, Cambodia. 

Tu et al. 2021. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. Volume 59, Issue 3,  Pages 772–795, DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12448. photo by Neil M. Furey. 

Knowledge as to the taxonomic status of enigmatic bat species often is hindered by limited availability of specimens. This is particularly true for aerial-hawking bats that are difficult to catch. One such species, “Hypsugo” joffrei, was originally described in Nyctalus due to its long and slender wings, but subsequently transferred to Pipistrellus, and most recently to Hypsugo, on the basis of morphology. Analysis of newly available material, which more than doubles the known specimens of this taxon, demonstrates that it is morphologically and genetically distinct from all other bat genera. We accordingly describe it as belonging to a new, monotypic genus. We provide a detailed description of its external and craniodental traits, measurements, and assessment of genetic relationships, including barcode sequences to facilitate its rapid identification in future. The new genus belongs to a group that includes the recently described Cassistrellus, as well as Tylonycteris, and its closest relative, Philetor. We also describe the echolocation calls emitted by members of the taxon in different situations, which may facilitate finding them in previously unsampled locations. Based on the new data, the species occurs from Nepal to North Vietnam and China, which suggests that it could be more widespread than previously thought.

Keywords: Indomalayan region, mtDNA, nuDNA, phylogeny, systematics, Vespertilionini

Mirostrellus gen. nov.

Type species: Nyctalus joffrei Thomas, 1915.

Etymology: From the Latin “mirus” meaning “surprise, marvel,” which reflects that both the systematic position and the wide distribution of this bat (previously thought to be extremely rare) were pleasant surprises for the authors.

Diagnosis: A medium-sized vespertilionid, with a FA of 35.7–40.2 mm. The fifth finger of the wing is shortened (on average 20 mm shorter than the fourth finger) and the pelage is sparse and velvety. The supraorbital tubercles are well-developed, protruding for 1.47–1.76 mm measured from the lachrymal opening; the sagittal crest is barely visible, being only approximately 0.1 mm high. The upper canine is characterized by a developed posterior secondary cusp. The taxon has two upper and lower premolars and its lower molars are myotodont.

Geographic distribution: The only known species of Mirostrellus gen. n. has an Indomalayan distribution, ranging from Nepal, NE India (Sikkim, Meghalaya), through the northern part of Myanmar, to North Vietnam (Saikia et al. 2017). In the National Museum of Prague (Czech Republic), four hitherto unreported specimens from western Yunnan, China (Zao Teng He, ..., 1,451 m a.s.l.), were revealed by SVK. The species probably also occurs between these localities as it is difficult to capture and so may be missed during faunal surveys (Fig. 10).

Tamás Görföl, Sergei V. Kruskop, Vuong Tan Tu, Péter Estók, Nguyen Truong Son and Gábor Csorba. 2020. A New Genus of Vespertilionid Bat: The End of A Long Journey for Joffre’s Pipistrelle (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). Journal of Mammalogy. gyz202. DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz202

 twitter.com/TGorfol/status/1230063162843684865

 Abstract

The taxonomic status of Rhinolophus macrotis sensu lato (s.l.) in Vietnam and adjacent territories remains problematic. To address this issue, we performed an integrated study of morphological, acoustic, and genetic characters of R. macrotis s.l. specimens and compared these with sympatric species within the philippinensis group (R. marshalli, R. paradoxolophus, and R. rex). Our results reveal that in addition to a cryptic species of R. macrotis previously found in Jiangxi and Jingmen, China, R. macrotis s.l. in continental Asia includes three further species, namely R. cf. siamensis, R. cf. macrotis, and R. cf. macrotis “Phia Oac.” These four taxa are distinguished from genuine R. macrotis in Nepal and R. siamensis in Thailand by their morphological and/or genetic features. Further taxonomic evaluation of the subspecies of R. macrotis s.l. is needed to determine their affinities with recently recognized cryptic species and to possibly describe new taxa. Our results also show that interspecific divergences in mitochondrial DNA sequences (Cytb and COI genes) among taxa within the philippinensis group (particularly between R. cf. siamensis/R. cf. macrotis and R. rex/R. paradoxolophus) are significantly lower than those of other morphological groups in the genus. These phylogenetic patterns might be explained by recent allopatric speciation or ancient introgression events among ancestors of the taxa during the Pleistocene. However, further investigations including genetic analyses of nuclear genes are needed to test the latter hypothesis.

