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Gymnures are an ancient group of small insectivorous mammals and are characterized by a controversial taxonomic status and the lack of a description of karyotypes for certain species. In this study, conventional cytogenetic techniques (Giemsa, CBG- and GTG-banding, Ag-NOR), CMA3-DAPI staining, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with telomeric DNA probes were used to examine for the first time the karyotypes of lesser gymnures of group Hylomyssuillus Müller, 1840 from northern and southern Vietnam. All studied specimens had karyotypes with 2n=48, NFa=64. C-positive heterochromatic blocks existed in centromeric regions of 7 bi-armed autosomes and the submetacentric X chromosome. The Y chromosome is a C-positive and dot-like. The nucleolus organizer regions resided terminally on the short arms of 2 small bi-armed pairs. Positive signals at the telomeres of all chromosomes were revealed by FISH. CMA3-positive blocks were localized on the telomeric and pericentric regions of most bi-armed and acrocentric chromosomes. Despite the large genetic distances between Hylomys Müller, 1840, lesser gymnures from H.suillus-group from northern and southern Vietnam have similar karyotypic characteristics.

19. Long-eared Gymnure Hylomys megalotis French: Gymnure oreillard / German: Langohr-Rattenigel / Spanish: Gimnuro de orejas largas Other common names: Long-eared Moonrat Taxonomy. Hylomys megalotis Jenkins & M. FE. Robinson, 2002, “ Environs of Ban Muang and Ban Doy, ¢ 18 km North of Thakhek, Thakhek district, Khammouan Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area, Khammouan Province, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, 17°33’15"N 104°49°307E.” This species is monotypic. Distribution. Known only from the type locality in Khammouan Province, C Laos. Descriptive notes. Head-body 115-135 mm, tail 82-94 mm, ear 20-24 mm, hindfoot 20-22 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. The Long-eared Gymnure is medium-sized relative to other species of Hylomys. Pelage is gray, long, soft, and fine, lacking flattened spinous hairs. Individual hairs are gray for most of their lengths and then buff with buff or black tips. Microstructures of hair and vibrissae are similar to those on the Short-tailed Gymnure (H. suillus) and the Shrew Gymnure (Neotetracus sinensis); there are spear-shaped lead hairs and zig-zag guard hairs, but there are no downy hairs. Hairs of the Long-eared Gymnure are longer than those of most other species of gymnures. Thin convoluted bases of hairs are bound up contributing to formation of a layer of air near surface of skin that improves thermal insulation in the absence of downy hairs. Long snout with well-developed nasal vibrissae and numerous long vibrissae on muzzle, neck, wrists, and forearms are important and effective for orientation in complex terrain and karst habitats. Dorsal region of rhinarium is narrow and elongate posteriorly. Ears are prominent, large, and rounded. First and fifth digits of forefeet are long, claws are long and moderately stout, sole and tarsal regions of hindfeet are naked, and bonesoffeet are large. The Long-eared Gymnureis readily distinguished in external appearance from other species of Hylomys, the Hainan Gymnure (Neohylomys hainanensis), and the Shrew Gymnure; it is similar in size but has considerably longer tail and larger ears. Tail is 65-74% of head-body length in the Long-eared Gymnure, 51-63% in the Shrew Gymnure, 27-31% in the Hainan Gymnure, and less than 25% in the Dwarf Gymnure (Hylomys parvus) and the Short-tailed Gymnure. Lack of flattened spinous hairs in pelage distinguishes the Long-eared Gymnure from the Short-tailed Gymnure and the Shrew Gymnure. Rhinarium is more extensive posteriorly than on the Shrew Gymnure but more elongate and narrower than on the Short-tailed Gymnure. Claws and first and fifth digits of forefeet of the Shrew Gymnure, the Short-tailed Gymnure, and the Dwarf Gymnure are not lengthened as on the Long-eared Gymnure, and bones in feet are smaller than in the Long-eared Gymnure. Sole and tarsal regions of hindfeet are naked in the Long-eared Gymnure, differing from haired soles on the Shrew Gymnure and the Short-tailed Gymnure. Dental formulais13/3,C1/1,P4/4,M 3/3 (x2) = 44. Habitat. Steep slopes around base of a massive limestone karst, covered by rocks and large boulders. There is an underlying soil base that supports heavily degraded mixeddeciduous forest, scrub, and bamboo. Low-lying areas away from karst are cleared for cultivation ofrice. Food and Feeding. No information. Breeding. No information. Activity patterns. There is no specific information for this species, but the Long-eared Gymnure is terrestrial. Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information. Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The IUCN Red List. The Longeared Gymnure has only recently been described, and there is still very little information on its extent of occurrence, status, conservation threats, and ecological requirements. Bibliography. Chernova et al. (2015), Hutterer (2005a), Jenkins & Robinson (2002)., Published as part of Russell A. Mittermeier & Don E. Wilson, 2018, Erinaceidae, pp. 288-330 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on pages 327-328, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6639332

