DNA reveals the existence of Myotis alcathoe in France (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Abstract

A strange little Myotis species resembling M. mystacinus has been caught repeatedly in France, but its small dimensions and external characteristics didn't match the description of any traditionally recognized species. It was informally known as the "Murin cantalou". We report here a comparative analysis based on an extensive database of mitochondrial DNA sequences to infer the correct name of that species. The partial ND1 sequences were obtained from biopsy samples of two individuals from Charente-Maritime, and proved to be identical to Hungarian haplotypes of the recently described Myotis alcathoe Helversen & Heller, 2001. Preliminary but concordant morphological and ecological data between French and Balkanic bats support this surprising finding. The discovery of M. alcathoe in France extends considerably the known range for this species, and poses a number of interesting questions about its taxonomic and conservation status. These questions will be answered only when further morphological investigations will allow reliable identification of that species in the field.