Taxonomic review of the genus Cyclopes Gray, 1821 (Xenarthra: Pilosa), with the revalidation and description of new species

Author(s)

Miranda, Flavia R. ^{[1, 2, 3]} ; Casali, Daniel M. ^{[2, 4]} ; Perini, Fernando A. ^{[2, 4]} ; Machado, Fabio A. ^{[5, 6]} ; Santos, Fabricio R. ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Dept Biol Geral, Lab Biodiversidade & Evolucao Mol, Av Antonio Carlos 6627, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Inst Ciencias Biol, Posgrad Zool, Av Antonio Carlos 6627, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil

^[3] Projeto Tamandua, 149 Bairro Ouro Preto, BR-31310180 Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil

^[4] Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Dept Zool, Lab Mastozool, Av Antonio Carlos 6627, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil

^[5] Museo Argentino Ciencias Nat Bernardino Rivadavia, Div Mastozol, Av Angel Gallardo 470, C1405DJR, Buenos Aires, DF - Argentina

^[6] Consejo Nacl Invest Cient & Tecn, Av Angel Gallardo 470, C1405DJR, Buenos Aires, DF - Argentina

• Document type: Review article
• Source: ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY; v. 183, n. 3, p. 687-721, JUL 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

The taxonomy of Cyclopes didactylus is marked by a confusing history of new names, with few or no references to types, and new subspecies without any verified geographic correspondence. Here, we review the taxonomy of the genus Cyclopes using an integrative approach that combines morphological, morphometric and molecular data. We, therefore, aim to clarify many issues concerning the taxonomy, distribution and conservation status of the valid taxa and describe new previously unrecognized species for the genus. We examined a total of 287 specimens of Cyclopes, including skins and skulls, housed in 20 natural history collections and 33 samples for molecular analyses. Based on evidence provided by molecular phylogenetics using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, allied with coalescent species delimitation analyses, diagnostic characters of the skull, colour patterns and structures of pelage, we suggest that the genus Cyclopes comprises at least seven species. Four previous species designations are considered valid here: Cyclopes didactylus (Linnaeus, 1758); Cyclopes ida Thomas, 1900; Cyclopes catellus Thomas, 1928; and Cyclopes dorsalis (Gray, 1865). In addition, three new species are described. The results presented here have large implications for the conservation status and management practices of silky anteaters. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/21674-4 - Evolutionary consequences of morphological integration in the skull and mandible of Caniformia (Carnivora; Mammalia)
• Grantee: Fábio de Andrade Machado
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/22042-7 - Evolutionary restrictions in the skull of Caniforms (Carnivora)
• Grantee: Fábio de Andrade Machado
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate