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

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.

biogeography, Neotropics, phylogenetic systematics, silky anteater, species delimitation