New record of Miniopterus magnater (Chiroptera, Miniopteridae) from south-western China and a comparative study of three species of Miniopterus in China

Abstract

This research documents a new record of Miniopterus magnater in the south-western region of China, a significant discovery given the limited diversity of the Miniopterus genus within the country. Only three species of Miniopterus occur in China: Miniopterus magnater, Miniopterus fuliginosus and Miniopterus pusillus. These species share a high degree of morphological similarity, particularly in their external characteristics. This underscores the necessity for the identification of additional distinguishing traits that can aid in the taxonomic differentiation of these closely-related species. During the 2023 field expedition to various nature reserves in Yunnan Province, China, we encountered specimens of the genus Miniopterus. Utilising a combination of morphological assessments and phylogenetic analyses, we identified six individuals as Miniopterus magnater. A review of the existing geographical distribution data revealed that this species is primarily found in central and southern regions of China, with no previous records from the south-western part of the country. Based on our findings, we present a novel record of Miniopterus magnater's distribution in the south-western region of China.