Phylogenetic relationships of three “Nycticeiini” genera (Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera, Mammalia) as revealed by karyological analysis

Abstract

GTG-banded karyotypes are presented for Scotoecus hirundo ( 2 n = 30 ; FN = 50 ), Rhogeessa alleni ( 2 n = 30 ; FN = 50 ), Scotophilus kuhlii ( 2 n = 36 ; FN = 48 ) and Scotophilus leucogaster ( 2 n = 36 ; FN = 50 ). These three genera belong to the family Vespertilionidae and have previously been placed into the tribe “Nycticeiini” (Tate 1942). Karyological analysis, however, points to a close relationship of Scotoecus hirundo to the tribes Pipistrellini and Vespertilionini (sensu Volleth and Heller 1994). Rhogeessa ( Baeodon) alleni, a member of the karyologically diverse genus Rhogeessa, has two fusion chromosomes in common with the genus Plecotus. Together with morphological (Hill and Harrison 1987) and molecular-genetic results (Hoofer and Van Den Bussche 2003), chromosome analysis suggests a closer relationship of Plecotini and Rhogeessa. The two species examined of the genus Scotophilus show differences only in two small autosomal pairs and the Y chromosome. Chromosomal data did not reveal closer relationships of this genus to any other vespertilionid tribe.