Morphological features of Pipistrellus nathusii from the eastern part of its range (Middle Volga region)

Abstract

A study was carried out on the morphometric parameters of regional samples of Pipistrellus nathusii populations from the Middle Volga region, which is the eastern part of the species’ range. In general, metric characters are typical of those of the species; clear differences were found by the colouration of wing membranes. The right-bank sample corresponds to the typical (northern, forest) form of P. nathusii. The left-bank (eastern) sample corresponds to the more southern and steppe form, which is characterized by a light tone of coat and a well-defined narrow white stripe on the edge of the wing, which is designated as colour type pargaré. Obviously, this feature of colouration is a marker of the most southeastern P. nathusii. Moreover, this feature characterizes the whole group of pipistrelles and is well known for the desert form of P. pipistrellus bactrianus, and is most pronounced in the eastern P. kuhlii lepidus. Original data on cases of detection pangaré-type depigmentation in other species of bats in the Volga region are noted (Vespertilio murinus and Myotis daubentonii). Thus, the pangaré-type colour of wing membranes in different bat species is a regional trait. In general, this is in line with Gloger’s ecogeographic rule of ligher colouration in arid conditions.A study was carried out on the morphometric parameters of regional samples of Pipistrellus nathusii populations from the Middle Volga region, which is the eastern part of the species’ range. In general, metric characters are typical of those of the species; clear differences were found by the colouration of wing membranes. The right-bank sample corresponds to the typical (northern, forest) form of P. nathusii. The left-bank (eastern) sample corresponds to the more southern and steppe form, which is characterized by a light tone of coat and a well-defined narrow white stripe on the edge of the wing, which is designated as colour type pargaré. Obviously, this feature of colouration is a marker of the most southeastern P. nathusii. Moreover, this feature characterizes the whole group of pipistrelles and is well known for the desert form of P. pipistrellus bactrianus, and is most pronounced in the eastern P. kuhlii lepidus. Original data on cases of detection pangaré-type depigmentation in other species of bats in the Volga region are noted (Vespertilio murinus and Myotis daubentonii). Thus, the pangaré-type colour of wing membranes in different bat species is a regional trait. In general, this is in line with Gloger’s ecogeographic rule of ligher colouration in arid conditions.