Cytogenetics and DNA barcoding of the Round-eared bats, Tonatia (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae): a new karyotype for Tonatia bidens

There are two species of Neotropical Round-eared bats, Tonatia bidens Spix, 1823 and Tonatia saurophilaKoopman & Williams, 1951, which present highly similar morphological characteristics that can lead to errors of identification. Specimens originally identified as T. bidens have recently been reclassified as T. saurophila, and the onlykaryotype documented previously for these species was 2n = 16, FN = 20. In the present study, specimens of Tonatiacollected in the municipality of Barra do Garças, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, were analyzed morphologically,using conventional cytogenetic techniques (C-banding, Ag-NOR, and CMA3), and through sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. In the specimens morphologically identified as T. bidens, the diploidnumber (2n) was 26, and the fundamental number (FN), 38, while in T. saurophila, 2n = 16 and FN = 20, which is thekaryotype also described previously for T. bidens. The dendograms obtained with sequences of the COI marker resultedin the formation of two distinct groups between T. bidens and T. saurophila, consistent with the two species, with a highsequence divergence value (14.22%). Distinct clades were also observed between T. bidens and the other phyllostominesanalyzed in this study, with T. bidens also close to Phyllostomus hastatus (14.18% of sequence divergence).

Cytogenetics and DNA barcoding of the Round-eared bats, Tonatia (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae): a new karyotype for Tonatia bidens

There are two species of Neotropical Round-eared bats, Tonatia bidens Spix, 1823 and Tonatia saurophilaKoopman & Williams, 1951, which present highly similar morphological characteristics that can lead to errors of identification. Specimens originally identified as T. bidens have recently been reclassified as T. saurophila, and the onlykaryotype documented previously for these species was 2n = 16, FN = 20. In the present study, specimens of Tonatiacollected in the municipality of Barra do Garças, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, were analyzed morphologically,using conventional cytogenetic techniques (C-banding, Ag-NOR, and CMA3), and through sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. In the specimens morphologically identified as T. bidens, the diploidnumber (2n) was 26, and the fundamental number (FN), 38, while in T. saurophila, 2n = 16 and FN = 20, which is thekaryotype also described previously for T. bidens. The dendograms obtained with sequences of the COI marker resultedin the formation of two distinct groups between T. bidens and T. saurophila, consistent with the two species, with a highsequence divergence value (14.22%). Distinct clades were also observed between T. bidens and the other phyllostominesanalyzed in this study, with T. bidens also close to Phyllostomus hastatus (14.18% of sequence divergence).(AU)

Thermoregulatory behavior on Sun exposure by Mimon bennettii (Gray, 1838) at southern Brazil (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae: Phyllostominae)

This paper aims to describe the thermoregulatory behavior on Sun exposure by the phyllostomid bat Mimon bennettii (Gray, 1838). This behavior was recorded at the entrance of a small limestone cave in southern Brazil. This kind of thermoregulation can be considered a behavioral convergence with pteropodid bats, and perhaps a necessity in bats occurring in subtropical and temperate regions.

Thermoregulatory behavior on Sun exposure by Mimon bennettii (Gray, 1838) at southern Brazil (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae: Phyllostominae)

This paper aims to describe the thermoregulatory behavior on Sun exposure by the phyllostomid bat Mimon bennettii (Gray, 1838). This behavior was recorded at the entrance of a small limestone cave in southern Brazil. This kind of thermoregulation can be considered a behavioral convergence with pteropodid bats, and perhaps a necessity in bats occurring in subtropical and temperate regions.(AU)

Predação de Tadarida brasiliensis por Chrotopterus auritus no sul do Brasil

Chrotopterus auritus é a segunda maior espécie de morcego do Novo Mundo, atrássomente de Vampyrum spectrum. Seu comprimento cabeça-corpo varia de 93 a 114 mm, seu antebraço de 77 a 87 mm e seu peso de 61 a 94 g (Taddei 1975; Medellín 1989; Emmons e Feer 1990). Este Phyllostominae tem o hábito alimentar variado e se alimenta principalmente de pequenos vertebrados (Giannini e Kalko 2005).[...]

