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| Molossus paranaensis Caraballo, Pavé, Argoitia, Schierloh & Chambi Velasquez, in Chambi Velasquez, Pavé, Argoitia, Schierloh, Piccirilli, Colombo, Beltrán, Cisterna et Caraballo, 2024. |
Abstract
Understanding species diversity and delineating their boundaries are crucial for effective management and conservation efforts. In the case of bats, species identification holds particular importance from an epidemiological standpoint. The genus Molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae) encompasses 15 species distributed across the Neotropics, ranging from the southeastern United States to Argentina. This genus exhibits two contrasting patterns of variation: some species are cryptic, while others are morphologically distinct yet genetically similar. This study explores the diversity of Molossus in Argentina through a molecular phylogenetic approach. We analyzed sequences from three molecular markers (cyt b, COI, and FGB) along with morphology data obtained from a sample of 64 individuals. Uni- and multivariate analyses of external and cranial measurements were conducted, alongside comparisons of external and cranial characteristics among species. Based on molecular and morphological differences, we describe a new species within the Molossus genus. This newly discovered species exhibits a broad distribution spanning the Paraná River basin across three distinct ecoregions. It is noteworthy that this species is pseudo-cryptic with respect to similar-sized species such as M. molossus and M. melini. Additionally, it is important to mention that all species in Argentina have overlapping distribution ranges. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the diversity and distribution of Molossus bats in Argentina, employing molecular and morphological analyses. The discovery of a new species underscores the ongoing importance of comprehensive research efforts in understanding and conserving bat populations in the Neotropics.
Keywords: Mastiff bats, molecular phylogeny, morphology, morphometry, pseudo-cryptic species, South America
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| The skull of the holotype of Molossus paranaensis (MF-ZV-M 1494). Lateral view of skull and mandible (A), and frontal (B), ventral (C) and dorsal (E) views. Scale bar = 10 mm. |
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| Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views of the skin of the holotype of Molossus paranaensis (MFA-ZV-M 1494), adult male. Scale bar = 10 mm. |
Family Molossidae Gervais, 1856
Genus Molossus É. Geoffroy, 1805
Molossus paranaensis Caraballo, Pavé, Argoitia, Schierloh & Chambi Velasquez, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Molossus paranaensis is distinguished from all other Molossus species by the following combination of characters: medium size (FA 39.4–42.8 mm; GLS w.i 17.3–19.2 mm; PC 3.8–4.6 mm; LMxT 6.3–7.4 mm); dorsal coloration medium brown (cinnamon to grayish brown sensu Ridgway 1912) with individual hairs bicolored, with a large and pale basal band reaching 1/4 to 1/2 to of total length of the hair, the venter is paler than dorsum (Fig. 4); in frontal view the rostrum is triangular (Fig. 5B), and the lambdoidal crests are moderately developed (Fig. 5).
Etymology: The name paranaensis is bestowed in reference to the extended distribution of the new species along the Paraná River basin, one of the largest rivers in South America. Paraná is a word from the Mbyá people who speak Tupí (one of the native languages in Argentina), pará = “sea” and nã = “similar to” or “like”, which means “that looks like the sea” or “similar to the sea”. This river shelters a great biodiversity and natural beauty.
Micaela A. Chambi Velasquez, Romina Pavé, María A. Argoitia, Pablo Schierloh, María G. Piccirilli, Valeria C. Colombo, Fernando J. Beltrán, Daniel M. Cisterna and Diego A. Caraballo. 2024. Revisiting Molossus (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Molossidae) Diversity: Exploring Southern Limits and Revealing A Novel Species in Argentina. Vertebrate Zoology. 74: 397-416. DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e122822
