Higher level classification of phyllostomid bats with a summary of DNA synapomorphies

The family Phyllostomidae (New World leafnosed bats) comprises more than 200 species in 60 genera (see Solari and Martínez-Arias, 2014; Hur tado and Pacheco, 2014), and is the second most speciose chiropteran family (Simmons, 2005). The family has undergone a radiation unparalleled in other mammalian families in terms of ecological and morphological diversity (Freeman, 2000; Dumont et al., 2012). Phyllostomidae encompasses a range of dietary diversity larger than that seen in any other monophyletic mammal family, including omnivorous, insectivorous, carnivorous, nectarivorous, frugivorous and even hematophagous species (Gard ner, 1977a; Ferrarezzi and Gimenez, 1996; Dumont et al., 2012). Ecological variation in diets is associated with extensive morphological diversity that involves skeletal, muscle, digestive, kidney, sensory systems, and behavior (Phillips, 2000; Wetterer et al., 2000; Dumont, 2004; Monteiro and Nogueira, 2011; Baker et al., 2012; Dumont et al., 2012; Dávalos et al., 2014). Because this ecomorphological diversity has fascinated scientists for over a century, Phyllostomidae is one of the best-known and well-studied chiropteran groups (Jones et al., 2002). Although comparative studies abound in the literature, remarkably different systematic and phylogenetic analyses have been proposed based on different data sets and analysis methods (see reviews in Wetterer et al., 2000, and Baker et al., 2003). Until recently, there has been little agreement regarding the deep branching patterns and relationships in this remarkable radiation, leading to considerable instability in classifications (Simmons, 2005; Baker et al., 2012; Dávalos et al., 2012, 2014). Because of their diversity, abundance, and ubiquity across the Neotropics, phyllostomid bats are the main focus of a number of research efforts; therefore, a well-supported and stable classification is highly desirable to communicate information among those studying this family as well as those in other fields who appreciate the biodiversity within this complex. The categories of phyllostomid bats showing the least Acta Chiropterologica, 18(1): 1–38, 2016 PL ISSN 1508-1109 © Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS doi: 10.3161/15081109ACC2016.18.1.001