The karyotype of Macrophyllum macrophyllum (Schinz, 1821) (Phyllostomidae: Phyllostominae) from the state of Bahia, Brazil / The karyotype of Macrophyllum macrophyllum (Schinz, 1821) (Phyllostomidae: Phyllostominae) from the state of Bahia, Brazil

We report a new karyotype for Macrophyllum macrophyllum, based on one specimen collected nearly 600 km from the type-locality in Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. The new karyotype is described and depicted with conventional Giemsa staining and C-banding. It is characterized by a diploid number (2n) of 34, a fundamental autosomal number (FNa) of 62, and a medium-sized metacentric X chromosome and a small submetacentric Y chromosome. Constitutive heterochromatin is distributed in pericentromeric bands in all chromosomes. Our findings are suggestive of a certain amount of karyotypic variation in the genus when contrasted with the single previous karyological report for M. macrophyllum, which recorded 2n = 32 and FNa = 56.

We report a new karyotype for Macrophyllum macrophyllum, based on one specimen collected nearly 600 km from the type-locality in Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. The new karyotype is described and depicted with conventional Giemsa staining and C-banding. It is characterized by a diploid number (2n) of 34, a fundamental autosomal number (FNa) of 62, and a medium-sized metacentric X chromosome and a small submetacentric Y chromosome. Constitutive heterochromatin is distributed in pericentromeric bands in all chromosomes. Our findings are suggestive of a certain amount of karyotypic variation in the genus when contrasted with the single previous karyological report for M. macrophyllum, which recorded 2n = 32 and FNa = 56.

Estrutura e analise zoogeográfica de uma taxocenose de morcegos no norte do Estado do Amazonas, Brasil / Estrutura e analise zoogeográfica de uma taxocenose de morcegos no norte do Estado do Amazonas, Brasil

During an epidemiological survey along the middle course of rio Negro, in the western periphery of Guyana subregion, a survey of bats was conducted in the municipalities of Barcelos and Santa Isabel do Rio Negro, State of Amazonas, Brazil. Fieldworks conducted from 1998 to 2004 resulted in the capture of 36 bat species distributed in 27 genera and six families. Phyllostomidae accounted for the largest number of species and individuals, Phyllostominae being the most speciose, and Stenodermatinae the most abundant. The analysis of species distribution patterns and comparisons with lists for other Amazonian localities indicate that the assemblage reported here is almost entirely composed for species widely distributed in different zoogeographical Amazonian provinces, occurring yet in other Neotropical rainforests. Thus, it appears that the assemblage reported here is comprised almost entirely of the commonest species in the Amazon region, highlighting the need for the increase of sampling effort with mist nets in the understory and canopy and search for roosts.

Por ocasião de um inquérito epidemiológico ao longo do curso médio do rio Negro, no extremo oeste da sub-região da Guiana, foi realizado um levantamento da quiropterofauna nos municípios de Barcelos e Santa Isabel do Rio Negro, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil. As atividades de campo, realizadas de 1998 a 2004, resultaram no registro de 36 espécies de morcegos distribuídas em 27 gêneros e seis famílias. Dentre as famílias registradas, Phyllostomidae apresentou o maior número de espécies e de indivíduos, sendo Phyllostominae a subfamília mais rica em espécies, e Stenodermatinae a mais abundante. A análise dos padrões de distribuição das espécies e comparações com listas disponíveis para outras localidades amazônicas indicam que o conjunto de espécies reportado para a área avaliada é formado quase que em sua totalidade por táxons amplamente distribuídos por diferentes províncias zoogeográficas amazônicas, distribuindo-se ainda por outras regiões de florestas úmidas ao longo da Região Neotropical. Assim, conclui-se que o conjunto taxonômico aqui reportado para Barcelos e Santa Isabel do Rio Negro é formado quase exclusivamente por espécies consideradas comuns na região amazônica, ficando evidente a necessidade de aumento do esforço amostral com redes de espera no sub-bosque e dossel e busca por abrigos.

First record of Mimon crenulatum E. Geoffroyi, 1810 (Phyllostomidae: Phyllostominae) in the Ceará state, Northeastern Brazil / First record of Mimon crenulatum E. Geoffroyi, 1810 (Phyllostomidae: Phyllostominae) in the Ceará state, Northeastern Brazil

This paper reports the first record of the bat Mimon crenulatum E. Geoffroyi, 1810 for the state of Ceara, northeastern Brazil. A single specimen was collected in a caatinga area at Arsenios Farm, municipality of Parambu (6 27"17""S, 40 38"46""O), Ceara Brazil. External and cranial measurements were taken and compared with the literature.

This paper reports the first record of the bat Mimon crenulatum E. Geoffroyi, 1810 for the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. A single specimen was collected in a caatinga area at Arsênios Farm, municipality of Parambu (6 27"17""S, 40 38"46""O), Ceará Brazil. External and cranial measurements were taken and compared with the literature.

