Barbastelles from the Central Asian republics, traditionally included in Barbastella darjelingensis, were compared with other Barbastella species on the basis of cranial and dental morphometrics, fur coloration and sequences of mtDNA. All these factors indicate that individuals from Central Asia should not be treated as a part of B. darjelingensis. They belong to a separate species, closely related to the Egyptian B. leucomelas, but morphologically distinct. On the basis of geographical proximity, it seems likely these are representatives of the same taxon as Transcaucasian animals, and therefore the name B. caspica Satunin, 1908 appears to be appropriate for this species. Evidence is provided, based on genetic differences, that there may be additional species of Barbastella in eastern Asia.