Systematics and taxonomy of Pipistrellus kuhlii (Kuhl, 1817) in Central Europe and the Balkans

Abstract

We examined selected external characteristics and measurements of Pipistrellus k. kuhlii and P. k. lepidus representatives from the Balkans and Central Europe, whose ranges have rapidly expanded over the past few decades. We also sequenced and analysed two mitochondrial (16S and COI genes) and one nuclear (RAG2) markers of these two bat morphotypes to determine haplotype diversity and distribution patterns with a wider geographic perspective. We found that bats of the two taxa differed markedly with regard to the overall body coloration, size (P. k. lepidus is larger than P. k. kuhlii), extent and shape of the pale wing margin, and penis coloration, a finding which seems to be of diagnostic value, similarly to other Pipistrellus species. No polymorphism in RAG2 marker was found, but in both mtDNA markers we detected different haplotypes characteristic for both taxa, corresponding to morphological and morphometric patterns established in this study. Our genetic analysis results confirmed a clear division into two phylogenetic lineages and may indicate their allopatric speciation and a very recent simultaneous expansion to the Balkans and Central Europe from the Mediterranean region (P. kuhlii/deserti) and south-west Asia across eastern Europe (P. k. lepidus). We also show that P. k. lepidus distribution is wider than previously reported, and that the ranges of P. k. lepidus and P. k. kuhlii have already contacted in Central Europe.

First record of a Nathusius’ pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii) overwintering at a latitude above 60°N

“…Due to similarities in echolocation characteristics (Zsebok et al 2012), we cannot fully disclose the possibility of our recordings belonging to P. kuhlii, or its subspecies, P. kuhlii lepidus. This species has not been observed in Finland previously, but both P. kuhlii and P. kuhlii lepidus has shown considerable range expansion during the last decades (Ancillotto et al 2016;Sachanowicz et al , 2017. The probability of either of these taxa occurring in Finland is still small, but the observed range shifts call for increased vigilance in identification procedures.…”

Close bat species in the Ukrainian fauna: differences and position in the structure of communities

“…На сьогодні фактично все Полісся і Лісостеп відносяться до зони поширення тільки P. pygmaeus (прилеглі райони Росії -те саме: Крускоп, 2007). У групі білосмугих нетопирів назріває ситуація, яка подібна до пари Eptesicus serotinus-lobatus: їх тепер поділяють на два аловиди -західний Pipistrellus kuhlii та поширений в Україні й прилеглих країнах P. lepidus (Sachanowicz et al, 2017).…”

Wintering of an urban bat (Pipistrellus kuhlii lepidus) in recently occupied areas

“…Within this range, the P. kuhlii species group includes several morphological and genetic forms the taxonomic status of which is still subject to debate (e.g. Benda et al 2015;Andriollo et al 2015;Sachanowicz et al 2017). In Europe, two forms have been clearly described P. k. kuhlii and P. k. lepidus (Sachanowicz et al 2017).…”

“…Benda et al 2015;Andriollo et al 2015;Sachanowicz et al 2017). In Europe, two forms have been clearly described P. k. kuhlii and P. k. lepidus (Sachanowicz et al 2017). The first resides throughout the Mediterranean basin, while the second is found chiefly in Eastern Europe and SE Asia.…”

“…The first resides throughout the Mediterranean basin, while the second is found chiefly in Eastern Europe and SE Asia. According to Sachanowicz et al (2017) both of these forms are undergoing range expansion in opposite directions with P. k. kuhlii moving from the Mediterranean to the northeast, while P. k. lepidus is expanding from Central Asia towards the northwest. These two subspecies are sympatric and their current ranges overlap in eastern Slovakia and Hungary (Sachanowicz et al 2017).…”