Research Article |
Corresponding author: Jiang Zhou ( zhoujiang@ioz.ac.cn ) Academic editor: Melissa TR Hawkins
© 2025 Tao Luo, Ming-Le Mao, Chang-Ting Lan, Zi-Fa Zhao, Zhong-Lian Wang, Jing Yu, Jia-Jia Wang, Chen-Rui Yan, Ning Xiao, Jiang Zhou.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Luo T, Mao M-L, Lan C-T, Zhao Z-F, Wang Z-L, Yu J, Wang J-J, Yan C-R, Xiao N, Zhou J (2025) Four new tube-nosed bat species of the genus Murina (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) from Xizang Autonomous Region, China, based on morphological and molecular data. Zoosystematics and Evolution 101(3): 1023-1055. https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.144375
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The genus Murina Gray, 1842, recently had four new species discovered in China over the last four years, suggesting its diversity may have been previously underestimated. Herein, we describe four new species—Murina beibengensis sp. nov., Murina medogensis sp. nov., Murina milinensis sp. nov., and Murina yadongensis sp. nov.—based on morphological and genetic evidence from specimens collected during bat diversity surveys conducted in the Xizang Autonomous Region of China over the past three years. Each of these four new species forms an independent lineage on a phylogenetic tree reconstructed using the mitochondrial COI and Cyt b genes, and each is genetically distinct from its congeners. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from the 43 recognized congeners by features including forearm length, hair color, and skull morphology. We elevated M. huttoni rubella from a subspecies of M. huttoni to a species based on morphological and genetic evidence. The new species discussed herein increase the number of species in the genus Murina to four worldwide and from 23 to 28 in China. This study not only enriches our understanding of bat species diversity but also underscores the importance of conducting bat surveys in the specialized highland habitats of the Himalayas.
Diversity, Himalaya, morphology, Murina, taxonomy
The family Vespertilionidae has an extremely high species diversity with over 500 species distributed worldwide (
Asian tube-nosed bats, genus Murina Gray, 1842, are small bats with a forearm length of less than 44 mm. These bats are largely distributed in the forests of East, South, and Southeast Asia, as well as in parts of North Asia (
Species catalogue, dentition types, molecular markers, and references for the genus Murina (modified from
ID | Species | Dentition | Molecular data | Literature obtained |
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1 | Murina aenea Hill, 1964 | Cyclotis-type | Present |
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2 | Murina annamitica Francis & Eger, 2012 | Cyclotis-type | Present |
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3 | Murina cyclotis Dobson, 1872 | Cyclotis-type | Present |
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4 | Murina fionae Francis & Eger, 2012 | Cyclotis-type | Present |
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5 | Murina guilleni Soisoo, Karapan, Satasook, Thong, Khan, Maryanto, Csorba, Furey, Aul & Bates, 2013 | Cyclotis-type | Present |
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6 | Murina harrisoni Csorba & Bates, 2005 | Cyclotis-type | Present |
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7 | Murina huttoni (Peters, 1872) | Cyclotis-type | Present |
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8 | Murina lvchun Mou & Song Li, 2025 | Cyclotis-type | Present |
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9 | Murina peninsularis Hill, 1964 | Cyclotis-type | Present |
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10 | Murina pluvialis Ruedi, Biswas & Csorba, 2012 | Cyclotis-type | Present |
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11 | Murina puta Kishida, 1924 | Cyclotis-type | Present |
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12 | Murina recondita Kuo, Fang, Csorba & Lee, 2009 | Cyclotis-type | Present |
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13 | Murina rozendaali Hill & Francis, 1984 | Cyclotis-type | Present |
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14 | Murina bicolor Kuo, Fang, Csorba & Lee, 2009 | Suilla-type | Present |
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15 | Murina aurata Milne-Edwards, 1872 | Suilla-type | Present |
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16 | Murina balaensis Soisook, Karapan, Satasook & Bates, 2013 | Suilla-type | Present |
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17 | Murina beelzebub Son, Furey, Csorba & 2011 | Suilla-type | Absent |
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18 | Murina chrysochaetes Eger & Lim, 2011 | Suilla-type | Present |
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19 | Murina eleryi Furey, Thong, Bates, Csorba & Son, 2009 | Suilla-type | Present |
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20 | Murina fanjingshanensis He, Xiao & Zhou, 2015 | Suilla-type | Present |
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21 | Murina feae (Thomas, 1891) | Suilla-type | Present |
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22 | Murina florium Thomas, 1908 | ? | Present |
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23 | Murina fusca Sowerby, 1922 | Suilla-type | Absent |
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24 | Murina gracilis Kuo, Fang, Csorba & Lee, 2009 | Suilla-type | Present |
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25 | Murina harpioloides Kruskop & Eger, 2008 | Suilla-type | Present |
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26 | Murina hilgendorfi Peters, 1880 | Suilla-type | Present |
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27 | Murina hkakaboraziensis Soisook, Thaw, Kyaw, Oo, Pimsai, Suarez-Rubio & Renner, 2017 | Suilla-type | Present |
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28 | Murina jaintiana Ruedi, Biswas & Csorba, 2012 | Suilla-type | Present |
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29 | Murina jinchui Yu, Csorba & Wu, 2020 | Suilla-type | Present |
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30 | Murina kontumensis Son, Csorba, Tu & Motokawa, 2015 | Suilla-type | Present |
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31 | Murina leucogaster Milne-Edwards, 1872 | Suilla-type | Present |
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32 | Murina liboensis Zeng, Chen, Deng, Xiao & Zhou, 2018 | Suilla-type | Present |
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33 | Murina lorelieae Eger & Lim, 2011 | Suilla-type | Present |
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34 | Murina rongjiangensis Chen, Liu, Deng, Xiao & Zhou, 2017 | Suilla-type | Present |
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35 | Murina ryukyuana Maeda & Matsumura, 1998 | Suilla-type | Absent |
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36 | Murina shuipuensis Eger & Lim, 2011 | Suilla-type | Present |
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37 | Murina suilla Temminck, 1840 | Suilla-type | Present |
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38 | Murina tenebrosa Yoshiyuki, 1970 | Suilla-type | Absent |
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39 | Murina tubinaris (Scully, 1881) | Suilla-type | Present |
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40 | Murina ussuriensis Ognev, 1913 | Suilla-type | Present |
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41 | Murina walstoni Furey, Csorba & Son, 2011 | Suilla-type | Present |
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42 | Murina yuanyang Mou, Qian, Li, Li, Luo & Li, 2024 | Suilla-type | Present |
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43 | Murina yushuensis Han, Csorba & Wu, 2024 | Suilla-type | Present |
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Geographical distribution of recognized species and the four new species of the genus Murina in Asia. The base maps are from the Standard Map Service website (http://bzdt.ch.mnr.gov.cn/index.html; Map Approval No. GS (2020) 4619).
Several new bat specimens were collected during biodiversity surveys conducted between July 2023 and August 2024 in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region and Gansu Province. These specimens were identified as belonging to the genus Murina based on the following diagnostic characteristics: tube-shaped nose, forearm length less than 44 mm (vs. usually greater than 44 mm in Harpiocephalus), third upper molars (M3) are reduced, with parastyle, paracone, and protocone (vs. highly reduced in Harpiocephalus, only parastyle), heights of the inner (I2) and outer (I3) upper incisors each measuring half the height of the upper canines (C1) (vs. 2/3 in Harpiola), and the height and crown area of the first premolar (P2) are significantly smaller than those of the lower canine (C1) (vs. similar in Harpiola) (
A total of 55 specimens from the genus Murina were collected between July 2016 and August 2024 in a bat survey that included areas in China’s Xizang, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Shaanxi Provinces. The experimental animals used in this study were treated in accordance with Chinese animal welfare laws (GB/T 35892–2018). All specimens used for morphological studies were fixed in 95% ethanol and stored at the Animal Ecology Laboratory of Guizhou Normal University in the city of Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China. All molecular samples were stored in a refrigerator kept at –80 °C.
Morphometric data were collected from 25 well-preserved specimens of the genus Murina (Suppl. material
Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to investigate the relative contributions of specific variables to morphometric variation. Subsequently, cluster analysis was performed to group species based on the extracted principal components. For closely related species for which complete data were not available from the previously published literature, mean values were used for the subsequent analyses. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS v21.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and differences were considered statistically significant at a p-value of < 0.05.
Genomic DNA was extracted from muscle tissue using a DNA extraction kit purchased from Tiangen Biotech (Beijing) Co., Ltd. In this study, we amplified and sequenced the mitochondrial COI and cytochrome b (Cyt b) genes from each DNA sample using the primers COI-F (5’-CCTACTCRGCCATTTTACCTATG-3’), COI-R (5’-ATCTCTGGGTGTCCAAAGAATCA-3’), Cytb-F (5’-ATGATATGAAAAACCATCGTTG-3’), and Cytb-R (5’-TTTCCNTTTCTGGTTTACAAGAC-3’). PCR amplification was performed with a 25-μl reaction volume under the following cycling conditions: an initial denaturing step at 95 °C for 5 min; 10 cycles of denaturing at 94 °C for 60 s, annealing at 46 °C for 30 s, and extension at 72 °C for 1 min; 25 cycles of denaturing at 94 °C for 60 s, annealing at 50 °C for 40 s, and extension at 72 °C for 1 min; 35 cycles of denaturing at 94 °C for 60 s, annealing at 54 °C for 40 s, and extension at 72 °C for 1 min; and a final extension at 72 °C for 10 min. The purified PCR products were sequenced using both forward and reverse primers with a BigDye Terminator Cycle Sequencing Kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sequencing was performed on an ABI Prism 3730 automated DNA sequencer manufactured by Chengdu TSING KE Biological Technology Co., Ltd. (Chengdu, China). All of the relevant sequences have been deposited in GenBank (Suppl. material
Mitochondrial sequences were aligned in MEGA v7.0 (
In the phylogenetic analysis, to elucidate the phylogenetic position of the new species within the genus Murina and the lineage relationships of the M. huttoni complex, we constructed three datasets: two COI datasets (Murina_1 and Murina_2) and one Cyt b dataset (Murina_3). Murina_1 comprises 92 sequences (657 bp), with 288 variable sites and 264 parsimony-informative sites. The evolutionary models for the first, second, and third codon positions were TIM+I+G, HKY+I, and TRN+I+G, respectively. Murina_2 includes 43 sequences (657 bp), with 188 variable sites and 142 parsimony-informative sites. The evolutionary models for the first, second, and third codon positions were TRNEF+G, F81+I, and TRN, respectively. Murina_3 consists of 46 sequences (1140 bp), with 506 variable sites and 448 parsimony-informative sites. The evolutionary models for the first, second, and third codon positions were K80+I+G, HKY+I+G, and TRN+I+G, respectively.