Primer registro de Micronycteris Microtis (Phyllostomidae, Phyllostominae) para la Argentina / First record of Micronycteris microtis (Phyllostomidae, Phyllostominae) in Argentinaa

En este trabajo se presenta el primer registro de Micronycteris microtis para la Argentina. El género Micronycteris fue incluido en Argentina hace 10 años, pero su especie no fue determinada. Los ejemplares de M. microtis fueron colectados en la provincia de Salta a más de 1 000 km de la localidad más austral hasta ahora registrada, ubicada en Bolivia. La colecta se realizó en alcantarillas durante el día, compartían el refugio con Anoura caudifer o Glossophaga soricina.

Micronycteris microtis is here included in bat fauna of Argentina. The genus was added to the country 10 years ago, but then was not possible to identify the species due to the scarcity of material. Recently we collected new specimens in Salta Province that allowed us to identify the species as Micronycteris microtis, whose distribution was previously known to be extended south only to Bolivia, at more than 1 000 km from our new locality in Argentina. The specimens were captured with mist nets placed inside culverts during the day; they were sharing shelters with Anoura caudifer or Glossophaga soricina.

First record of the Carriker"s Round-eared Bat (Lophostoma carrikeri; Phyllostominae) in the Cerrado of central Brazil / First record of the Carriker"s Round-eared Bat (Lophostoma carrikeri; Phyllostominae) in the Cerrado of central Brazil

Carrikers Round-eared Bat (Lophostoma carrikeri) is endemic to South America where its known distribution was confined to Amazon Basin of Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, and Guianas. Recently this species was recorded from the Caatinga biome of Brazil. On June 15, 2007 in a bat survey, an adult male was caught with mist nets in a transition area of dry forest with riparian forest of Cerrado of Central Brazil (municipio Sao Domingo, state of Goias, 13o2511.6S 46o2313.8W, elevation 725 m). The Cerrado Domain is the second largest Brazilian phytogeographic province, occupying originally approximately 24% of Brazil"s land area. This is the first record of this species within the core area of Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado) and represents a significant range extention.

Carrikers Round-eared Bat (Lophostoma carrikeri) is endemic to South America where its known distribution was confined to Amazon Basin of Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, and Guianas. Recently this species was recorded from the Caatinga biome of Brazil. On June 15, 2007 in a bat survey, an adult male was caught with mist nets in a transition area of dry forest with riparian forest of Cerrado of Central Brazil (municipio Sao Domingo, state of Goias, 13o2511.6S 46o2313.8W, elevation 725 m). The Cerrado Domain is the second largest Brazilian phytogeographic province, occupying originally approximately 24% of Brazil"s land area. This is the first record of this species within the core area of Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado) and represents a significant range extention.

Phylogeography of Lonchorhina aurita (Phyllostomidae) from coastal Brazilian Atlantic Forest / Phylogeography of Lonchorhina aurita (Phyllostomidae) from coastal Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Phylogeography is defined as the study of principles and process governing geographical distributions of genealogical lineages. Similar phylogeographic patterns may be shared among different species that inhabit same region and result from common historical events that affected these species in a similar way. Low levels of sequence divergence are found within species of bats. The ability to fly might result in a higher level of gene flow among populations for both bats and birds than that found in small mammals. The objective of this study was to describe and analyze the phylogeography structure of Lonchorhina aurita populations from the Brazilian coastal fragments of Atlantic rain forest. We used liver tissues from L. aurita to extract DNA. We then amplified the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b with PCR and performed RFLP on these amplified mitochondrial DNA fragments. Seven restriction endonucleases were used. We identified four haplotypes. The RFLP results were used in a phylogenetic analysis that resulted in a single most parsimonious tree. These haplotypes were distributed in two clades, one for southeastern and other for northeastern portions of Brazilian Atlantic forest. The phylogeographic structure found for L. aurita confirm the hypothesis that bats in subfamily Phyllostominae might have a strong geographical structure when compared with other bats. Given a preference

Phylogeography is defined as the study of principles and process governing geographical distributions of genealogical lineages. Similar phylogeographic patterns may be shared among different species that inhabit same region and result from common historical events that affected these species in a similar way. Low levels of sequence divergence are found within species of bats. The ability to fly might result in a higher level of gene flow among populations for both bats and birds than that found in small mammals. The objective of this study was to describe and analyze the phylogeography structure of Lonchorhina aurita populations from the Brazilian coastal fragments of Atlantic rain forest. We used liver tissues from L. aurita to extract DNA. We then amplified the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b with PCR and performed RFLP on these amplified mitochondrial DNA fragments. Seven restriction endonucleases were used. We identified four haplotypes. The RFLP results were used in a phylogenetic analysis that resulted in a single most parsimonious tree. These haplotypes were distributed in two clades, one for southeastern and other for northeastern portions of Brazilian Atlantic forest. The phylogeographic structure found for L. aurita confirm the hypothesis that bats in subfamily Phyllostominae might have a strong geographical structure when compared with other bats. Given a preference