Vuong Tan Tu, Alexandre Hassanin, Tamás Görföl, Satoru Arai, Dai Fukui, Hoang Trung Thanh, Nguyen Truong Son, Neil M. Furey and Gábor Csorba. 2017. Integrative Taxonomy of the Rhinolophus macrotis Complex (Chiroptera, Rhinolophidae) in Vietnam and Nearby Regions. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research.  DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12169   

 researchgate.net/publication/316648268_Integrative_taxonomy_of_the_Rhinolophus_macrotis_complex_Chiroptera_Rhinolophidae_in_Vietnam_and_nearby_regions

Morphological, acoustic, and genetic analyses on Rhinolophus macrotis complex and other taxa of the philippinensis group in Vietnam and nearby countries were conducted. Results show that the complex includes several distinct species which are distinguishable from genuine R. macrotis and R. siamensis by morphological and/or genetic features. Interspecific divergences in mtDNA sequences among taxa in the philippinensis group are surprisingly low and can be explained by recent allopatric speciation or ancient introgression events during the Pleistocene.

Kerivoula furva  Kuo, Soisook, Ho, Csorba, Wang & Rossiter, 2017 DOI: 10.3161/15081109ACC2017.19.1.002

Abstract

Since its discovery, the taxonomic status of the only species of Kerivoula (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Kerivoulinae) to be found on Taiwan has been confused. Previous studies have assigned this species to either Kerivoula hardwickii or K. titania, both of which occur on continental SE Asia. This uncertainty supports repeated suggestions in the literature that specimens of K. hardwickii collected and/or sampled across SE Asia are likely to represent multiple cryptic taxa. To address these issues, we combined new and existing data from the genus Kerivoula on Taiwan and continental Asia, and performed diagnostic analyses in steps. First, phylogenetic reconstructions based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA revealed a well-supported group comprising all taxa currently recognized as K. hardwickii, together with the Taiwanese Kerivoula and Kerivoula kachinensis to the exclusion of all other congeneric species. Second, focusing on all members of this monophyletic clade (i.e., K. hardwickii complex) together with K. titania, we used multivariate statistical methods to separate taxa based on morphometric data. Our results provide strong evidence that among these bats, the Taiwanese Kerivoula is a new species that also occurs on continental Asia, for which we provide a formal description and name. In addition, we show that the subspecies K. hardwickii depressa should be elevated to species status [Kerivoula depressa]. We discuss our findings and the caveats of this and similar studies. 

FIG. 4. Photographs of Kerivoula furva sp. n., showing (a) a live individual (no voucher) as well as  (b) dorsal and (c) ventral views of the skin specimen of holotype (NMNS 17595). Scale bars in (b–c) =10 mm. Photo (a) by Cheng-Han Chou  DOI: 10.3161/15081109ACC2017.19.1.002

Hao-Chih Kuo, Pipat Soisook, Ying-Yi Ho, Gabor Csorba, Chun-Neng Wang and Stephen J. Rossiter. 2017. A Taxonomic Revision of the Kerivoula hardwickii complex (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) with the Description of A New Species.   Acta Chiropterologica. 19(1); 19-39.  DOI: 10.3161/15081109ACC2017.19.1.002

ResearchGate.net/publication/315619863_A_taxonomic_revision_of_the_Kerivoula_hardwickii_complex_Chiroptera_Vespertilionidae_with_the_description_of_a_new_species

Abstract

Vespertilio oreias (generally known as Myotis oreias) has long been considered an endemic bat species to Singapore but its taxonomic status has been in doubt, and no specimens have been found since its description in 1840. Temminck formally described it based on a mounted skin (now in poor condition and accompanied by some skull fragments). The holotype was re-examined and we found it to be a composite, consisting of two separate individuals representing two distinct genera, the skin belonging to a Kerivoula whereas the skull fragments are of a Myotis. The mounted skin is accepted herewith as the name-bearing type, as the skull fragments were taken out after Temminck had published his description. Unfortunately, neither the skin nor the dental remains show enough anatomical details to identify the species unambiguously. Hence, the name Vespertilio oreias is considered a nomen dubium and the name oreias should be referred to the genus Kerivoula.

