Redescription of Myotis atacamensis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) with neotype designation

Myotis atacamensis (Lataste, 1892) was described based on three syntypes from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. The type series is lost. The original description was based on few external and cranial characters, and the diagnosis became obsolete and useless considering the current diversity of South American Myotis. Based on 12 specimens of M. atacamensis from southern Peru and northern Chile, we provide a morphological comparison with its South American congeners, designate a neotype, and provide a new diagnosis.(AU)

The taxonomic status of Myotis aelleni Baud, 1979 (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae).

Myotis aelleni Baud, 1979 was described based on a large series from Chubut, Argentina, and is known only from the type locality and Río Negro, also in Argentina. According to the original description, M. aelleni is closest morphologically to M. chiloensis (Waterhouse, 1840), but can be distinguished based on the tricolored dorsal hairs and skull size and shape. The taxonomic status of M. aelleni has been questioned but the species is still treated as valid. Based on qualitative and quantitative analyses of the type series of M. aelleni, and series of M. chiloensis, including the neotype, we recognize M. aelleni as a junior synonym of M. chiloensis. M. aelleni and M. chiloensis have bicolor dorsal hairs and cannot be distinguished on the basis of the skull size and shape. After synonymy, M. chiloensis occur from Central Chile and western Argentina to central Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Twenty-one species of Myotis occur in South America, including Trinidad and Tobago.

First record of Myotis albescens (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in French Guiana.

BACKGROUND: Myotis albescens occurs from Mexico southward to Uruguay and Argentina. The species is known for all South American countries except French Guiana and Chile. NEW INFORMATION: Based on one specimen recently collected in French Guiana we fill part of the gap in the distribution of the species in South America. Myotis albescens occurs in the Guiana Shield with other four congeners, from which it can be distinguished by external and skull traits. As an aid to future identifications, we provide a key to this assemblage.

Morphometric and morphological variation in South American populations of Myotis albescens (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Myotis albescens (É. Geoffroy, 1806) occurs from Mexico to Uruguay and Argentina. Despite a large number of specimens in collections, its variability in South America has been underestimated, potentially leading to errors in identification. In order to clarify the taxonomic limits of M. albescens and to evaluate previous hypotheses of geographic variation in size we analyzed the type material and studied the variability in South American samples using multivariate exploratory and confirmatory procedures, as well as frequency analyses of discrete morphological data. The presence of a fringe of hairs along the trailing edge of the uropatagium, the long and silky pelage with frosted appearance on the dorsum, ear 9 to 14 mm long, broad interorbital and postorbital constrictions, and a globular braincase were identified as the most useful traits to distinguish M. albescens from its South American congeners. In agreement with Bergman's rule, larger specimens were found in the South. Beyond the geographic component, Individual variation is an important factor affecting the variability in the size and shape of the skull and pelage color.

Morphometric and morphological variation in South American populations of Myotis albescens (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Myotis albescens (É. Geoffroy, 1806) occurs from Mexico to Uruguay and Argentina. Despite a large number of specimens in collections, its variability in South America has been underestimated, potentially leading to errors in identification. In order to clarify the taxonomic limits of M. albescens and to evaluate previous hypotheses of geographic variation in size we analyzed the type material and studied the variability in South American samples using multivariate exploratory and confirmatory procedures, as well as frequency analyses of discrete morphological data. The presence of a fringe of hairs along the trailing edge of the uropatagium, the long and silky pelage with frosted appearance on the dorsum, ear 9 to 14 mm long, broad interorbital and postorbital constrictions, and a globular braincase were identified as the most useful traits to distinguish M. albescens from its South American congeners. In agreement with Bergman's rule, larger specimens were found in the South. Beyond the geographic component, Individual variation is an important factor affecting the variability in the size and shape of the skull and pelage color.

Morphometric and morphological variation in South American populations of Myotis albescens (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Myotis albescens (É. Geoffroy, 1806) occurs from Mexico to Uruguay and Argentina. Despite a large number of specimens in collections, its variability in South America has been underestimated, potentially leading to errors in identification. In order to clarify the taxonomic limits of M. albescens and to evaluate previous hypotheses of geographic variation in size we analyzed the type material and studied the variability in South American samples using multivariate exploratory and confirmatory procedures, as well as frequency analyses of discrete morphological data. The presence of a fringe of hairs along the trailing edge of the uropatagium, the long and silky pelage with frosted appearance on the dorsum, ear 9 to 14 mm long, broad interorbital and postorbital constrictions, and a globular braincase were identified as the most useful traits to distinguish M. albescens from its South American congeners. In agreement with Bergman's rule, larger specimens were found in the South. Beyond the geographic component, Individual variation is an important factor affecting the variability in the size and shape of the skull and pelage color.