Electrophoretic Resolution of Species Boundaries in Australian Microchiroptera. I. Eptesicus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

The technique of allozyme electrophoresis is used in the present study to define species boundaries in Australian Eptesicus. Until 1976, only one species of Eptesicus (E. pumilus) was recognized in Australia. More recently, a further four species have been recognised (E. vulturnus, E. regulus, E. sagittula and E. douglasl). Results obtained from an allozyme electrophoretic analysis of 35 loci in 182 individuals show that there are a minimum of nine species of Eptesicus in Australia. Moreover, in some geographic areas, up to four species occur sympatrically. These results highlight the applicability and significance of allozyme electrophoresis for the dissection of species complexes.