20. Dwarf Gymnure Hylomys parvus French: Gymnure nain / German: Zwergrattenigel / Spanish: Gimnuro enano Other common names: Dwarf Moonrat Taxonomy. Hylomys parvus H. C. Robinson & Kloss, 1916, “Korinchi Peak, 10,000’ [= 3048 m], West Sumatra,” Indonesia. This species is monotypic. Distribution. Restricted to highlands of Mt Kerinci, WC Sumatra. Descriptive notes. Head-body 100-127 mm, tail 15-32 mm, ear 17-19 mm, hindfoot 22-25 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. The Dwarf Gymnure has notched space between premaxillary tips, soft-textured pelage, and delicate skull and dentition. Dental formula is I 3/3,C1/1,P4/4,M 3/3 (x2) = 44. Habitat. Restricted to high-elevation moss forest covering peak of Mount Kerinci, Sumatra, at elevations of 2000-3000 m. Food and Feeding. No information. Breeding. No information. Activity patterns. There is no specific information for this species, but the Dwarf Gymnure 1s terrestrial. Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information. Status and Conservation. Classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List. Extent of occurrence of the Dwarf Gymnure is less than 20,000 km?, it is known from fewer than ten locations, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality ofits habitat in the Sumatran Mountains. Bibliography. Hutterer (2005a), Jenkins & Robinson (2002), Ruedi & Fumagalli (1996), Ruedi et al. (1994), Stone (1995b)., Published as part of Russell A. Mittermeier & Don E. Wilson, 2018, Erinaceidae, pp. 288-330 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 328, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6639332

20. Dwarf Gymnure Hylomys parvus French: Gymnure nain / German: Zwergrattenigel / Spanish: Gimnuro enano Other common names: Dwarf Moonrat Taxonomy. Hylomys parvus H. C. Robinson & Kloss, 1916, “Korinchi Peak, 10,000’ [= 3048 m], West Sumatra,” Indonesia. This species is monotypic. Distribution. Restricted to highlands of Mt Kerinci, WC Sumatra. Descriptive notes. Head-body 100-127 mm, tail 15-32 mm, ear 17-19 mm, hindfoot 22-25 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. The Dwarf Gymnure has notched space between premaxillary tips, soft-textured pelage, and delicate skull and dentition. Dental formula is I 3/3,C1/1,P4/4,M 3/3 (x2) = 44. Habitat. Restricted to high-elevation moss forest covering peak of Mount Kerinci, Sumatra, at elevations of 2000-3000 m. Food and Feeding. No information. Breeding. No information. Activity patterns. There is no specific information for this species, but the Dwarf Gymnure 1s terrestrial. Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information. Status and Conservation. Classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List. Extent of occurrence of the Dwarf Gymnure is less than 20,000 km?, it is known from fewer than ten locations, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality ofits habitat in the Sumatran Mountains. Bibliography. Hutterer (2005a), Jenkins & Robinson (2002), Ruedi & Fumagalli (1996), Ruedi et al. (1994), Stone (1995b).

