Influences of ecology and biogeography on shaping the distributions of cryptic species: three bat tales in Iberia

摘要: To determine what shapes the distributions of cryptic species, we aimed to unravel ecological niches and geographical three bat species complexes in Iberia, Plecotus auritus/begognae, Myotis mystacinus/alcathoe Eptesicus serotinus/isabellinus (with 44, 69, 66, 27, 121 216 records, respectively), considering interactions biogeographical patterns. Species distribution models (SDMs) were built using a presence-only technique (Maxent), incorporating genetically identified records with environmental variables (climate, habitat, topography). The most relevant for each species’ respective response curves then determined. SDMs overlapped assess contact zones within complex. Niche analyses performed niche metrics spatial principal component study overlap breadth. complex showed parapatric distribution, although having similar affinities (Eurosiberian), possibly explained by competitive exclusion. also Eurosiberian affinities, high between suggesting resource partitioning species. Finally, E. serotinus was associated areas, while E. isabellinus occurred Mediterranean possible competition their restricted zone. This highlights relevance potential similarly when assessing distributions. © 2014 Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2014, 112,150–162.