Distribution extension and diet description of Mimon bennettii (Phyllostomidae: Phyllostominae) in southern Brazil / Ampliacao da distribuicao e descrição da dieta de Mimon bennettii (Phyllostomidae, Phyllostominae) no sul do Brasil

Mimon bennetti is distributed from southeastern Mexico to southern Brazil, but despite this wide distribution, scarce information is available about its natural history. The aim of the present study was to document a distribution extension for this species, as well as to describe the diet and roost use by a group of individuals observed in nocturnal roots. The study was conducted in the municipality of Pedras Grandes, in the southern region of the state of Santa Catarina, between October 2005 and July 2007. Bats were captured in mist nets and food pellets were collected in two traps placed under nocturnal roosts. Additional dietary information was obtained from faecal samples of the individuals caught in mist nets. The bats fed on arthropods from six orders and eight families. With the record of M. bennettii in the municipality of Pedras Grandes, the distribution of this species was extended 100 km south of its previously known limit. Although the diet of this species has been reported as diverse, the results of this study indicate an exclusively insectivore diet for the sampled population. This study although with a short observation period, provides important information about the distribution and natural history of M. bennettii.

Mimon bennettii distribui-se desde o sudeste do México até o sul do Brasil, e mesmo com essa ampla distribuição há poucos dados sobre sua história natural. O objetivo do presente estudo foi registrar a ampliação da distribuição austral de M. bennettii, assim como descrever a dieta e o uso de abrigo por um grupo de indivíduos observados em abrigo noturno. O estudo foi realizado no município de Pedras Grandes, sul de Santa Catarina, no período de outubro de 2005 a julho de 2007. Para as capturas foram utilizadas redes de neblina e para as coletas dos restos alimentares foram instalados dentro do abrigo noturno dois coletores. Informações sobre a dieta foram obtidas a partir de amostras fecais dos indivíduos capturados e de restos alimentares coletados sob um abrigo noturno. A análise da dieta revelou que os morcegos se alimentaram apenas de artrópodes pertencentes a seis ordens e a oito famílias. Com o registro de M. bennettii no município de Pedras Grandes, foi ampliado em cerca de 100 km o limite sul de ocorrência. Apesar de ser sugerida para a espécie uma dieta mais diversificada, os resultados desse estudo indicam uma alimentação exclusivamente insetívora para a população amostrada. Esse estudo mesmo que pontual e com breve período de observação, fornece importantes informações sobre a distribuição e história natural de M. bennettii.

An ecologically-significant range extension for Hahns short-tailed fruit bat (Carollia subrufa) in southwestern Costa Rica / An ecologically-significant range extension for Hahns short-tailed fruit bat (Carollia subrufa) in southwestern Costa Rica

A range extension for Hahns short-tailed fruit bat, Carollia subrufa, is reported which extends the distribution of the species from the Pacific Dry Forest into the Pacific Moist Forest ecoregion. This raises the possibility that the species may be more widely distributed in Costa Rica than currently supposed, adding almost 30,000 km² of potential range.

A range extension for Hahns short-tailed fruit bat, Carollia subrufa, is reported which extends the distribution of the species from the Pacific Dry Forest into the Pacific Moist Forest ecoregion. This raises the possibility that the species may be more widely distributed in Costa Rica than currently supposed, adding almost 30,000 km2 of potential range.

New evidence of bat predation by the woolly false vampire bat Chrotopterus auritus / New evidence of bat predation by the woolly false vampire bat Chrotopterus auritus

We report on an additional evidence of bat predation by Chrotopterus auritus. Our record was obtained during a single net session, when a female C. auritus was captured with a partially eaten Carollia perspicillata. Preliminary data suggest that this latter species is very abundant in the region (a lowland Atlantic Forest area in northern Rio de Janeiro state), corroborating the view of C. auritus as an opportunistic feeder.