To rapidly assess the boundaries of species currently recognized by taxonomists, we used a tree-based phylogenetic approach known as the multi-rate Poisson Tree Processes (mPTP) (
Reconstructing the mitochondrial tree topology of Vespertilionidae based on the mitochondrial COI gene using both methods showed discordance (Fig.
Phylogeny and species delimitation. A. BI tree and mPTP species delimitation based on mitochondrial COI; B. BI tree and mPTP species delimitation based on mitochondrial Cyt b; C. Bayesian tree and mPTP species delimitation in the M. huttoni complex. Scale bars represent 0.1/0.04 nucleotide substitutions per site. Taxa marked with “merger” indicate proposed merging schemes based on mPTP species delimitation results, while unmarked taxa are suggested as valid species.
Within subclade IV-1, a single specimen from Yadong County, Shigatse City, Xizang Autonomous Region, and three samples from Miling County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China, clustered together to become the sister clade of (M. yushuensis + (M. harpioloides + (M. yuanyang + M. chrysochaetes))) (Fig.
Within subclade IV-3, four samples from Beibeng Township, Medog County, Nyingchi City, and Xizang Autonomous Region, China, clustered together to form a sister clade to (M. guilleni + M. cf. cyclotis 1) and were highly supported (BPP/UFB = 0.95/95) (Fig.
Within subclade IV-4, three samples from Beibeng Township, Medog County, Nyingchi City, and Xizang Autonomous Region formed a distinct cluster and were highly supported as the sister clade to M. jaintiana (BPP/UFB = 0.95/99) (Fig.
Further phylogenetic analysis of expanded samples of the M. huttoni complex recovered seven clades (Fig.
The mPTP species delimitation resolved the most recognized species and was generally consistent with the phylogenetic results. However, mPTP also suggested that five sets of recognized and undetermined species should be merged into a single species for each set: (1) M. feae + M. tubinaris; (2) M. cf. eleryi + M. eleryi + M. gracilis + M. recondita + M. aurata + M. balaensis; (3) M. chrysochaetes + M. yuanyang; (4) M. rongjiangensis + M. shuipuensis + M. leucogaster; and (5) M. cf. huttoni 1 + M. cf. huttoni 2 + M. cf. huttoni 3 + M. cf. huttoni 5 + M. cf. huttoni 4 + M. puta + M. huttoni (Fig.
The mPTP analysis suggested that M. cf. huttoni from central Laos, Vietnam, China (Hunan, Xizang, Guangdong, and Jiangxi), and central Vietnam be merged into a single species as the sister species of M. puta (Fig.
We measured 24 morphological characters from 17 specimens for PCA analysis. The number of morphological characters used for PCA analysis was not entirely consistent because data from the literature were incomplete. Overall, four undescribed new species were separated from closely related species in the PCA plots.
For M. beibengensis sp. nov., M. guilleni, M. cyclotis, and M. peninsularis, a total of three principal components were extracted from the 20 traits. The first three principal components explained 90.16% of the total variation (Suppl. material
For M. medogensis sp. nov., M. jaintiana, M. feae, and M. tubinaris, three principal components were extracted from the 15 traits. PC1 and PC2 explained 18.85% and 16.53% of the total variance, respectively (Suppl. material
For M. milinensis sp. nov., M. yadongensis sp. nov., M. chrysochaetes, Murina yuanyang, M. harpioloides, and M. yushuensis, a total of eight principal components were extracted. The first two principal components explained 50.14% of the total variance (Suppl. material
Based on mitochondrial and morphological differences, the four populations of Murina from the Xizang Autonomous Region, China, represent four new undescribed species. We formally describe them in what follows.
• Adult male, field number XZ2024037 (Figs
External and craniodental measurements (in mm) of M. beibengensis sp. nov. and three closely related species. NA indicates that the data is not available.
Species | M. beibengensis sp. nov. |
M. guilleni ( |
M. cyclotis ( |
M. peninsularis ( |
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Holotype (Female) | Holotype (Male) | Male (n = 6) | Female (n = 3) | Male (n = 36) | Female (n = 40) | Male (n = 23) | Female (n = 19) | |
BW | 6.20 | 6.50 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
HB | 43.25 | 48.00 | 43.2–51.6 (48.0 ± 3.2) | 48.0–48.3 (48.2 ± 0.2) | 38.7–46.4 (42.3 ± 2.3) | 41.1–50.0 (45.1 ± 2.8) | 39.9–50.1 (46.6 ± 3.0) | 42.0–55.1 (49.9 ± 3.7) |
TL | 32.69 | 35.20 | 28.1–39.2 (35.9 ± 4.0) | 35.9–42.0 (39.1 ± 3.1) | 26.2–39.0 (34.9 ± 3.9) | 32.0–41.1 (37.4 ± 2.5) | 32.4–42.8 (38.7 ± 3.3) | 38.5–46.0 (42.3 ± 1.9) |
EL | 16.18 | 12.60 | 11.4–15.2 (13.7 ± 1.4) | 13.5–15.1 (14.4 ± 0.8) | 12.0–17.6 (14.0 ± 1.3) | 12.7–16.0 (14.5 ± 1.0) | 11.9–18.8 (14.2 ± 1.7) | 13.0–17.0 (15.1 ± 1.2) |
EW | 8.61 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
TRL | 8.67 | NA | 8.30–9.20 (8.6 ± 0.5) | NA | 6.80–9.30 (8.1 ± 0.6) | 5.80–9.20 (7.9 ± 0.9) | 7.40–10.30 (8.4 ± 0.9) | 7.60–9.00 (8.3 ± 0.5) |
TRW | 2.29 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
HFL | 8.64 | 8.10 | 7.7–9.4 (8.5 ± 0.6) | 8.0–8.4 (8.2 ± 0.2) | 6.5–8.8 (7.9 ± 0.6) | 7.0–9.7 (8.3 ± 0.8) | 5.6–9.1 (7.8 ± 0.9) | 7.1–10.0 (9.0 ± 0.8) |
FL | 31.94 | 34.00 | 31.9–34.0 (33.2 ± 0.7) | 35.0–35.9 (35.4 ± 0.5) | 29.4–33.0 (30.7 ± 0.9) | 31.6–36.8 (33.9 ± 1.0) | 33.8–38.1 (35.7 ± 1.3) | 34.5–39.4 (37.7 ± 1.2) |
TIB | 18.42 | 19.60 | 17.7–19.7 (18.4 ± 0.8) | 18.1–19.7 (18.9 ± 0.8) | 14.5–19.3 (17.6 ± 1.1) | 17.3–20.3 (17.6 ± 1.1) | 18.2–21.6 (19.5 ± 1.0) | 11.1–21.0 (19.3 ± 2.5) |
GTL | 15.68 | 17.03 | 16.40–17.54 (17.10 ± 0.43) | 17.12–18.10 (17.65 ± 0.50) | 15.86–17.08 (16.47 ± 0.34) | 16.6–18.18 (17.21 ± 0.47) | 17.39–18.52 (17.79 ± 0.31) | 17.59–19.33 (18.70 ± 0.52) |
CCL | 12.50 | 14.88 | 14.47–15.19 (14.85 ± 0.26) | 15.09–15.76 (15.43 ± 0.34) | 13.60–15.12 (14.45 ± 0.34) | 14.34–16.17 (15.22 ± 0.41) | 14.90–16.41 (15.52 ± 0.41) | 15.53–16.89 (16.40 ± 0.36) |
BCW | 7.57 | 7.74 | 7.65–7.82 (7.76 ± 0.06) | 7.53–7.74 (7.64 ± 0.11) | 7.16–8.10 (7.64 ± 0.22) | 7.40–8.17 (7.71 ± 0.19) | 7.72–8.48 (8.12 ± 0.19) | 7.70–8.58 (8.22 ± 0.22) |
BCH | 7.87 | 6.57 | 6.57–6.91 (6.68 ± 0.12) | 6.78–7.10 (6.94 ± 0.16) | 6.08–7.22 (6.49 ± 0.30) | 6.10–7.21 (6.5 ± 0.24) | 6.79–8.22 (7.32 ± 0.32) | 7.10–8.37 (7.48 ± 0.34) |
ZYW | 8.20 | 9.72 | 9.29–9.93 (9.60 ± 0.22) | 9.75–10.02 (9.92 ± 0.15) | 8.78–10.05 (9.36 ± 0.31) | 9.33–10.43 (9.84 ± 0.29) | 9.76–11.31 (10.36 ± 0.38) | 10.12–11.22 (10.80 ± 0.27) |
MAW | 7.58 | 8.15 | 8.00–8.28 (8.12 + 0.11) | 8.18–8.43 (8.34 ± 0.14) | 7.11–8.48 (7.90 ± 0.26) | 7.64–8.58 (8.20 ± 0.21) | 8.32–9.39 (8.74 ± 0.27) | 8.08–9.62 (9.02 ± 0.34) |
IOW | 4.24 | 4.31 | 4.24–4.44 (4.34 ± 0.07) | 4.20–4.44 (4.32 ± 0.12) | 3.92–4.48 (4.17 ± 0.12) | 3.99–4.52 (4.25 ± 0.13) | 4.31–4.97 (4.57 ± 0.19) | 4.46–4.88 (4.68 ± 0.12) |
CM3L | 4.98 | 5.44 | 5.44–5.72 (5.58 ± 0.12) | 5.50–5.91 (5.67 ± 0.21) | 5.12–5.68 (5.41 ± 0.15) | 5.06–6.00 (5.61 ± 0.19) | 5.52–6.09 (5.76 ± 0.18) | 5.68–6.39 (6.07 ± 0.18) |
C1C1W | 3.65 | 4.16 | 4.12–4.31 (4.19 ± 0.07) | 4.28–4.44 (4.34 ± 0.09) | 3.73–4.27 (4.00 ± 0.14) | 4.00–4.67 (4.25 ± 0.14) | 4.28–5.28 (4.66 ± 0.25) | 4.46–5.26 (4.97 ± 0.17) |
M3M3W | 4.61 | 5.80 | 5.36–5.80 (5.54 ± 0.16) | 5.68–5.87 (5.79 ± 0.10) | 5.07–5.79 (5.39 ± 0.18) | 5.18–6.05 (5.57 ± 0.19) | 5.45–6.22 (5.72 ± 0.18) | 5.69–6.20 (5.94 ± 0.15) |
