Taxonomy and distribution of the large serotines (Eptesicus serotinus sensu lato, Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera) in Mongolia

The large serotine bats, previously classified as Eptesicus serotinus, are now commonly considered to represent two species: the west Palaearctic E. serotinus s. str.and the east Palaearctic E. pachyomus.Their combined range extends from western Europe and the Middle East to Korea and Indochina, but the geographical limits of the two species remain unclear.This is particularly true for Central Asia, where the large serotines are rare bats.Until recently, only four serotine localities were reported from Mongolia, and there was no consensus in the literature on the exact species identification of these specimens.In this study, we analyzed large serotines from Mongolia.Based on the mitochondrial ND1 and CytB gene sequence analysis, the specimens were identified as belonging to E. serotinus, contradicting the view that the Mongolian serotines represent E. pachyomus.The latter species report is likely a consequence of misconceptions regarding the northern margins of the E. pachyomus range.It is here suggested that the distribution range of the two species in Central Asia is determined by the extends of arid and moderately humid habitats, respectively, which borders significantly southwards of Mongolia.