基于分子遗传-生态-形态的整合方法学对中国长翼蝠属的系统学进行再审视

Three common species of <italic>Miniopterus fuliginosus</italic>, <italic>M. magnater</italic> and <italic>M. pusillus</italic> are known to inhabit China. However, <italic>M. fuliginosus</italic> and <italic>M. magnater</italic> are so similar in external morphology as to pose great challenges for accurate classification. Furthermore, taxonomic statuses, distribution ranges and taxonomic keys of these three species have remained controversial. For addressing these outstanding issues, the authors integrated molecular phylogenetic analyses, ensemble species distribution models (ESDMs), multiple morphological comparisons and decision tree algorithms for reassessing their taxonomy and distribution in China. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (<italic>COI</italic>) gene phylogeny revealed three distinct monophyletic groups corresponding to <italic>M. fuliginosus</italic>, <italic>M. magnater</italic> and <italic>M. pusillus</italic>. And the observed distribution patterns indicated <italic>M. fuliginosus</italic> had a broad distribution across China while <italic>M. magnater</italic> and <italic>M. pusillus</italic> exhibited a more restricted distribution, overlapping with <italic>M. fuliginosus</italic> in South China. And cranial morphometry indicated <italic>M. magnater</italic> was slightly larger than <italic>M. fuliginosus</italic> and significantly larger than <italic>M. pusillus</italic>. Also three-dimensional (3D) skull geomorphometry uncovered distinct features for each species in rostrum, braincase, tympanic bullae and mandibular shape. Decision tree algorithms helped to identify forearm length, braincase breadth and width across the third upper molars as three major taxonomic keys for assisting species identification. This study corroborated the importance of integrative approaches for identifying <italic>Miniopterus</italic> species and validated a methodological approach applicable to other cryptic species complexes.