Geographic variation in South American populations of Myotis nigricans (Schinz, 1821) (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae), with the description of two new species

The genus Myotis (Vespertilionidae, Myotinae) comprises a diverse group of small to large-sized vespertilionid bats that present a worldwide distribution. Twelve South American species are currently recognized. In this paper we evaluate the morphological and morphometric variation observed in South American populations of the most widespread species, Myotis nigricans. Against this background, two forms can be morphologically distinguished from M. nigricans and other known South American species. We describe these new species, documenting their diagnostic external and cranial characters by comparing them to other sympatric and cryptic species of South American Myotis. In addition, we provide an emended diagnosis of Myotis nigricans. (C) 2011 Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Saugetierkunde. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.