21. Short-tailed Gymnure Hylomys suillus French: Petit Gymnure / German: Kurzschwanz-Rattenigel / Spanish: Gimnuro de cola corta Other common names: Lesser Moonrat, Short-tailed Moonrat Taxonomy. Hylomys suillus S. Miller, 1839, “Java en het andere van Sumatra.” Re- stricted by H. J. V. Sody in 1933 to “Java,” Indonesia. Seven subspecies are recognized. Subspecies and Distribution. H.s.swillusS.Muller,1839—Java. H.s.dorsalisThomas,1888—NBorneo(fromMtKinabaluStoKelabitHighlands). H.s.maxiSody,1933—SThailand,MalayPeninsula,andWSumatra. H.s.microtinusThomas,1925—SWChina(Yunnan),Vietnam,andCambodia. H.s.peguensisBlyth,1859—EMyanmarandadjacentSWChina(Yunnan). H.s.siamensisKloss,1916—SEMyanmar,N&WThailand,andLaos. H. s. tionis Chasen, 1940 — Tioman I, off SE Malay Peninsula. Descriptive notes. Head—body 90-156 mm, tail 10-30 mm, ear 12-21 mm, hindfoot 20-28 mm; weight 45-80 g. The Short-tailed Gymnure is small, and its short tail distinguishes it from all other gymnures. Snoutis pointed, ears and tail are short, and overall appearance is ratlike. Pelage is soft and dense. Upper parts are rusty brown, sometimes with faint black nape stripe or dorsalstripe, and underparts are grayish, brownish, or yellowish. Microstructures of hairs and vibrissae of the Short-tailed Gymnure are similar to those in the Long-eared Gymnure (H. megalotis) and the Shrew Gymnure (Neotetracus sinensis); there are spearshaped lead hairs and zig-zag guard hairs, but there are no downy hairs. Dental formulais13/3,C1/1,P4/4,M 3/3 (x2) = 44. Habitat. Usually confined to dense, damp, forested areas, especially hilly, mountainous, and lowland forests with thick undergrowth. In China, the Short-tailed Gymnure occurred in secondary forests that had been clear-cut 13 years previously but was not documented in nearby tropical monsoon forests. In Thailand, it occurred under logs in a grove of wild bananas. It has been recorded at elevations of 90 m on mainland South-east Asia to 3000 m on Sumatra and 1000-3400 m on Borneo. Its presence has been verified along edges of a disturbed montane rainforest at 1200-1500 m in Peninsular Malaysia, in lower montane rainforest at 1700 m on Java, and in lower and upper montane rainforests at 1500-3000 m on Borneo. Food and Feeding. Diet of the Short-tailed Gymnure is mainly invertebrates such as insects and earthworms, but it also eats fruits and vegetation. It forages by searching underleaf litter and in upperlayers of humus with its long, mobile snout, which tosses aside leaves and twigs with jerks of head and shoulders. Breeding. The Short-tailed Gymnureis polygynous, and it probably breeds throughout the year. A pregnant female with two embryos was observed in February and another with two embryos in March. Litters have 3-6 young. Gestation lasts 30-35 days. Lifespan probably does not exceed two years. Activity patterns. The Short-tailed Gymnure is mainly diurnal but can be active at any time of day or night, singly or in small groups. It is mainly active aboveground, beneath litter, and under logs, but sometimes it climbs on low bushes. It builds nests of leaves in rock crevices, burrows, and hollows among roots of trees. It does not hibernate. Movements, Home range and Social organization. Short-tailed Gymnures are primarily solitary; however, there have been observations of groups of 2-3 individuals that might have been females with young. Although capable of climbing, Short-tailed Gymnures generally stay on the ground, moving quickly and nimbly with short leaps. It appears to use definite paths or runways on the forest floor, often passing under logs that are slightly off the ground. When threatened, the Short-tailed Gymnure bounds away with considerable speed. It emits shrill squeaks that are not loud. In Malaya, average densities in favorable habitats are 3—4 ind/ha. Home ranges are ¢.30-40 m in diameter. The Short-tailed Gymnure has a strong odor. Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. The Shorttailed Gymnure has a wide distribution and relatively stable overall population. Bibliography. Beer (2003), Chernova et al. (2015), Hutterer (2005a), Jenkins & Robinson (2002), Lekagul & McNeely (1988), Medway (1983), Nowak (1999), Phillipps & Phillipps (2016), Rudd (1980), Ruedi et al. (1994), Smith & Yan Xie (2013), Sody (1933), Stone (1995b), Wu Delin et al. (1996)., Published as part of Russell A. Mittermeier & Don E. Wilson, 2018, Erinaceidae, pp. 288-330 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 328, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6639332

