Karyotypes of Bats of the Family Phyllostomidae and Their Taxonomic Implications

Abstract

A total of 143 bats representing 27 species of the Family Phyllostomidae were analyzed for their karyotypes. Analysis of karyotypic variation revealed no population or geographic variation and, within a given genus, only variation in the Y chromosome(s) of Artibeus was found. Based on similarity of karyotypes the following seven groups are evident: (A) Pteronotus; (B) Choeronycteris, Choeroniscus and Carollia; (C) Leptonycteris, Glossophaga, Phyllostomus, Trachops and Macrotus; (D) Micronycteris; (E) Anoura; (F) Artibeus, Sturnira, Vampyrops, Chiroderma, Enchisthenes and Centurio; and (G) Uroderma. The Subfamily Sturnirinae is considered to be a synonym of Subfamily Stenoderminae. Subfamily Glossophaginae is considered to be of polyphyletic origin but available data are inadequate for interpretation of their phylogeny. The status of Uroderma as a genus distinct from Artibeus is strongly supported. This study was designed to evaluate current concepts concerning the phylogeny of bats of the family Phyllostomidae by utilizing data from studies of karyotypes. METHODS AND MATERIALS. The techniques herein used were essentially those described by Patton (1967), with the modifications described by Baker and Patton (1967). Phyllostomid bats (especially certain species) often died within 24 hours or less after capture, and attempts to transport live specimens to a laboratory were unproductive. For this reason, many cytological slides were prepared in the field where a portable electric generator was used to power the centrifuge. Most bats were collected during the night in mist nets, and processed the next day at or near the collection site. By processing specimens in the field, few bats were lost. The only 1 Supported in part by National Institute of Health Predoctoral Fellowship No. 1-F1-GM-28,182-01 and 02 and by Research Grant GB-1867 from National Science Foundation. 2 Present address: Department of Biology, Texas Technological College, Lubbock, Texas, 79409.