RCM | 0.79 | 0.72 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CM3L | 5.92 | 6.00 | 5.83–6.12 (6.00 ± 0.09) | 6.01–6.43 (6.18 ± 0.22) | 5.57–6.18 (5.84 ± 0.14) | 5.75–6.49 (6.11 ± 0.16) | 5.94–8.02 (6.31 ± 0.42) | 6.28–6.94 (6.55 ± 0.21) |
ML | 11.52 | 11.43 | 11.13–11.74 (11.38 ± 0.21) | 11.95–12.34 (12.11 ± 0.21) | 10.52–11.68 (11.17 ± 0.30) | 11.32–12.78 (11.86 ± 0.35) | 11.25–12.92 (11.92+0.39) | 12.09–13.59 (12.75 ± 0.41) |
MDL | 11.98 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CPH | 4.38 | 4.78 | 4.33–4.93 (4.63 ± 0.21) | 5.05–5.15 (5.10 ± 0.05) | 3.77–4.60 (4.14 ± 0.21) | 4.16–5.30 (4.71 ± 0.27) | 4.30–5.33 (4.86 ± 0.29) | 4.72–6.08 (5.51 ± 0.39) |
HB: 43.25, EL: 16.18, EW: 8.61, TRL: 8.67, TRW: 2.29, HFL: 8.64, FL: 31.94, TIB: 18.42, GTL: 15.68, CCL: 12.50, BCW: 7.57, BCH: 7.78, ZYW: 8.20, MAW: 7.58, IOW: 4.24, CM3L: 4.98, C1C1W: 3.65, M3M3W: 4.61, RCM: 0.79, CM3L: 5.92, ML: 11.52, MDL: 11.98, CPH: 4.38; BW: 6.20.
The specific epithet beibengensis refers to the type locality of the new species: Beibeng Township, Medog County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. We propose the common English name “Beibeng Tube-nosed Bat” and the Chinese name “Bèi Bēng Guǎn Bí Fú (背崩管鼻蝠)”.
Murina beibengensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) small-size Murina, FL 31.94 mm, GTL 15.68 mm; (2) dorsal fur orangish-yellow overall, grey at the base, gradually transitioning to orange-yellow tips halfway from the base; (3) ventral fur silvery-gray overall, dark grey at the base, with silvery-gray tips; (4) ears broadly rounded, with smoothly convex anterior margins, no notch on posterior margins; (5) forearm and wrists covered with sparse hairs; (6) wing attachment point located at 1/3 from base of claw to base of toe; (7) sagittal and lambdoid crests well developed; (8) I2 is situated laterally anterior to I3 and partially visible in the lateral view, and I2 slightly taller than I3; (9) mesostyles of M1 and M2 are reduced; (10) C1 taller than P4, P2 smaller than P4 in height, and crown area of P2 larger than 2/3 that of P4; (11) P2 approximately equal to P4 in height, with a basal area 2/3 that of P4; (12) C1 larger than P4 in height and basal area; (13) mandibular foramina clearly visible, situated below P2.
Morphometric data of Murina beibengensis sp. nov. are provided in Table
Skull robust and domed, relatively small, GTL 15.68 mm. Rostrum long, deep, gradually ascending to forehead; prominent median depression present. Sagittal and lambdoid crests well developed. In dorsal view, braincase nearly rounded; zygomatic arches weak and slender, gradually widening posteriorly, widest at the base of the zygomatic arches; posterior margin of skull not protruding; middle from snout to frontal region distinctly concave downward. In lateral view, skull slightly elongated, with elongated oval braincase; height gradually rising from snout to parietal, with slightly increasing slope from snout to frontal and decreasing slope from frontal to parietal; slight depression between snout and frontal, without distinct prominence at frontal; zygomatic arches gradually rising from anterior to posterior, highest at the middle of zygomatic arches. In ventral view, palatine wide and nearly flat, ending at midpoint of C1; basisphenoid pits slightly shallowly teardrop-shaped, extending posteriorly to anterior third of cochlea. Mandible length 11.52 mm, inverted L-shaped. Line between coronoid process and condyle nearly flat; distinct inward depression between condyle and angle; angle slightly long and wide; mandibular foramina clearly visible, situated below P2.
Dental morphology: Dental formula is I2/3, C1/1, P2/2, M3/3=34 (Fig.
Based on its dentition, I2 is situated laterally anterior to I3, and I2 is partially visible in the lateral view, and crown area of P2 larger than 2/3 that of P4, Murina beibengensis sp. nov. belongs to the “cyclotis-type” a character that distinguishes 30 species belonging to the “suilla-type”, I2 is anterior to I3, I2 is clearly visible in the lateral view, and the crown area of P2 is half or less than that of P4, including M. rubella, M. aurata, M. balaensis, M. beelzebub, M. bicolor, M. chrysochaetes, M. eleryi, M. fanjingshanensis, M. feae, M. fusca, M. gracilis, M. harpioloides, M. hilgendorfi, M. hkakaboraziensis, M. jaintiana, M. jinchui, M. kontumensis, M. leucogaster, M. liboensis, M. lorelieae, M. rongjiangensis, M. ryukyuana, M. shuipuensis, M. suilla, M. tenebrosa, M. tubinaris, M. ussuriensis, M. walstoni, M. yuanyang, and M. yushuensis. Detailed morphological differences between the new species and congeners are listed in Suppl. material
Within the “cyclotis-type”, Murina beibengensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from M. aenea, M. fionae, M. harrisoni, M. huttoni, M. peninsularis, and M. puta by the forearm length 31.94 mm (vs. forearm length over 33 mm); from M. annamitica, M. pluvialis, and M. recondita by lacking off-white circumferential band around the neck (vs. present); from M. cyclotis and M. guilleni by the very well-developed sagittal and lambdoid crests (vs. poorly developed); and from M. rozendaali by ventral fur silvery-gray overall (vs. yellowish white) and mesostyles of M1 and M2 moderately reduced (vs. well-developed).
M. florium, which is not assigned to either the “suilla-type” or “cyclotis-type”, can be distinguished by the following morphological characters: P2 is 2/3 the height of P4 (vs. P2 equal to P4), and the mesostyles of M1 and M2 are reduced (vs. well-developed).
The new species is only found in two areas of Xizang, China. The type specimen was captured in a broad-leaved evergreen forest near Beibeng Township, Medog County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China (about 2.8 km from the town center) using a harp net. The type locality has a subtropical climate with a mean annual temperature of 16 °C and mean annual precipitation of 2500–3900 mm. The site is surrounded by several cash crops (e.g., tea trees and bananas). In addition, two Rhinolophus sp., six Hipposideros armiger, three H. pratti, and one Cynopterus sphinx were captured here and in the surrounding area. Another distribution site in a cave near Riduo Township, Maizhokunggar County, Lasa City, and Xizang Autonomous Region yielded two carcasses. This site has a highland temperate semi-arid monsoon climate, with a mean annual temperature of 0.8 °C, mean annual precipitation of 350 mm, and sparse surrounding vegetation. Accordingly, we hypothesize that this new species may have a wider distribution in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.
Two genetic samples, field numbers XZ2024B05 and XZ2024B12, gender unknown, collected from a cave near Riduo Township, Maizhokunggar County, Lasa City, and Xizang Autonomous Region, China (29.69274086°N, 92.24386096°E, 4414 m) on 12 August 2024. These two samples occurred as dry and decomposed carcasses; no morphological data could be obtained, and only muscle tissue was preserved for sequencing.
• Adult male, field number XZ2024038 (Figs
• Field number XZ2024006 (Figs
HB: 38.46, EL: 11.89, EW: 6.79, TRL: 6.19, TRW: 1.94, HFL: 6.94, FL: 29.75, TIB: 15.47, GTL: 15.01, CCL: 14.09, BCW: 7.55, BCH: 6.71, ZYW: 8.74, MAW: 7.11, IOW: 4.39, CM3L: 4.82, C1C1W: 3.61, M3M3W: 5.07, RCM: 0.712, CM3L: 5.86, ML: 9.1, MDL: 10.21, CPH: 3.42; BW: 4.20.
