Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene from all
species of the dasyurid marsupial genus Planigale reveals several key
differences with morphology-based estimates of relationship. Planigale
maculata is the most divergent member of the genus, possibly forming
a separate clade with Sminthopsis. Planigale ingrami, Planigale gilesi
, and Planigale novaeguinea form a clade in which the latter two are p
robably sister species. The position of Planigale tenuirostris is less
well resolved, but it appears to be related to the P. ingrami clade.
Cytochrome-b sequences from two specimens collected in the Pilbara reg
ion of western Australia are highly divergent from other planigales an
d from each other and may represent previously unrecognized species.