Revisiting the taxonomy and distribution of Miniopterus (Chiroptera: Miniopteridae) bats in China based upon an integrated molecular-ecological-morphological approach

Three common species of Miniopterus fuliginosus, M. magnater and M. pusillus are known to inhabit China. However, M. fuliginosus and M. magnater are so similar in external morphology as to pose great challenges for accurate classification. Furthermore, taxonomic statuses, distribution ranges and taxonomic keys of these three species have remained controversial. For addressing these outstanding issues, the authors integrated molecular phylogenetic analyses, ensemble species distribution models (ESDMs), multiple morphological comparisons and decision tree algorithms for reassessing their taxonomy and distribution in China. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene phylogeny revealed three distinct monophyletic groups corresponding to M. fuliginosus, M. magnater and M. pusillus. And the observed distribution patterns indicated M. fuliginosus had a broad distribution across China while M. magnater and M. pusillus exhibited a more restricted distribution, overlapping with M. fuliginosus in South China. And cranial morphometry indicated M. magnater was slightly larger than M. fuliginosus and significantly larger than M. pusillus. Also three-dimensional (3D) skull geomorphometry uncovered distinct features for each species in rostrum, braincase, tympanic bullae and mandibular shape. Decision tree algorithms helped to identify forearm length, braincase breadth and width across the third upper molars as three major taxonomic keys for assisting species identification. This study corroborated the importance of integrative approaches for identifying Miniopterus species and validated a methodological approach applicable to other cryptic species complexes.