We report on an additional evidence of bat predation by Chrotopterus auritus. Our record was obtained during a single net session, when a female C. auritus was captured with a partially eaten Carollia perspicillata.Preliminary data suggest that this latter species is very abundant in the region (a lowland Atlantic Forest area in northern Rio de Janeiro state), corroborating the view of C. auritus as an opportunistic feeder.

New evidence of bat predation by the woolly false vampire bat Chrotopterus auritus / New evidence of bat predation by the woolly false vampire bat Chrotopterus auritus

We report on an additional evidence of bat predation by Chrotopterus auritus. Our record was obtained during a single net session, when a female C. auritus was captured with a partially eaten Carollia perspicillata. Preliminary data suggest that this latter species is very abundant in the region (a lowland Atlantic Forest area in northern Rio de Janeiro state), corroborating the view of C. auritus as an opportunistic feeder.

We report on an additional evidence of bat predation by Chrotopterus auritus. Our record was obtained during a single net session, when a female C. auritus was captured with a partially eaten Carollia perspicillata.Preliminary data suggest that this latter species is very abundant in the region (a lowland Atlantic Forest area in northern Rio de Janeiro state), corroborating the view of C. auritus as an opportunistic feeder.

An ecologically-significant range extension for Hahns short-tailed fruit bat (Carollia subrufa) in southwestern Costa Rica / An ecologically-significant range extension for Hahns short-tailed fruit bat (Carollia subrufa) in southwestern Costa Rica

A range extension for Hahns short-tailed fruit bat, Carollia subrufa, is reported which extends the distribution of the species from the Pacific Dry Forest into the Pacific Moist Forest ecoregion. This raises the possibility that the species may be more widely distributed in Costa Rica than currently supposed, adding almost 30,000 km² of potential range.

A range extension for Hahns short-tailed fruit bat, Carollia subrufa, is reported which extends the distribution of the species from the Pacific Dry Forest into the Pacific Moist Forest ecoregion. This raises the possibility that the species may be more widely distributed in Costa Rica than currently supposed, adding almost 30,000 km2 of potential range.

First record of Mimon crenulatum E. Geoffroyi, 1810 (Phyllostomidae: Phyllostominae) in the Ceará state, Northeastern Brazil / First record of Mimon crenulatum E. Geoffroyi, 1810 (Phyllostomidae: Phyllostominae) in the Ceará state, Northeastern Brazil

This paper reports the first record of the bat Mimon crenulatum E. Geoffroyi, 1810 for the state of Ceara, northeastern Brazil. A single specimen was collected in a caatinga area at Arsenios Farm, municipality of Parambu (6 27"17""S, 40 38"46""O), Ceara Brazil. External and cranial measurements were taken and compared with the literature.

This paper reports the first record of the bat Mimon crenulatum E. Geoffroyi, 1810 for the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. A single specimen was collected in a caatinga area at Arsênios Farm, municipality of Parambu (6 27"17""S, 40 38"46""O), Ceará Brazil. External and cranial measurements were taken and compared with the literature.

Predation of Carollia perspicilata by Phyllostomlis cf. Elongatus in Central Amazonia

Neotropical species are known to be preyed on by snakes, owls, falcons, opossums, kinkajous and monkeys (Hopkins & Hopkins 1983, Fleming 1988, Motta & Taddei 1992). Nevertheless,a few reports also cite large-sized carnivorous bats. Phyllostomus hastatus, Chrotopterus auritus and Vampyrum spectrum (Phyllostominae) as occasional predators of others smaller bats (Gardner 1977, Fleming 1988).

Predação de Tadarida brasiliensis por Chrotopterus auritus no sul do Brasil

Chrotopterus auritus é a segunda maior espécie de morcego do Novo Mundo, atrássomente de Vampyrum spectrum. Seu comprimento cabeça-corpo varia de 93 a 114 mm, seu antebraço de 77 a 87 mm e seu peso de 61 a 94 g (Taddei 1975; Medellín 1989; Emmons e Feer 1990). Este Phyllostominae tem o hábito alimentar variado e se alimenta principalmente de pequenos vertebrados (Giannini e Kalko 2005).[...]

Predation of Carollia perspicilata by Phyllostomlis cf. Elongatus in Central Amazonia

Neotropical species are known to be preyed on by snakes, owls, falcons, opossums, kinkajous and monkeys (Hopkins & Hopkins 1983, Fleming 1988, Motta & Taddei 1992). Nevertheless,a few reports also cite large-sized carnivorous bats. Phyllostomus hastatus, Chrotopterus auritus and Vampyrum spectrum (Phyllostominae) as occasional predators of others smaller bats (Gardner 1977, Fleming 1988).