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Integrative Taxonomy Reveals a Candidate Lineage Within the Rhinolophus macrotis Group
Jinhua Cong1,2, Jiajun Zhang1,2, Haoran Yu1,2
1Jilin Provincial International Cooperation Key Laboratory for Biological Control of Agricultural Pests, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
Biology
|June 11, 2026
Summary
Researchers discovered a new bat species in China, the Rhinolophus sp., which is morphologically similar to Rhinolophus osgoodi but genetically distinct. Integrative taxonomy revealed mito-nuclear discordance, suggesting a complex evolutionary history for this candidate lineage.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Genetics
- Bioacoustics
Background:
- Accurate species delimitation is crucial but challenging in bats, especially within the taxonomically complex Rhinolophus macrotis group.
- Phenotypically conservative and recently diverged taxa, like bats, often present significant taxonomic difficulties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the taxonomic status of an unidentified Rhinolophus sp. discovered in Southwest China.
- To clarify the evolutionary relationships and species boundaries within the Rhinolophus macrotis group using an integrative approach.
Main Methods:
- Morphological analysis of specimens.
- Acoustic analysis of echolocation calls.
- Multi-locus genetic analysis using mitogenomic and nuclear DNA markers.
- Species delimitation analyses.
Main Results:
- The unidentified Rhinolophus sp. was found sympatrically with Rhinolophus osgoodi and Rhinolophus episcopus.
- Morphologically, it resembles R. osgoodi, but differs in echolocation resting frequency.
- Mitochondrial DNA data placed the new lineage within R. osgoodi, while nuclear introns suggested closer relationships to R. episcopus and R. siamensis.
- Mito-nuclear discordance was observed, indicating complex evolutionary processes.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the utility of integrative taxonomy in uncovering hidden biodiversity.
- The unidentified Rhinolophus sp. is provisionally designated as a candidate lineage within the Rhinolophus macrotis group, requiring further validation.
- Mito-nuclear discordance complicates species assignment and underscores the intricate evolutionary history of this bat group.
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