The specific epithet medogensis refers to the type locality of the new species: Medog Town, Medog County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. We propose the common English name “Medog Tube-nosed Bat” and the Chinese name “Mò Tuō Guǎn Bí Fú (墨脱管鼻蝠)”.
Murina medogensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all of the other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) small-size Murina, FL 29.75–31.24 mm, GTL 15.01–18.74 mm; (2) dorsal fur dark grayish overall, dark grey at the base, gradually transitioning to gray-brown/white tips 2/3 from the base; (3) ventral fur silvery-gray overall, dark grey at the base, with silvery-gray tips; (4) ears broadly rounded, with smoothly convex anterior margins, no notch on posterior margins; (5) forearm and wrists without covered sparse hairs; (6) wing attachment point located at 1/3 from base of claw to base of toe; (7) sagittal crest absent, lambdoid crest present and poorly developed; (8) I2 is situated laterally anterior to I3 and partially visible in the lateral view, I2 equal to I3 in height; (9) mesostyles of M1 and M2 are well developed; (10) C1 slightly lower than P4 in height and crown area of P2 larger than 2/3 that of P4; (11) P2 is approximately equal to P4 in height, with a basal area 2/3 that of P4; (12) C1 taller than P4 in height, crown area equal to P2 and 2/3 of P4; (13) mandibular foramina clearly visible, situated below P4; (14) without distinct prominence at frontal aspect of skull.
Morphometric data of Murina medogensis sp. nov. are provided in Table
External and craniodental measurements (in mm) of M. medogensis sp. nov. and three closely related species. NA indicates that the data is not available.
Species | M. medogensis sp. nov. |
M. jaintiana ( |
M. feae ( |
M. tubinaris ( |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XZ2024038 (Male) | XZ2024006 (Female) | Holotype (Male) | Range (n = 5) | Male | Female | Range | |
BW | 4.20 | 4.20 | NA | 3.5–5.3 | 3.9–4.4 | NA | |
HB | 38.46 | 37.68 | 40.00 | NA | 33.7–43.0 | 32.8–43.5 | NA |
TL | 36.37 | 34.54 | 33.00 | NA | 31.4–39.5 | 30.0–41.6 | NA |
EL | 11.89 | 14.06 | 13.90 | NA | 11.5–14.3 | 11.0–15.0 | NA |
EW | 6.79 | 6.50 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
TRL | 6.19 | 7.70 | 6.30 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
TRW | 1.94 | 2.07 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
HFL | 6.94 | 8.52 | 6.80 | NA | 6.0–8.4 | 6.1–8.0 | NA |
FL | 29.75 | 31.24 | 29.10 | 29.10–31.10 | 27.5–33.4 | 28.1–34.3 | 31.00–32.94 |
TIB | 15.47 | 17.45 | 17.10 | NA | 15.7–18.1 | 15.6–17.8 | NA |
GTL | 15.01 | 18.74 | NA | 14.75–15.25 | 14.91–16.30 | 15.13–16.11 | 14.92–15.70 |
CCL | 14.09 | 16.37 | NA | 13.36–13.61 | NA | NA | 13.08–13.89 |
BCW | 7.55 | 9.09 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 7.01–7.30 |
BCH | 6.71 | 7.54 | NA | 5.96–6.17 | NA | NA | 5.55–5.86 |
ZYW | 8.74 | 10.85 | NA | 8.26–8.68 | 8.50–8.90 | 8.9 | 8.07–8.66 |
MAW | 7.11 | 9.32 | NA | 7.23–7.43 | 7.30–7.80 | 7.5 | 7.27–7.51 |
IOW | 4.39 | 5.49 | NA | 4.02–4.36 | NA | NA | 4.28–4.51 |
CM3L | 4.82 | 7.54 | NA | 4.81–5.09 | 5.00–5.30 | 5.1 | 4.88–5.19 |
C1C1W | 3.61 | 4.85 | NA | 3.52–3.74 | 3.70–4.00 | 3.9–4.4 | 3.59–3.78 |
M3M3W | 5.07 | 6.72 | NA | 5.04–5.20 | NA | NA | 4.97–5.32 |
RCM | 0.712 | 0.72 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CM3L | 5.86 | 7.25 | NA | 5.18–5.46 | 4.62–5.25 | 4.89–5.47 | 5.37–5.69 |
ML | 9.1 | 12.54 | NA | 9.85–10.28 | 9.63–10.64 | 9.80–10.86 | 10.07–10.62 |
MDL | 10.21 | 13.23 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CPH | 3.42 | 2.97 | NA | 3.20–3.40 | NA | NA | 3.04–3.30 |
Skull robust and domed, relatively small, GTL 15.01–18.74 mm. Rostrum long, deep, gradually ascending to forehead; prominent median depression present. Sagittal crest absent, lambdoid crest present, poorly developed. In dorsal view, braincase nearly rounded; zygomatic arches weak and slender, gradually widening posteriorly, widest at the base of the zygomatic arches; posterior margin of skull slightly protruding; middle from snout to frontal region distinctly concave downward. In lateral view, skull slightly elongated, with elongated oval braincase; height gradually rising from snout to parietal, with slightly increasing slope from snout to frontal and decreasing slope from frontal to parietal; slight depression between snout and frontal, without distinct prominence at frontal; zygomatic arches gradually rising from anterior to posterior. In ventral view, palatine wide and nearly flat, ending at posterior margin of C1; basisphenoid pits slightly shallowly teardrop-shaped, extending posteriorly to anterior third of cochlea. Mandible length 9.1 mm, inverted L-shaped. Line between coronoid process and condyle nearly flat; distinct inward depression between condyle and angle; angle slightly long and wide; mandibular foramina clearly visible, situated below P4.
Dental morphology: Dental formula is I2/3, C1/1, P2/2, M3/3=34 (Figs
Based on its dentition, I2 is situated laterally anterior to I3, and I2 is partially visible in the lateral view, and crown area of P2 larger than 2/3 that of P4, Murina medogensis sp. nov. belongs to the “cyclotis-type” a character that distinguishes 30 species belonging to the “suilla-type”, I2 is anterior to I3, I2 is clearly visible in the lateral view, and the crown area of P2 is half or less than that of P4, including M. rubella, M. aurata, M. balaensis, M. beelzebub, M. bicolor, M. chrysochaetes, M. eleryi, M. fanjingshanensis, M. feae, M. fusca, M. gracilis, M. harpioloides, M. hilgendorfi, M. hkakaboraziensis, M. jaintiana, M. jinchui, M. kontumensis, M. leucogaster, M. liboensis, M. lorelieae, M. rongjiangensis, M. ryukyuana, M. shuipuensis, M. suilla, M. tenebrosa, M. tubinaris, M. ussuriensis, M. walstoni, M. yuanyang, and M. yushuensis. Detailed morphological differences between the new species and congeners are listed in Suppl. material
Murina medogensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from Murina beibengensis sp. nov. by dorsal fur dark grayish overall (vs. orangish-yellow), forearm and wrists without covered sparse hairs (vs. covered with sparse hairs), lambdoid crest well developed (vs. absent), C1 slightly less than P4 in height (vs. C1 taller than P4), P2 slightly less than P4 in height (vs. P2 equal to P4), and mandibular foramina clearly visible, situated below P4 (vs. situated below P2).
Within the “cyclotis-type”, Murina beibengensis sp. nov. different from M. aenea, M. fionae, M. harrisoni, M. huttoni, and M. pluvialis by the forearm length 29.75–31.24 mm (vs. forearm length over 34 mm). By dorsal hairs dark grayish, Murina medogensis sp. nov. can be further distinguished from M. aenea (vs. dark brown), M. fionae (vs. orange), M. harrisoni (vs. orangish brown), M. huttoni (vs. rusty brown), and M. pluvialis (vs. reddish brown).
Murina beibengensis sp. nov. different from M. annamitica, M. cyclotis, M. guilleni, M. peninsularis, and M. recondita by the sagittal crest absence (vs. presence) and dorsal hairs dark grayish (vs. orangish brown or yellowish brown). Murina beibengensis sp. nov. different from M. puta by the forearm length 29.75–31.24 mm (vs. 33.0–39.0 mm), dorsal fur (bicolored, with dark grey at the base and gray-brown tips vs. tricolored, with black at the base, tan in the middle, and reddish tips), and ventral fur silvery-gray (vs. paler). Murina beibengensis sp. nov. different from M. rozendaali by dorsal fur dark grayish (vs. shiny yellowish brown), ventral fur silvery-gray (vs. yellowish white), mesostyles of M1 and M2 reduced (vs. well-developed).
Murina medogensis sp. nov. is morphologically similar to M. jaintiana but can be distinctly distinguished from it by combining the following morphological characters: dorsal fur bicolored, dark grey at the base, gradually transitioning to gray-brown/white tips from 2/3 from base (vs. dorsal fur has three distinct bands: basal half dark grey, almost black, middle part dirty white, distal end brownish-grey), I2 equal to I3 in height (vs. I2 smaller than I3), C1 slightly less than P4 in height (vs. C1 taller than P4), and without distinct prominence at frontal aspect of skull (vs. with distinct prominence at frontal) (
For M. florium not assigned to “suilla-type” and “cyclotis-type”, can be distinguished by the combination of the following morphological characters: dorsal fur dark grayish overall (vs. gray-brown to orange rufous brown), absence of notch at the posterior margin of the ear (vs. distinct notch on posterior margin), and P2 less than P4 in height (vs. P2 equal to P4).
