93 



Systematic Conclusions 



Tlie systematic relationships in the twelve "glossophagme" genera are discussed for long 

 tinie: 



Based on relative length of metacarpals and phalanges, even Sanborn (1943) classified the 

 Glossophaginae into two groups - Glossophagci, Lichonycteris, Scleronycteris, 

 Choeroniscus, Hylonycteris, Choeronycteris and Platalina against Lonchophylla, 

 Leptonycteris, Monophyllus, Lionycteris and Anoiira. Tliese data have to be interpreted, 

 however, mainly in a functional context. 



Baker (1967) refered to similarities in the caryotype between Leptonycteris and 

 Glossophagci with Phyllostomiis, Trachops and Macrotus on one hand and Choeroniscus, 

 Choeronycteris and CaroUia on tlie other. 



In contrast, Gerber (1968) using immunologic and electrophoretic comparisons of senmi 

 proteines, proposed Choeronycteris to be closer related to Phyllostomus than to Anoiira, 

 Glossophagci and Leptonycteris. The latter genera he supposed to be closer relatives of 

 Carollia, Artibeiis and Stiirnira. 



Walton & Walton (1968) who examined shoulder and pelvic girdles, did not find any 

 dichotomy within the Glossophaginae. 



Having studied the dentition of the glossophagines, PhiUips (1971) presumed that these 

 bats apparently comprised several lines. One of these groups consisted of Glossophaga, 

 Monophyllus, Leptonycteris, Anoura, Lonchophylla, Lichonycteris, Lionycteris, 

 Hylonycteris, Scleronycteris and Platalina. This group seemed to be closely related to the 

 phyUostomatine line of Micronycteris-Macrotus (Smith 1976). The second group of Phil- 

 hps's comprised Choeroniscus., Choeronycteris and Musonycteris, apparently showing 

 some relationship with the line of Phyllostomus within the Phyllostomatinae (Smith 1976). 

 Both groups Phillips characterized by features of the dentition and the skull (c.f. fig.72). 



Choeronycteris 



Choeroniscus 



I Platalina 



I I Lichonycteris 



Hylonycteris 



Lonchophylla 



Lionycteris 



Anoura 



Leptonycteris 



Glossophaga 

 Monophyllus 



Fig.72: Cladogram of New 

 World nectar-feeding bats 

 adapted from Phillips (1971) 



