Molecular phylogenetics and taxonomic revision of the genus Tonatia (chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

Abstract

We conducted a phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from 3 adjacent genes (12S rRNA, tRNAVal, and 16S rRNA) in the mitochondrial genome from representatives of 14 phyllostomid genera including 7 species of Tonatia. Previous studies of the systematic relationships within Tonatia document that some members of this group are extremely divergent from others. Data on mitochondrial DNA sequence depict a paraphyletic relationship of a clade of T. bidens and T. saurophila with respect to other species of Tonatia and other members of the Physllostominae. Tonatia schulzi is included as a member of a clade containing all species of Tonatia (with the exception of T. bidens and T. saurophila), congruent with immunologic studies. Results of this study, coupled with those of allozymic, immunologic, and karyotypic data, warrant taxonomic revision of Tonatia. We recommend changing the generic name Tonatia to Lophostoma for all members except T. bidens and T. saurophila.