We sequenced and characterized the complete mitogenome (KX964606) of the Amur hedgehog Erinaceus amurensis to provide more data for comparative mitogenomics of the genus Erinaceus (Erinaceidae). The mitogenome of E. amurensis is a circular molecule 16,941 bp long, consisting of a control region and a conserved set of 37 genes containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA). The mitogenome of E. amurensis is AT-biased, with a nucleotide composition of 33.9% A, 21.1% C, 32.6% T, and 12.4% G. The mitogenomes of E. amurensis and the closely related hedgehog species E. europaeus, excluding the control region (66.7%), share over 90% sequence similarity. According to the inter-generic relationship based on six mitogenomes described from five genera of Erinaceidae, the subfamilies Erinaceinae and Galericinae are strongly supported as monophyletic groups, with each genus well placed within its own subfamily. Within the subfamily Erinaceinae, E. amurensis is a sister species to E. europaeus, and the relationship between Hemiechinus and Erinaceus is strongly supported. Within the subfamily Galericinae, the clade of Hylomys + Neotetracus was sister to that of Echinosorex, with clades supported by high values. Our findings will help to understand the codon usage pattern and molecular evolution of E. amurensis, and provide insight into inter-generic relationships within the family Erinaceidae. In future studies, the inclusion of mitogenomes from other genera would greatly enhance our understanding of higher phylogeny within the Erinaceidae.

The genus Hylomys was thought to be represented by a single widespread species. Biochemical and morphometric analyses of several Southeast Asian populations reveal that Sumatra is inhabited by two distinct species, the dwarf gymnure ( H. parvus ) and the lesser gymnure ( H. suillus ). The absence of interbreeding between these two groups along with their relatively ancient common origins are documented by several diagnostic loci and a large Nei's genetic distance (D = 0.353 ± 0.035). The dwarf gymnure has been reported only from the slopes of the Mt. Kerinci volcano in Sumatra, where the species lives at higher elevations than its potential competitor, the lesser gymnure. Other populations of Hylomys from Java, Borneo, and Malaysia are more closely related to the Sumatran sample of H. suillus , but they exhibit strong interpopulational genetic differentiation (D = 0.165 ± 0.040) that may be accounted for by their isolated montane habitat. In addition, a principal-components analysis based on 16 measurements of the skull clearly separates adult specimens of both species. There is little overlap in the measurements between H. suillus (which is larger) and H. parvus . On Sumatra where both species may be sympatric, the notched space between premaxillary tips, soft texture of the fur, and more delicate skull and dentition are diagnostic of H. parvus .

Background: Erinaceidae is a family of small mammals that include the spiny hedgehogs (Erinaceinae) and the silky-furred moonrats and gymnures (Galericinae). These animals are widely distributed across Eurasia and Africa, from the tundra to the tropics and the deserts to damp forests. The importance of these animals lies in the fact that they are the oldest known living placental mammals, which are well represented in the fossil record, a rarity fact given their size and vulnerability to destruction during fossilization. Although the Family has been well studied, their phylogenetic relationships remain controversial. To test previous phylogenetic hypotheses, we combined molecular and morphological data sets, including representatives of all the genera. Methodology and Principal Findings: We included in the analyses 3,218 bp mitochondrial genes, one hundred and thirty-five morphological characters, twenty-two extant erinaceid taxa, and five outgroup taxa. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using both partitioned and combined data sets. As in previous analyses, our results strongly support the monophyly of both subfamilies (Galericinae and Erinaceinae), the Hylomys group (to include Neotetracus and Neohylomys), and a sister-relationship of Atelerix and Erinaceus. As well, we verified that the extremely long branch lengths within the Galericinae are consistent with their fossil records. Not surprisingly, we found significant incongruence between the phylogenetic signals of the genes and the morphological characters, specifically in the case of Hylomys parvus, Mesechinus, and relationships between Hemiechinus and Paraechinus. Conclusions: Although we discovered new clues to understanding the evolutionary relationships within the Erinaceidae, our results nonetheless, strongly suggest that more robust analyses employing more complete taxon sampling (to include fossils) and multiple unlinked genes would greatly enhance our understanding of the Erinaceidae. Until then, we have left the nomenclature of the taxa unchanged; hence it does not yet precisely reflect their phylogenetic relationships or the depth of their genetic diversity. This work was supported by grants from the National Basic Research Program of China (2007CB411600), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30770251). Scopus

