Description of two new bat species of the subfamily Myotinae (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from the Himalayan region of China, based on morphological and molecular data

Although over 145 Myotis species have been described, molecular studies frequently reveal numerous distinct evolutionary lineages, indicating a vast amount of undocumented cryptic diversity. Based on integrated morphological and genetic evidence, we describe two new species from the Xizang Autonomous Region, China, Submyotodon milinensis sp. nov. and Myotis medogensis sp. nov.

Separate phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial (Cyt b, COI) and nuclear (RAG2) genes consistently recover each new species as an independent evolutionary lineage, with no haplotype sharing between either new species and their closely related congeners. Moreover, both species can be clearly distinguished from their congeners by a combination of diagnostic morphological characters. Our results not only enhance the understanding of bat species diversity but also underscore the importance of conducting biodiversity surveys in unique plateau habitats such as the Himalayas.