In:
ZooKeys, Pensoft Publishers, Vol. 1185 ( 2023-11-28), p. 143-161
Abstract:
The hedgehog genus Mesechinus (Erinaceidae, Eulipotyphla) is currently comprised of four species, M. dauuricus , M. hughi , M. miodon , and M. wangi . Except for M. wangi , which is found in southwestern China, the other three species are mainly distributed in northern China and adjacent Mongolia and Russia. From 2018 to 2023, we collected seven Mesechinus specimens from Anhui and Zhejiang provinces, eastern China. Here, we evaluate the taxonomic and phylogenetic status of these specimens by integrating molecular, morphometric, and karyotypic approaches. Our results indicate that the Anhui and Zhejiang specimens are distinct from the four previously recognized species and are a new species. We formally described it here as Mesechinus orientalis sp. nov. It is the only Mesechinus species occurring in eastern China and is geographically distant from all known congeners. Morphologically, the new species is most similar to M. hughi , but it is distinguishable from that species by the combination of its smaller size, shorter spines, and several cranial characteristics. Mesechinus orientalis sp. nov. is a sister to the lineage composed of M. hughi and M. wangi from which it diverged approximately 1.10 Ma.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1313-2970
,
1313-2989
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.1185.111615
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.1185.111615.figure1
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10.3897/zookeys.1185.111615.figure5
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10.3897/zookeys.1185.111615.figure6
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10.3897/zookeys.1185.111615.figure7
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10.3897/zookeys.1185.111615.figure8
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10.3897/zookeys.1185.111615.figure9
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.1185.111615.suppl1
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.1185.111615.suppl2
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.1185.111615.suppl3
DOI:
10.3897/zookeys.1185.111615.suppl4
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
Pensoft Publishers
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2445640-8
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2478488-6
SSG:
12
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