Phylogenetic relationships of three Nycticeiini genera (Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera, Mammalia) as revealed by karyological analysis

GTG-banded karyotypes are presented for Scotoecus hirundo (2n = 30; FN = 50), Rhogeessa alleni (2n = 30; FN = 50), Scotophilus kuhlii (2n = 36; FN = 48) and Scotophilus leucogaster (2n = 36; FN = 50). These three genera belong to the family Vespertilionidae and have previously been placed into the tribe Nycticeiini (Tate 1942). Karyological analysis, however, points to a close relationship of Scotoecus hirundo to the tribes Pipistrellini and Vespertilionini (sensu Volleth and Heller 1994). Rhogeessa (Baeodon) alleni, a member of the karyologically diverse genus Rhogeessa, has two fusion chromosomes in common with the genus Plecotus. Together with morphological (Hill. and Harrison 1987) and molecular-genetic results (Hoofer and Van Den Bussche 2003), chromosome analysis suggests a closer relationship of Plecotini and Rhogeessa. The two species examined of the genus Scotophilus show differences only in two small autosomal pairs and the Y chromosome. Chromosomal data did not reveal closer relationships of this genus to any other vespertilionid tribe. (c) 2005 Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Saugetierkunde. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.