Currently, this new species is known only from Medog County, Nyingchi City, in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, where two specimens were captured using a harp-shaped trap in broad-leaved evergreen forests near Medog Town, Medog County, on 16 August 2024, at two locations approximately 8 km apart. The type locality exhibits a subtropical climate, characterized by a mean annual temperature of 16 °C and mean annual precipitation ranging from 2500 to 3900 mm. The area is also surrounded by various cash crops, such as tea and banana plants. Additionally, species such as Harpiola isodon, Sphaerias blanfordi, Myotis sp., and Kerivoula kachinensis were also captured in the same region.
• Adult male, field number XZ2023010 (Figs
External morphological characteristics of Murina milinensis sp. nov. in living holotype, XZ2023010. A. Lateral view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsal view of the body and uropatagium; D. Ventral hairs; E. Dorsal hairs; F. Hindfoot ventral view; G. Hindfoot dorsal view. These photographs were acquired under incandescent lighting conditions using a Canon EOS 6D Mark II camera ISO: 6400; focal length: 105 mm at approximately 22:41 on 5 August 2023.
• Eight specimens from the same locality as the holotype. Five males, field numbers XZ2024066, XZ2024065, XZ2024067, XZ2024074, and XZ2024075. Three females, field numbers XZ202384, XZ2024072, and XZ2024076. Female XZ2024102 is from Zari Township, Longzi County, Shannan City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China (28.68318987°N, 93.34190369°E; ca. 3450 m).
HB: 34.68, EL: 12.74, EW: 7.89, TRL: 7.81, TRW: 5.35, HFL: 5.31, FL: 30.02, TIB: 12.75, GTL: 14.07, CCL: 12.01, BCW: 7.03, BCH: 6.49, ZYW: 8.07, MAW: 6.68, IOW: 4.40, CM3L: 4.44, C1C1W: 2.21, M3M3W: 4.97, RCM: 0.44, CM3L: 4.53, ML: 9.06, MDL: 9.46, CPH: 3.20; BW: 3.36.
The specific epithet milinensis refers to the type locality of the new species: Nanyi Lhoba Township, Milin County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. We propose the common English name “Milin Tube-nosed Bat” and the Chinese name “Mǐ Lín Guǎn Bí Fú (米林管鼻蝠)”.
Murina milinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all of the other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) small-size Murina, FL 28.84–34.01 mm, GTL 14.07–14.27 mm; (2) dorsal fur brown-gold overall, black at the base, gradually transitioning to brown-gold tips 2/3 from the base; (3) ventral fur pale overall, dark black at the base, with grayish white at the tips; (4) ears narrow and oval, without smoothly convex anterior margins, no notch on posterior margins; (5) forearm and wrists covered with sparse hairs; (6) wing attachment point located at 1/3 from base of claw to base of toe; (7) sagittal crest absent, lambdoid crest present and poorly developed; (8) I2 is situated anterior to I3 and clearly visible in the lateral view, I2 equal to I3 in height; (9) mesostyles of M1 and M2 are slightly reduced; (10) C1 less than P4 in height, crown is about 2/3 of P4; (11) P2 approximately half of P4 in height, crown area of P2 larger than 2/3 that of P4; (12) C1 equal to P4 in height and crown area; (13) mandibular foramina clearly visible, situated below anterior margin of P4.
Morphometric data of Murina milinensis sp. nov. are provided in Table
External and craniodental measurements (in mm) of M. milinensis sp. nov., M. yadongensis sp. nov., and four closely related species. MC: M. chrysochaetes (Eger et al. 2011); MH: M. harpioloides (
Species | M. yadongensis sp. nov. | M. milinensis sp. nov. | MC | MH | MY |
M. yuanyang ( |
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---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Male (n = 3) | Female (n = 1) | Male (n = 6) | Female (n = 4) | Holotype (male) | Holotype (male) | Holotype (male) | Holotype (male) | Male (n = 2) | Female (n = 5) | |
BW | 5.68–7.00 (6.52 ± 0.73) | 6.86 | 3.15–3.49 (3.37 ± 0.12) | 3.35–7.50 (4.73 ± 1.88) | NA | NA | NA | 4.20 | 3.4–3.6 | 3.8–4.7 (4.3 ± 0.3) |
HB | 28.68–35.54 (32.21 ± 3.43) | 33.88 | 33.70–37.89 (35.78 ± 1.57) | 29.23–39.29 (34.30 ± 5.60) | NA | 35.00 | 30.44 | 35.05 | 31.37–35.94 | 32.11–36.34 (34.82 ± 1.52) |
TL | 28.32–30.46 (29.52 ± 1.09) | 32.12 | 25.54–30.32 (28.88 ± 1.69) | 24.51–28.98 (26.66 ± 2.29) | 28.00 | 30.50 | 28.08 | 31.58 | 23.89–27.25 | 26.92–31.58 (28.39 ± 1.64) |
EL | 11.40–14.02 (12.85 ± 1.33) | 14.2 | 12.48–14.58 (13.46 ± 0.82) | 13.12–13.95 (13.55 ± 0.34) | 11.00 | 12.30 | 11.08 | 12.99 | 12.77–13.4 | 12.27–14.77 (13.25 ± 0.82) |
EW | 6.20–7.06 (6.54 ± 0.46) | 8.04 | 6.92–8.47 (7.70 ± 0.52) | 6.76–8.58 (7.38 ± 0.84) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
TRL | 7.15–7.49 (7.37 ± 0.19) | 7.81 | 6.59–7.82 (7.31 ± 0.51) | 6.28–8.35 (7.22 ± 1.04) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
TRW | 2.14–2.15 (2.14 ± 0.01) | 2.13 | 1.51–5.35 (2.49 ± 1.42) | 1.76–2.34 (2.03 ± 0.28) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
HFL | 6.07–8.55 (7.15 ± 1.27) | 7.06 | 5.31–8.89 (7.37 ± 1.32) | 6.82–9.18 (7.94 ± 0.97) | 7.00 | NA | 8.46 | 7.88 | 6.14–6.83 | 6.25–8.52 (7.66 ± 0.75) |
FL | 28.81–30.29 (29.60 ± 0.75) | 31.84 | 28.84–30.43 (29.82 ± 0.60) | 30.83–34.01 (32.12 ± 1.35) | 26.35 | 29.70 | 31.34 | 29.80 | NA | NA |
TIB | 13.57–14.27 (13.82 ± 0.39) | 14.61 | 12.64–13.95 (13.42 ± 0.60) | 13.32–14.37 (13.94 ± 0.44) | 10.92 | NA | 15.22 | 13.48 | 12.56–13.16 | 12.37–13.57 (13.15 ± 0.43) |
GTL | 13.73–14.11 (13.92 ± 0.27) | NA | 14.07–14.27 (14.17 ± 0.14) | 14.16 | 14.05 | NA | 14.14 | 14.13 | 13.44–14 | 13.95–14.16 (14.09 ± 0.07) |
CCL | 12.61–12.89 (12.75 ± 0.20) | NA | 12.01–13.29 (12.65 ± 0.91) | 12.26 | 12.45 | 12.34 | 13.85 | 12.12 | 11.58–11.93 | 11.94–12.22 (12.10 ± 0.09) |
BCW | 6.36–6.70 (6.53 ± 0.24) | NA | 6.81–7.03 (6.92 ± 0.16) | 6.92 | 6.98 | 7.21 | 7.23 | 6.95 | 6.91–6.93 | 6.93–7.15 (7.00 ± 0.08) |
BCH | 5.66–6.53 (6.10 ± 0.62) | NA | 6.25–6.49 (6.37 ± 0.17) | 6.64 | NA | 5.81 | 6.05 | 6.78 | 6.59–6.98 | 6.51–6.78 (6.62 ± 0.09) |
ZYW | 7.76–8.72 (8.24 ± 0.68) | NA | 7.63–8.07 (7.85 ± 0.31) | 7.38 | 7.85 | NA | 7.94 | 7.73 | 7.41–7.52 | 7.44–7.81 (7.69 ± 0.13) |
MAW | 7.03–7.04 (7.04 ± 0.01) | NA | 6.13–6.68 (6.41 ± 0.39) | 6.06 | 7.07 | 7.42 | 6.89 | 7.21 | 7.18–7.23 | 7.12–7.38 (7.31 ± 0.10) |
IOW | 3.51–4.39 (3.95 ± 0.62) | NA | 3.98–4.40 (4.19 ± 0.30) | 3.82 | NA | 4.09 | 4.31 | 3.84 | 3.67–3.78 | 3.68–3.86 (3.79 ± 0.06) |
CM3L | 4.46–5.31 (4.89 ± 0.60) | NA | 4.32–4.44 (4.38 ± 0.08) | 4.66 | 4.36 | 4.68 | 4.42 | 4.51 | 4.38–4.43 | 4.45–4.63 (4.53 ± 0.06) |
C1C1W | 2.19–2.45 (2.32 ± 0.18) | NA | 2.21–3.32 (2.77 ± 0.78) | 2.07 | NA | NA | NA | 3.22 | 3.01–3.21 | 3.06–3.28 (3.21 ± 0.08) |
M3M3W | 3.30–3.80 (3.55 ± 0.35) | NA | 4.74–4.97 (4.86 ± 0.16) | 3.38 | 4.36 | 4.88 | 4.83 | 4.74 | 4.59–4.61 | 4.62–4.74 (4.67 ± 0.04) |
RCM | 0.64–0.66 (0.65 ± 0.01) | NA | 0.44–0.70 (0.57 ± 0.18) | 0.61 | 0.73 | 0.69 | 0.67 | 0.68 | NA | NA |
CM3L | 4.91–5.74 (5.33 ± 0.59) | NA | 4.53–5.11 (4.82 ± 0.41) | 5.08 | 4.36 | 5.13 | 4.09 | 5.03 | 4.71–4.81 | 4.88–5.03 (4.93 ± 0.05) |
ML | 8.85–9.22 (9.04 ± 0.26) | NA | 8.77–9.06 (8.92 ± 0.21) | 9.42 | 8.42 | 9.31 | 9.08 | 8.41 | 8.09–8.15 | 8.34–8.69 (8.49 ± 0.13) |
MDL | 8.72–9.49 (9.11 ± 0.54) | NA | 9.24–9.46 (9.35 ± 0.16) | 9.82 | 8.42 | NA | NA | 8.76 | 8.21–8.43 | 8.51–8.91 (8.75 ± 0.13) |
CPH | 3.30–3.61 (3.46 ± 0.22) | NA | 2.99–3.20 (3.10 ± 0.15) | 3.31 | 3.06 | 3.32 | 2.96 | 2.86 | 2.52–2.76 | 2.69–2.93 (2.83 ± 0.09) |
Skull robust, nearly oval, relatively small, GTL 14.07–14.27 mm. Rostrum long, deep, gradually ascending to forehead; prominent median depression present. Sagittal crest absent, lambdoid crest present, poorly developed. In dorsal view, braincase nearly domed; zygomatic arches weak and slender, gradually widening posteriorly, widest at the base of the zygomatic arches; posterior margin of skull slightly protruding; middle from snout to frontal region distinctly concave downward. In lateral view, skull slightly elongated, with elongated oval braincase; height gradually rising from snout to parietal, with slightly increasing slope from snout to frontal and decreasing slope from frontal to parietal; slight depression between snout and frontal, with slight distinct prominence at frontal; zygomatic arches gradually rising from anterior to posterior. In ventral view, palatine wide and nearly flat, ending at posterior margin of C1; basisphenoid pits slightly shallowly tadpole-shaped, extending posteriorly to anterior half of cochlea. Mandible length 8.77–9.42 mm, inverted L-shaped in lateral view. Line between coronoid process and condyle nearly flat; distinct inward depression between condyle and angle; angle short and wide; mandibular foramina clearly visible, situated below anterior margin of P4.
