A new species of Glischropus from the Indochinese Subregion (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Abstract

Within the tribe Pipistrellini, the genus Glischropus is very close to the genus Pipistrellus both in its external morphology and chromosomal features but can be unequivocally distinguished from the latter by the presence of thumb pads and the position of the second incisor. One of the two known species, G. tylopus was thought to have a wide distribution range from Myanmar to the Philippines, while the other, G. javanus is only known from Java. Recently collected Cambodian specimens of Glischropus are distinguished from their congeners by longer forearm and cranial features (the shape of the skull and the upper incisors and certain craniodental measurements) and are consequentially, described here as a new species. Based on thorough examination of the available museum material, it can be concluded that all specimens of G. tylopus previously collected in the Indochinese zoogeographic subregion are in fact representatives of this new species, while G. tylopus in a strict sense is restricted in the mainland to south of the Isthmus of Kra.

A Recent Bat Survey Reveals Bukit Barisan Selatan Landscape as a Chiropteran Diversity Hotspot in Sumatra

“…The only known Glischropus species in Sumatra, G. tylopus, is smaller in forearm length (27.9-30.9 mm). Instead, the forearm length falls into the size range of G. bucephalus (FA = 32.1-35.7 mm) in Cambodia and is similar to G. javanus (FA = 32.0 mm) in Java (Csorba, 2011). The fur is dark gray basally with light brown tips on the upperparts, and the fur of the underparts is dark brown at the base and grayish brown to the tips.…”

A checklist of the bats of Peninsular Malaysia and progress towards a DNA barcode reference library

“…tylopus from Vietnam and Laos (= Indochina) represent G . bucephalus which was recently described on the basis of longer forearms and distinctive cranial features [ 200 ]. Another species from Sumatra, Indonesia, G .…”

The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Glischropus bucephalus (Vespertilionidae; Chiroptera) Provides New Evidence for Pipistrellus Paraphyly

“…Tate considered three species within the genus: the relatively widespread G. tylopus; G. batjanus Matschie, 1901; and G. javanus Chasen, 1929, with the two latter species known only from their type localities. Glischropus batjanus was then considered a partial synonym of G. tylopus, and a new species, G. bucephalus, was described as ranging from the mainland Asian north of the Isthmus of Kra [3]. Later, one extra species, G. aquillus, was described in Sumatra [4], and more recently, another new species, G. meghalayanus, was revealed in Meghalaya, India [5].…”

“…Characteristic thickened pads on their thumb bases and plantar surface distinguish it from the similarly sized Pipistrellus. This feature is considered to have evolved as an adaptation for roosting in shelters with smooth surfaces like bamboo stems; however, this is still unconfirmed for this particular species [3]. This bat is sporadically found in forested areas at low and middle elevations across the mainland of Southeast Asia, from the north to the Isthmus of Kra.…”