A new genus of Myobiidae, Hylomysobia gen. n. with two new species, H. mikhailzaitzevi sp. n. (type species) and H. chinensis sp. n., is described from gymnures of the genus Hylomys Muller (Eulipotyphla: Erinaceidae). The two species parasitize Hylomys suillus Muller from Cambodia and Vietnam, and Hylomys sinensis (Trouessart) from China, respectively. These species represent the first records of myobiid mites from species in the family Erinaceidae. The new genus differs from the closely related Eutalpacarus Jameson, 1949 by the following features: in both sexes, coxae I have a triangular process, setae ve are about three times wider than sce and c2, and coxae II bear two pairs of setae; in females, setae sci are lanceolate, setae ag1 and ag3 are absent, and the vulvar lobes are weakly developed; in males, setae e2 are absent, and setae c1, d1, d2 and e1 are situated on the genital shield. The life cycle of Hylomysobia spp. includes egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and adults, male and female. In contrast to the most other myobiid genera possessing the tritonymphal stage, the deutonymphs of Hylomysobia moult directly to adults, and the tritonymphs are absent. Based on the restricted distribution of Hylomysobia species on hosts of this family (only on species of the genus Hylomys) and close morphological similarities to myobiids from Soricidae and Talpidae, it is suggested that the ancestor of this genus secondarily colonized the ancestor of Hylomys from moles or shrews.

Hylomys Müller, 1840. In Temminck, Verh. Nat. Gesch. Nederland Overz. Bezitt, Zool., Zoogd. Indisch. Archipel, p. 50 [1840j. TYPE SPECIES: Hylomys suillus Müller, 1840. SYNONYMS: Neohylomys, Neotetracus (according to Frost et al., 1991:23). COMMENTS: For date of publication see Appendix I., Published as part of Rainer Hutterer, 1993, Order Insectivora, pp. 69-130 in Mammal Species of the World (2 nd Edition), Washington and London :Smithsonian Institution Press on page 79, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7353085, {"references":["Frost, D. R., W. C. Wozencraft, and R. S. Hoffmann. 1991. Phylogenetic relationships of hedgehogs and gymnures (Mammalia: Insectivora: Erinaceidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, 518: 1 - 69."]}

Hylomys sinensis (Trouessart, 1909). Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 8, 4:390. TYPE LOCALITY: "Ta-tsien-lou, province of Se-tchouen (China Occidental) at an altitude of 2454 meters" [= Kangding, Sichuan Sheng, 30°07'N, 102°02'E). DISTRIBUTION: S China in Sichuan and Yunnan, and adjacent parts of Burma and N Vietnam. SYNONYMS: cuttingi,fulvescens. COMMENTS: Two subspecies, fulvescens and cuttingi, have been described; see Corbet (1988:127)., Published as part of Rainer Hutterer, 1993, Order Insectivora, pp. 69-130 in Mammal Species of the World (2 nd Edition), Washington and London :Smithsonian Institution Press on page 80, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7353085, {"references":["Corbet, G. B. 1988. The family Erinaceidae: A synthesis of its taxonomy, phylogeny, ecology and zoogeography. Mammal Review, 18: 117 - 172."]}

Hylomys suillus Müller, 1840. In Temminck, Verh. Nat. Gesch. Nederland Overz. Bezitt., Zool., Zoogd. Indisch. Archipel., p. 50 (1840]. TYPE LOCALITY: " Java en het andere van Sumatra " Indonesia. DISTRIBUTION: Peninsular Malaysia to Indochina and the Yunnan/Burmese border; islands of Borneo, Java, Sumatra and Tioman. SYNONYMS: dorsalis, maxi, microtinus, parvus, pegunensis, siamensis, tionis. COMMENTS: Includes dorsalis and tionis as discrete subspecies; see Corbet (1988:122). For date of publication see Appendix I., Published as part of Rainer Hutterer, 1993, Order Insectivora, pp. 69-130 in Mammal Species of the World (2 nd Edition), Washington and London :Smithsonian Institution Press on page 80, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7353085, {"references":["Corbet, G. B. 1988. The family Erinaceidae: A synthesis of its taxonomy, phylogeny, ecology and zoogeography. Mammal Review, 18: 117 - 172."]}

Hylomys Muller, 1839. In Temminck, Verhandl. Nat. Gesch. Nederland Overz. Bezitt., Zool., 50. ISIS NUMBER: 5301403005002000000., Published as part of James H. Honacki, Kenneth E. Kinman & James W. Koeppl, 1982, Order Insectivora, pp. 58-106 in Mammal Species of the World (1 st Edition), Lawrence, Kansas, USA :Alien Press, Inc. & The Association of Systematics Collections on page 66, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7353001