Dental morphology: Dental formula is I2/3, C1/1, P2/2, M3/3=34 (Figs
Based on its dentition, I2 situated anterior to I3, and the crown area of P2 is less than half that of P4 and smaller than that of C1, Murina beibengensis sp. nov. belongs to the “suilla-type”, a character that distinguishes 12 species belonging to the “cyclotis-type,” including M. aenea, M. annamitica, M. cyclotis, M. fionae, M. guilleni, M. harrisoni, M. huttoni, M. peninsularis, M. pluvialis, M. puta, M. recondita, and M. rozendaali. Detailed morphological differences between the new species and congeners are listed in Suppl. material
Murina milinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from Murina beibengensis sp. nov. by dorsal fur dark grayish overall (vs. brown-gold), ventral fur black at the base (vs. dark grey at the base), sagittal crest absent (vs. well-developed), I2 is situated laterally anterior to I3, and I2 is partially visible in the lateral view (vs. I2 is anterior to I3, I2 is clearly visible in the lateral view), I2 equal to I3 in height (vs. I2 taller than I3), and C1 slightly less than P4 in height (vs. C1 taller than P4).
Murina milinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from Murina medogensis sp. nov. by dorsal fur brown-gold (s. dark grayish), ventral fur pale (vs. silvery-gray), dorsal hairs extend onto forearm and wrist (vs. hairless forearms and wrists), I2 is situated laterally anterior to I3, and I2 is partially visible in the lateral view (vs. I2 is anterior to I3, I2 is clearly visible in the lateral view), and I2 equal to I3 in height (vs. I2 taller than I3).
Murina milinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from M. fanjingshanensis, M. fusca, M. hilgendorfi, and M. leucogaster by the small size, forearm length 28.84–34.01 mm, and greatest length of skull 14.07–14.27 mm (vs. forearm length over 37 mm and greatest length of skull over 16 mm in the latter).
Murina milinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from M. aurata by dorsal fur brown-gold, bicolored, black at the base, gradually transitioning to brown-gold tips from 2/3 from base (vs. golden brown), from M. balaensis (vs. orange-reddish), from M. eleryi (vs. coppery brown), from M. feae (vs. dark grayish), from M. jaintiana (vs. medium gray with brownish tinge), from M. jinchui (vs. brownish gray), from M. liboensis (vs. yellowish brown), from M. lorelieae (vs. reddish brown), from M. walstoni (vs. brownish gray), from M. walstoni (vs. warm brown, whitish at the base, orangish brown at tips), and from M. yuanyang (vs. bark gold). M. milinensis sp. nov. can be further distinguished from M. bicolor by ventral fur is pale overall, bicolored, dark at the base, pale at tips (vs. uniformly yellow), from M. rongjiangensis (vs. bright yellowish orange), and from M. shuipuensis (vs. bright orange yellow).
Murina milinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from M. beelzebub, M. gracilis, M. harpioloides, M. hkakaboraziensis, M. kontumensis, and M. suilla by the ears without smooth convex anterior margins and no notch on posterior margin (vs. with smoothly convex anterior margins, distinct notch on posterior margin); from M. chrysochaetes, M. ryukyuana, M. tenebrosa, M. ussuriensis, and M. yushuensis (vs. with smoothly convex anterior margins). By lambdoid crest absent and I2 equal to I3 in height, Murina milinensis sp. nov. can be further distinguished from M. rubella and M. chrysochaetes (vs. present, I2 less than I3); from M. rongjiangensis (vs. present, I2 taller than I3), and M. yushuensis (vs. present). Murina milinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from M. bicolor by sagittal crest absent (vs. present), C1 slightly less than P4 in height (vs. C1 taller than P4), P2 less than P4 in height (vs. P2 taller than P4), and C1 taller than P4 in height (vs. C1 equal to P4).
Murina milinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from M. tubinaris by dorsal hairs brown-gold (vs. light gray), P2 less than P4 in height (vs. P2 taller than P4), ears without smooth convex anterior margins and no notch on posterior margin (vs. with smoothly convex anterior margins and small notch on posterior margins), and basal area of P2 is larger than one-half that of P4 (vs. less than one-half that of P4).
For M. florium not assigned to “suilla-type” and “cyclotis-type”, can be distinguished by the combination of the following morphological characters: absence of notch at the posterior margin of the ear (vs. distinct notch on posterior margin), I2 almost equal to I3 in height (vs. I2 taller than I3), and P2 slightly less than P4 in height and crown area (vs. equally).
Currently, this new species is known only from two areas in the Xizang Autonomous Region, China. The type specimen was captured using a harp trap in a water channel near Nanyi Lhoba Township, Miling County, Nyingchi City, on 14 August 2023. A single additional specimen of the same species (Specimen No. XZ2023084) was also captured at the same site. The water channel was approximately 4 m wide and 3 m deep, with a shallow flow of water (approximately 25 cm deep). Dense thickets grew along both sides of the channel. Nanyi Lhoba Township, situated at an elevation of about 3020 m, experiences a plateau temperate semi-humid monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of approximately 9.3 °C and an annual rainfall of around 600 mm. The collection site is located in a river valley, surrounded by mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests as well as agricultural land, where wheat, highland barley, and oilseed rape are the primary crops. In August of the following year, we captured seven specimens of the same species at the same site. Additionally, the presence of Myotis sp. was recorded in this area.
Another distribution site is located in the mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest near Zari Township, Longzi County, Shannan City, where one specimen was captured using a harp-shaped trap. This site has a plateau temperate continental monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 10.3 °C and annual precipitation ranging from 350 to 550 mm. The collection site is also situated in a river valley with dense vegetation. In the vicinity, we recorded Rhinolophus sp. and Myotis sp.
• Adult male, field number XZ2023082 (Figs
• Three specimens from the same locality as the holotype. Two males, field numbers XZ2023036 and XZ2023016. One female, field numbers XZ2023062. XZ2023082 and XZ2023062 have been dissected for sampling and are incomplete specimens.
HB: 35.54, EL: 14.02, EW: 6.20, TRL: 7.48, TRW: 2.14, HFL: 6.07, FL: 30.29, TIB: 13.57, GTL: 13.73, CCL: 12.61, BCW: 6.36, BCH: 5.66, ZYW: 8.72, MAW: 7.04, IOW: 3.51, CM3L: 5.31, C1C1W: 2.45, M3M3W: 3.80, RCM: 0.64, CM3L: 5.74, ML: 9.22, MDL: 9.49, CPH: 3.61; BW: 5.68.
The specific epithet yadongensis refers to the type locality of the new species: Xiayadong Township, Yadong County, Shigatse City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. We propose the common English name “Yadong Tube-nosed Bat” and the Chinese name “Yà Dōng Guǎn Bí Fú (亚东管鼻蝠)”.
Murina yadongensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all of the other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) small-size Murina, FL 28.81–31.84 mm, GTL 13.73–14.11 mm; (2) dorsal fur brown-gold, black at the base, gradually transitioning to brown-gold tips 2/3 from base; (3) ventral fur grayish brown, black at the base, gray-white at tips; (4) ears narrow and oval, without smoothly convex anterior margins, no notch on posterior margins; (5) forearm and wrists covered with sparse hairs; (6) wing attachment point located at 1/3 from base of claw to base of toe; (7) an off-white circumferential band around the neck; (8) sagittal crest absent, lambdoid crest present, poorly developed; (9) I2 is situated anterior to I3 and clearly visible in lateral view, I2 equal to I3 in height; (10) mesostyles of M1 and M2 are slightly reduced; (11) C1 taller than P4, crown is about 2/3 of P4; (12) P2 exceeded 2/3 of P4 in height, and the crown area is about 2/3 of P4; (13) C1 equal to P4 in height and crown area. and crown area of P2 larger than 2/3 that of P4.
