NEW GENUS AND SPECIES OF NECTAR-FEEDING BAT IN THE TRIBE LONCHOPHYLLINI (PHYLLOSTOMIDAE: GLOSSOPHAGINAE) FROM NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

A new genus and species in the tribe Lonchophyllini, subfamily Glossophaginae (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) is described based on the analysis of 4 specimens collected in 3 different localities in a semiarid area of northeastern Brazil. The presence of a groove and filiform papillae on the lateral side of the tongue places this taxon as a member of the tribe Lonchophyllini. Fourteen cranial and dental characters distinguish the new genus from all other genera in the tribe (Lonchophylla, Lionycteris, and Platalina). The new genus is characterized by the presence of inward-facing molars on the palate; the loss of the cingulum in P3 and P4; the reduction or lack of the metastyle and preprotocrest in M1, ectoflexus, preprotocrest, and postprotocrest in M2, and postprotocrest in M3; and loss of hypoflexid, metacristid, entocristid, and entoconid on m1–3. A wider gap also occurs between lower incisors and canines than in other genera of Lonchophyllini. The palate in the new genus presents an unusual morphology. The palate of members of this genus is the longest among lonchophyllines and has 4 pits that permit the insertion of the main cusps of the lower last premolar and all 3 lower molars. Cladistic analysis suggests that the new genus is sister to Platalina.