Keywords: Mammalia, Southeast Asia, Singapore, Myotis oreias, Kerivoula, holotype, nomen dubium

Csorba, Gábor, C. Smeenk and Benjamin P. Y.-h. Lee. 2016. The Identity of Vespertilio oreias Temminck, 1840 — Solving A Taxonomic Puzzle.
 Zootaxa. 4205(6); 564–570. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4205.6.4

ABSTRACT 

In taxonomic accounts, three species of Myotis have been traditionally reported to occur on the island of Taiwan: Watase’s bat (M. formosus watasei Kishida), the Formosan broad-muzzled bat (M. muricola latirostris Kishida) and the Formosan mouse-eared bat (M. adversus taiwanensis Linde). The discovery in 1997 of an unknown taxon not fitting to the description of any of these species encouraged us to re-examine more thoroughly the systematics and phylogeny of Myotis bats inhabiting Taiwan. We used a combination of morphologic and molecular methods to aid the identification of the different taxa from this island and reconstruct their phylogenetic relationships. Multivariate analyses based on 17 craniodental characters of 105 specimens caught across Taiwan and further external characters allowed us to discriminate eight taxa of Myotinae co-occurring on this island. A subset of 80 specimens were further sequenced for the cytochrome b gene (1140 bp) and subjected to phylogenetic reconstructions including representative species from adjacent China and from all main lineages of the worldwide Myotis radiation. These molecular reconstructions showed that the Myotinae from Taiwan are phylogenetically diverse and are issued from several independent clades. The genetic results were completely congruent with the phenetic groupings based on craniodental and external morphology, as each of the eight Taiwanese taxa proved to be reciprocally monophyletic. Two unnamed taxa that did not fit into any of the known species were described as species new to science. Furthermore the taxon latirostris usually associated to the Asian M. muricola, was phylogenetically and morphologically distant from any other known Myotis and was assigned here to the fossil (Miocene) genus Submyotodon. Submyotodon latirostris, M. secundus sp. n. and M. soror sp. n. are endemic species from Taiwan, whereas the other five Myotis are more widespread and also found in the mainland. An identification key is provided to ease the discrimination of these Myotinae species in Taiwan and adjacent China.

Keywords: Myotinae, Submyotodon, cryptic species, multivariate analysis, cytochrome b, taxonomy

M. Ruedi, G. Csorba, L-K. Lin and C-H. Chou. 2015. Molecular Phylogeny and Morphological Revision of Myotis bats (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Taiwan and adjacent China. Zootaxa. 3920(1):301-342. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3920.2.6

researchgate.net/publication/272830083_Molecular_phylogeny_and_morphological_revision_of_Myotis_bats_(Chiroptera_Vespertilionidae)_from_Taiwan_and_adjacent_China

Myotis (Chrysopteron) formosus

Myotis formosus archive.zo.NTU.edu.tw

Gábor Csorba, Cheng-Han Chou, Manuel Ruedi, Tamás Görföl, Masaharu Motokawa, Sigit Wiantoro, Vu Dinh Thong, Nguyen Truong Son, Liang-Kong Lin and Neil Furey. 2014. The Reds and the Yellows: A Review of Asian Chrysopteron Jentink, 1910 (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Myotis). Journal of Mammalogy. 95(4): 663-678. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1644/13-mamm-a-200

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264858380_The_reds_and_the_yellows_a_review_of_Asian_Chrysopteron_Jentink_1910_(Chiroptera_Vespertilionidae_Myotis)

BUMRUNGSRI, S., D. L. HARRISON, C. SATASOOK, A. PRAJKUKJITR, S. THONG-AREE, AND P. J. J. BATES. 2006. A review of bat research in Thailand with eight new species records for the country. Acta Chiropterologica. 8:325–359.