Molecular systematics of Vampyressine bats (Phyllostomidae: Stenodermatinae) with comparison of direct and indirect surveys of mitochondrial DNA variation

Abstract

Approximately 29 species in seven genera ( Chiroderma, Mesophylla, Platyrrhinus, Uroderma, Vampyressa, Vampyriscus, and Vampyrodes) compose the Subtribe Vampyressina, a group of New World leaf-nosed bats (Phyllostomidae) specialized in fruit-eating. A recent study of restriction-site variability within the mitochondrial ND3–ND4 gene region contrasts with other molecular data, including sequence data from other mitochondrial genes, by suggesting that the monotypic genus Ectophylla ( E. alba) also is member of the group and is related closely to Mesophylla. In this study, we address possible explanations for why the restriction-site data appear to contradict other molecular data by performing phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence variation (direct survey) in the ND3–ND4 region and cytochrome b gene and by re-assessing ND3–ND4 restriction-site variability in the known sequences (indirect survey). Results from analysis of sequence data reject the Ectophylla– Mesophylla hypothesis ( P < 0.001) and suggest four primary lineages within Vampyressina: (1) Mesophylla– Vampyressa; (2) Chiroderma– Vampyriscus; (3) Platyrrhinus– Vampyrodes; and (4) Uroderma. We also find no support for the Ectophylla– Mesophylla hypothesis in our re-analysis of ND3–ND4 restriction-site variability, and suggest the differences between molecular studies have a methodological basis.