Morphometric data of Murina yadongensis sp. nov. are provided in Table
Skull robust, nearly oval, relatively small, GTL 13.73–14.11 mm. Rostrum long, deep, gradually ascending to forehead; prominent median depression present. Sagittal and lambdoid crests absent. In dorsal view, braincase domed; zygomatic arches weak and slender, gradually widening posteriorly, widest at the base of the zygomatic arches; posterior margin of skull slightly protruding; middle from snout to frontal region distinctly concave downward. In lateral view, skull slightly elongated, with elongated oval braincase; height gradually rising from snout to parietal, with slightly increasing slope from snout to frontal and decreasing slope from frontal to parietal; slight depression between snout and frontal, with slight distinct prominence at frontal; zygomatic arches gradually rising from anterior to posterior. In ventral view, palatine wide and nearly flat, ending at posterior margin of C1; basisphenoid pits slightly shallowly tadpole-shaped, extending posteriorly to anterior half of cochlea. Mandible length 8.85–9.22 mm, inverted L-shaped in lateral view. Line between coronoid process and condyle nearly flat; distinct inward depression between condyle and angle; angle short and wide; mandibular foramina clearly visible, situated below anterior margin of P4.
Dental morphology: Dental formula is I2/3, C1/1, P2/2, M3/3=34 (Fig.
Based on its dentition, I2 situated anterior to I3, and the crown area of P2 is less than half that of P4 and smaller than that of C1, Murina beibengensis sp. nov. belongs to the “suilla-type,” a character that distinguishes 12 species belonging to the “cyclotis-type,” including M. aenea, M. annamitica, M. cyclotis, M. fionae, M. guilleni, M. harrisoni, M. huttoni, M. peninsularis, M. pluvialis, M. puta, M. recondita, and M. rozendaali. Detailed morphological differences between the new species and congeners are listed in Suppl. material
Murina yadongensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from Murina beibengensis sp. nov. by dorsal fur brown-gold (vs. brown-gold), sagittal crest absent (vs. well-developed), I2 is situated laterally anterior to I3, and I2 is partially visible in the lateral view (vs. I2 is anterior to I3, I2 is clearly visible in the lateral view), I2 almost equal to I3 in height (vs. I2 taller than I3), and C1 taller than P4 in height (vs. C1 almost equal to P4).
Murina yadongensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from Murina medogensis sp. nov. by brown-gold dorsal fur (vs. dark grayish), dorsal hairs extend onto forearm and wrist (vs. hairless forearms and wrists), I2 is situated laterally anterior to I3, and I2 is partially visible in the lateral view (vs. I2 is anterior to I3, I2 is clearly visible in the lateral view), I2 almost equal to I3 in height (vs. I2 higher than I3), C1 taller than P4 (vs. C1 almost equal to P4), and an off-white circumferential band around the neck (vs. lacking); from Murina milinensis sp. nov. by lambdoid crest absent (vs. poorly developed), C1 taller than P4 (vs. C1 lower than P4), C1 taller than P4 (vs. C1 equal to P4), and an off-white circumferential band around the neck (vs. lacking).
Murina yadongensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from M. bicolor, M. fanjingshanensis, M. fusca, M. hilgendorfi, M. jinchui, M. leucogaster, and M. ryukyuana by the small size, forearm length 28.81–31.84 mm (vs. forearm length over 35 mm).
Murina yadongensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from M. aurata, M. balaensis, M. beelzebub, M. bicolor, M. chrysochaetes, M. eleryi, M. fanjingshanensis, M. feae, M. florium, M. hilgendorfi, M. hkakaboraziensis, M. jaintiana, M. jinchui, M. leucogaster, M. liboensis, M. lorelieae, M. rongjiangensis, M. ryukyuana, M. shuipuensis, M. suilla, M. tenebrosa, M. tubinaris, M. ussuriensis, M. walstoni, M. yuanyang, and M. yushuensis by an off-white circumferential band around the neck (vs. absent). By dorsal fur brown-gold (bicolored, black at the base, gradually transitioning to brown-gold tips from 2/3 from base), Murina yadongensis sp. nov. can be further distinguished from M. aurata (vs. golden brown), M. balaensis (vs. orange-reddish), M. chrysochaetes (vs. golden brown), M. eleryi (vs. coppery brown), M. feae (vs. dark grayish), M. jaintiana (vs. medium gray with brownish tinge), M. jinchui (vs. brownish gray), M. liboensis (vs. yellowish brown), M. lorelieae (vs. reddish brown), M. walstoni (vs. brownish gray), M. walstoni (vs. warm brown, whitish at the base, orangish brown at tips), and M. yuanyang (vs. bark gold). By ventral fur is grayish brown overall (bicolored, dark at the base, pale at tips), M. milinensis sp. nov. can be further distinguished from M. bicolor (vs. uniformly yellow), M. rongjiangensis (vs. bright yellowish orange), and M. shuipuensis (vs. bright orange yellow).
By the ears without smooth convex anterior margins and no notch on posterior margin, Murina yadongensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from M. gracilis, M. harpioloides, and M. kontumensis (vs. with smoothly convex anterior margins and distinct notch on posterior margin). By the lambdoid crest absent, I2 almost equal to I3 in height, C1 taller than P4, C1 equal to P4 in height and crown area, and Murina yadongensis sp. nov. can be further distinguished from M. gracilis (vs. lambdoid crest very weak), M. harpioloides (vs. I2 lower than I3 in height, C1 less than P4 in height, and C1 taller than P4), and M. kontumensis (vs. lambdoid crest present, and C1 larger than P4 in height and crown area).
The type locality experiences a subtropical semi-humid monsoon climate, characterized by mild and humid conditions. The average temperature in July is approximately 14.4 °C, and the mean annual precipitation is about 800 mm. The perennial influence of the monsoon, along with the mild and humid climate, contributes to the richness of forest resources in the southern part of the county. The specimen was captured in a harp trap on 6 August 2023 in a mixed coniferous forest in Xiayadong Township, Yadong County. The area is surrounded by dense thickets and bamboo forests, with rivers and primary forests situated approximately 3 kilometers away. In this forest, we also collected five species from four genera: Plecotus homochrous, Rhinolophus sinicus, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Myotis sp., and Submyotodon moupinensis.
Murina huttoni rubella:
BMNH 1908.8.11.6., adult male.
Kuatun, Fokien, China (Kuatun, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, China).
FL: 37.50, GTL: 18.2 (
• Four male specimens (XZ202387, XZ202399, XZ2023102, and XZ2023104) and three female specimens (XZ2024041, XZ2023101, and XZ2023103) were collected from Xiachayu Town, Zayu County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. • One female specimen (GS20240031, Figu.15) was collected from Yaodu Town, Wen County, Longnan City, Gansu Province, China.
The specific epithet “rubella” comes from the Latin word rubellus, meaning “slightly reddish” or “reddish”. The common English name “Fujian Tube-nosed Bat” and the Chinese name “Fú Jiàn Guǎn Bí Fú (福建管鼻蝠)”.
Murina rubella can be distinguished from all of the other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) larger body size, FL 34.24–38.45 mm, GTL 17.08–18.51 mm; (2) dorsal fur tan overall, pale brown at the base, gradually transitioning to dark tan tips from 2/3 from base; (3) ventral fur uniformly pale brown overall, black at the base, gray-white at tips; (4) ears narrow and oval, with smoothly convex anterior margins, no notch on posterior margins; (5) forearm and wrists covered with sparse hairs; (6) wing attachment point located at 1/3 from base of claw to base of toe; (7) without off-white circumferential band around the neck; (8) sagittal and lambdoid crests absent; (9) I2 is situated anterior to I3 and clearly visible in lateral view, I2 slightly smaller than I3 in height; (10) mesostyles of M1 and M2 are slightly reduced; (11) C1 slightly smaller than P4 in height, crown is about 2/3 of P4; (12) P2 approximately half of P4 in height, crown area 2/3 that of P4; (13) C1 equal to P4 in height and crown area.
Morphometric data of M. rubella are provided in Table
External and craniodental measurements (in mm) of M. rubella and a closely related species. NA indicates that the data is not available.
