Systematics and diversification of the Ichthyomyini (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) revisited: evidence from molecular, morphological, and combined approaches

Abstract

Ichthyomyini, a morphologically distinctive group of Neotropical cricetid rodents, lacks an integrative study of its systematics and biogeography. Since this tribe is a crucial element of the Sigmodontinae, the most speciose subfamily of the Cricetidae, we conducted a study that includes most of its recognized diversity (five genera and 19 species distributed from southern Mexico to northern Bolivia). For this report we analyzed a combined matrix composed of four molecular markers (<i>RBP3</i>, <i>GHR</i>, <i>RAG1</i>, <i>Cytb</i>) and 56 morphological traits, the latter including 15 external, 14 cranial, 19 dental, five soft-anatomical and three postcranial features. A variety of results were obtained, some of which are inconsistent with the currently accepted classification and understanding of the tribe. Ichthyomyini is retrieved as monophyletic, and it is divided into two main clades that are here recognized as subtribes: one to contain the genus <i>Anotomys</i> and the other composed by the remaining genera. <i>Neusticomys</i> (as currently recognized) was found to consist of two well supported clades, one of which corresponds to the original concept of <i>Daptomys</i>. Accordingly, we propose the resurrection of the latter as a valid genus to include several species from low to middle elevations and restrict <i>Neusticomys</i> to several highland forms. Numerous other revisions are necessary to reconcile the alpha taxonomy of ichthyomyines with our phylogenetic results, including placement of the Cajas Plateau water rat (formerly <i>Chibchanomys orcesi</i>) in the genus <i>Neusticomys</i> (<i>sensu stricto</i>), and the recognition of at least two new species (one in <i>Neusticomys</i>, one in <i>Daptomys</i>). Additional work is necessary to confirm other unanticipated results, such as the non-monophyletic nature of <i>Rheomys</i> and the presence of a possible new genus and species from Peru. Our results also suggest that ichthyomyines are one of the main Andean radiations of sigmodontine cricetids, with an evolutionary history dating to the Late Miocene and subsequent cladogenesis during the Pleistocene.