Molelcular Systematics and Phylogeography of Lasiurus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) Based on Mitochondrial, Y-Chromosomal, and X-Chromosomal Genes

Kristi Thompson, Dr. John C. Patton, Dr. John W. Bickham

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

Texas A&M University

            Recent studies of the bat genus Myotis, which has an intercontinental distribution, have provided evidence of ecomorphological convergence. We examined the genus Lasiurus, which is endemic to the New World and some oceanic islands, as a model to test this hypothesis in another diverse genus with distinct infra-generic groups that can be considered ecomorphs. In particular, we sought to determine if the red, hoary and yellow bats, which are largely grouped by pelage color, result from convergent evolution, or are monophyletic. To test this hypothesis we obtained DNA sequences from two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome b and ND1, and nuclear sequences, from the zinc finger and DEAD box genes of the X and Y chromosome. Data from all genes support monophyly of the genus as well as the three species groups. The red bats appear to have originated in South America and subsequently dispersed into North America. The hoary bats likely shared a common ancestor with the red bats, and thus likely had a  South American origin, as well. The yellow bats appear to have originated in North America and subsequently dispersed into South America.

Key words: Lasiurus, mitochondrial DNA, cytochrome b, ND1, X chromosome, Y chromosome, phylogeny

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