Researchers from the Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Kunming Institute of Zoology (KIZ) have discovered and described two new mouse-eared bat species (Myotis genus) in Yunnan Province, China.

Species Details:

- Shuangbai mouse-eared bat (Myotis shuangbaiensis) - Found in Shuangbai County, characterized by dark-based dorsal fur with light brown tips, and unique lower premolar morphology

- Yongde mouse-eared bat (Myotis yongdensis) - Discovered in Yongde County, distinguished by deep brown-red dorsal fur and rounded tragus tip

Research Significance:

The Myotis genus, comprising approximately 130-140 species globally, represents one of the most diverse mammalian genera. This discovery enriches China's bat species records (currently ~30 *Myotis* species) and provides critical insights into the biogeographic patterns and evolutionary history of bats in Southwest China—a recognized global biodiversity hotspot.

Myotis shuangbaiensis sp. nov.

Myotis yongdensis sp. nov.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.16829/j.slxb.151123