Biogeography and Validation of species limits in Caribbean Red Bats (Vespertilionidae: Lasiurus)

Abstract

Defining species limits using an integrative framework is crucial for biodiversity assessments and to maintain taxonomic stability. These approaches are robust and can be useful to also validate the status of species that are uncommon and underrepresented in biological collections. We examined the species limits and validated the taxonomic status of the Minor Red Bat (Lasiurus minor), an uncommon species originally described from four specimens. Our approach consisted of three independent lines of evidence combining genetic and phenotypic data. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the uniqueness of L. minor compared to three other geographically and closely related Red Bat species. Furthermore, coalescent species delimitation supported the four Red Bat species hypothesis. Linear phenotypic analyses demonstrated that L. minor is distinct from other Red Bats despite a morphological continuum. Finally, we reassessed the diagnosability of characters used to describe L. minor using an objective shape analysis approach, which emphasized the support for this taxon. Based on our findings, while identification in the field could still pose a challenge, there is strong support to recognize L. minor. This study settles a longstanding taxonomic question and provides evidence to better understand Caribbean biodiversity.