Species | M. rubella |
M. huttoni ( |
M. puta ( |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Male (n = 4) | Female (n = 4) | Range | Range | |
BW | 4.00–21.00 (12.25 ± 9.54) | 6.00–19.00 (10.10 ± 6.08) | 8–11 | 5.4–9.0 |
HB | 37.29–39.26 (38.43 ± 0.82) | 42.57–48.73 (44.48 ± 2.88) | NA | 59.0–61.0 |
TL | 36.54–40.53 (38.25 ± 1.71) | 36.53–40.69 (38.51 ± 1.93) | 31.0–37.9 | 32.0–36.0 |
EL | 16.15–17.68 (17.03 ± 0.66) | 16.89–17.51 (17.09 ± 0.29) | 14.9–20.9 | 17.0–19.0 |
EW | 9.09–9.67 (9.33 ± 0.25) | 8.14–10.67 (9.51 ± 1.04) | NA | NA |
TRL | 8.66–9.96 (9.08 ± 0.61) | 6.80–9.76 (8.22 ± 1.22) | NA | NA |
TRW | 2.40–2.61 (2.49 ± 0.09) | 1.84–2.63 (2.31 ± 0.35) | NA | NA |
HFL | 8.27–9.49 (8.83 ± 0.61) | 7.58–8.96 (8.47 ± 0.62) | 8.0–10.0 | 10.0–11.0 |
FL | 34.24–36.07 (35.59 ± 0.90) | 36.30–38.45 (37.04 ± 1.01) | 34.4–36.5 | 33.0–39.0 |
TIB | 16.98–17.68 (17.37 ± 0.29) | 16.55–17.74 (17.28 ± 0.55) | 13.0–17.93 | NA |
GTL | 17.08–18.28 (17.61 ± 0.51) | 17.13–18.51 (17.82 ± 0.59) | NA | NA |
CCL | 15.45–16.54 (16.20 ± 0.50) | 15.94–17.15 (16.68 ± 0.53) | NA | NA |
BCW | 7.65–8.07 (7.82 ± 0.20) | 7.37–8.21 (7.88 ± 0.37) | NA | NA |
BCH | 6.94–7.76 (7.44 ± 0.36) | 6.70–7.53 (7.19 ± 0.38) | NA | NA |
ZYW | 9.05–9.76 (9.47 ± 0.35) | 9.71–10.20 (9.95 ± 0.25) | NA | NA |
MAW | 7.64–8.54 (8.02 ± 0.42) | 8.21–8.66 (8.37 ± 0.20) | NA | NA |
IOW | 4.40–4.61 (4.52 ± 0.10) | 4.56–4.99 (4.68 ± 0.21) | NA | NA |
CM3L | 5.68–6.03 (5.91 ± 0.17) | 4.02–6.12 (5.46 ± 0.97) | NA | NA |
C1C1W | 2.81–2.98 (2.87 ± 0.08) | 2.93–4.19 (3.55 ± 0.62) | NA | NA |
M3M3W | 3.73–4.47 (4.03 ± 0.32) | 4.23–6.02 (5.13 ± 0.95) | NA | NA |
RCM | 0.63–0.80 (0.72 ± 0.07) | 0.66–0.74 (0.69 ± 0.04) | NA | NA |
CM3L | 6.61–7.12 (6.83 ± 0.21) | 4.63–6.99 (6.17 ± 1.05) | NA | NA |
ML | 11.03–12.49 (11.46 ± 0.69) | 11.43–12.40 (11.85 ± 0.45) | NA | NA |
MDL | 11.53–14.42 (12.29 ± 1.42) | 11.93–12.90 (12.44 ± 0.42) | NA | NA |
CPH | 4.17–4.61 (4.39 ± 0.18) | 4.14–4.64 (4.45 ± 0.22) | NA | NA |
Skull robust, nearly oval, relatively small, GTL 17.08–18.51 mm. Rostrum long, deep, gradually ascending to forehead; prominent median depression present. Sagittal and lambdoid crests absent. In dorsal view, braincase domed; zygomatic arches weak and slender, gradually widening posteriorly, widest at the base of the zygomatic arches; posterior margin of skull slightly protruding; middle from snout to frontal region distinctly concave downward. In lateral view, skull slightly elongated, with elongated oval braincase; height gradually rising from snout to parietal, with slightly increasing slope from snout to frontal and decreasing slope from frontal to parietal; slight depression between snout and frontal, with distinct prominence at frontal; zygomatic arches gradually rising from anterior to posterior. In ventral view, palatine wide and nearly flat, ending at posterior margin of C1; basisphenoid pits slightly shallowly teardrop-shaped, extending posteriorly to anterior half of cochlea. Mandible length 11.03–12.49 mm, inverted L-shaped in lateral view. Line between coronoid process and condyle nearly flat; distinct inward depression between condyle and angle; angle short and wide; mandibular foramina clearly visible, situated below anterior margin of P2.
Dental morphology: Dental formula is I2/3, C1/1, P2/2, M3/3=34 (Fig.
Based on its dentition, I2 is situated anterior to I3 and crown area of P2 approximately half that of P4 and slightly smaller than C1, M. rubella belongs to the “suilla-type”, a character that distinguishes 14 species belonging to the “cyclotis-type”, including M. aenea, M. annamitica, M. cyclotis, M. fionae, M. guilleni, M. harrisoni, M. huttoni, M. peninsularis, M. pluvialis, M. puta, M. recondita, and M. rozendaali. Detailed morphological differences between the M. rubella and congeners are shown in Suppl. material
Murina rubella can be distinguished from M. beibengensis sp. nov. by the dorsal hairs dark tan (vs. orangish-yellow overall), from M. medogensis sp. nov. (vs. dark grayish), from M. yadongensis sp. nov. (vs. brown-gold), M. milinensis sp. nov. (vs. brown-gold), from M. aurata (vs. golden brown with golden tips), from M. balaensis (vs. golden orangish brown, with orange reddish brown tips), from M. harpioloides (vs. orangish brown with orange gold tips), from M. hilgendorfi (vs. silvery brownish gray), from M. jaintiana (vs. medium gray with brownish tinge), from M. jinchui (vs. brownish gray), from M. liboensis (vs. yellowish brown), from M. shuipuensis (vs. golden grayish brown), from M. suilla (vs. orangish brown), from M. tubinaris (vs. light grayish brown), and from M. yushuensis (vs. brown-gold).
Murina rubella can be distinguished from M. chrysochaetes, M. gracilis, M. kontumensis, and M. yuanyang by without off-white circumferential band around the neck (vs. absent). By the ears with smooth convex anterior margins, but without notch on posterior margin, M. rubella can be distinguished from M. beelzebub, M. bicolor, M. eleryi, M. fanjingshanensis, M. hkakaboraziensis, M. leucogaster, and M. rongjiangensis (vs. with distinct notch on posterior margin).
By I2 less than I3 in height, M. rubella can be distinguished from M. lorelieae (vs. I2 higher than I3), M. ryukyuana (vs. I2 equal to I3), and M. florium (vs. I2 higher than I3). Murina rubella different from M. walstoni by sagittal and lambdoid crests absent (vs. present) and ventral hairs uniformly pale brown (vs. pure white); from M. tenebrosa and M. florium by ventral hairs uniformly pale brown (vs. paler).
Specimen GS2023031 was captured on 23 April 2024, using a harp trap in a mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest located at the border between Longnan City, Gansu Province, and Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province, China. The area, situated in the western part of the Qinling Mountains, is surrounded by small-scale agricultural land and tea plantations. Rich in forest resources, the region has a subtropical, mild, and humid climate, with a multi-year average temperature of 16.5 °C and an average annual precipitation of approximately 600 mm. Only one specimen was captured during the survey, and no other bats were observed or captured in subsequent surveys. We speculate that the bats in this area may have been in a post-hibernation stage and were not yet active.
Murina rubella was described on the basis of specimens from the Guadun, Fujian, China, as a subspecies of M. huttoni and is widely accepted (
Based on this study, phylogenetic evidence, and previous literature, M. rubella can be definitively recorded as distributed in China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Xizang) (
Asian tube-nosed bats, genus Murina, are the most frequently described taxon among bats in China in recent years, and seven species have been described, i.e., M. fanjingshanensis (
Due to the sampling constraints in evergreen broad-leaved forests where only harp traps can be effectively deployed, we obtained only one to two specimens each of Murina beibengensis sp. nov. and Murina medogensis sp. nov. Despite the limited sample size, multiple lines of evidence support their validity as distinct species. Similar situations with small type series, e.g., M. lvchun with two specimens (
Most species of the genus Murina have been found in montane forests at elevations ranging from 110 m to 2600 m (
This study was supported by the program of the Survey of Wildlife Resources in Key Areas of Tibet (Phase II), Survey of Wildlife Resources in Key Areas of Tibet (ZL202203601), and Diversity and Distribution Survey of Chiroptera species in China (2021FY100302). We thank Xin-Rui Zhao, Peng-Fei Luo, Qing-Qing He, and Qin Yang for their help during the sample collection. We thank Dr. Jing-Song Shi for his help with the CT scan of the bones.
Additional figures and tables
Data type: pdf
Explanation note: fig. S1. For the genus Murina, a phylogenetic tree (ML) was reconstructed based on the mitochondrial COI gene. fig. S2. For the genus Murina, a phylogenetic tree (ML) was reconstructed based on the mitochondrial Cyt b gene. fig. S3. External morphology and skull features of species of the genus Murina, from literature and web pages. table S2. For the genus Murina, locality, voucher information, and mitochondrial COI GenBank accession numbers are provided for all samples used. table S3. For the genus Murina, locality, voucher information, and mitochondrial Cyt b GenBank accession numbers are provided for all samples used. table S4. For the M. huttoni complex, locality, voucher information, and mitochondrial COI GenBank accession numbers are provided for all samples used. table S7. Uncorrected p-distance (%) between species of the M. huttoni complex based on mitochondrial COI. table S8. Results and percentage of variance explained by principal component analysis for M. beibengensis sp. nov. and three closely related species. table S9. Results and percentage of variance explained by principal component analysis for M. medogensis sp. nov. and three closely related species. table S10. Results and percentage of variance explained by principal component analysis for M. milinensis sp. nov., M. yadongensis sp. nov., and four closely related species.
Raw measurements of species were measured and collected in this study
Data type: xlsx
Explanation note: For closely related species, mean values were also considered.
Uncorrected p-distance (%) between species of the genus Murina based on mitochondrial COI
Data type: xlsx
Uncorrected p-distance (%) between species of the genus Murina based on mitochondrial Cyt b
Data type: xlsx
Comparison of the diagnostic features of the four new species described here with those selected for the 43 recognized species of the genus Murina
Data type: xlsx