[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis milpe • Long overdue: A New, widespread, species of Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Chocó region and the synonymy of Pristimantis subsigillatus

 Pristimantis milpe 

Ron, Paredes-Aguirre, Paucar, López, Apunte & Ortega, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1286.194383  

 x.com/santiak

Abstract

As currently defined, Pristimantis subsigillatus is a species of the P. lacrimosus species group distributed in the Chocó of Colombia and Ecuador, from lowlands to Andean foothill forests. Upon re-examination of the holotype of P. subsigillatus, we conclude that the populations currently ascribed to P. subsigillatus are not conspecific with the holotype. Instead, the holotype is conspecific with one of the syntypes of P. latidiscus, a species described four years before from a nearby locality. To avoid the ambiguity in the application of the binomen Hylodes latidiscus, we designate a lectotype. As a result, P. subsigillatus becomes a junior synonym of P. latidiscus. The misidentified populations represent an undescribed species which we describe based on morphological, bioacoustic, and genetic data as Pristimantis milpe sp. nov. The new species has one of the widest distributions among Chocoan Pristimantis and is unusual for having sexual dimorphism in coloration. It is most closely related to Pristimantis degener from which it diverged in the late Miocene and is morphologically distinct. The fact that such a common species remained “invisible” to taxonomy highlights the importance of correctly establishing the link between the name-bearing types and natural populations. Finally, we discuss how taxonomic treatments of Pristimantis during the second half of the 20th century often made this non-trivial error.

Key words: Andes, holotype, integrative taxonomy, lectotype, phylogeny, systematics

Pristimantis milpe sp. nov.

Common name. English: Milpe Rain Frog.
Spanish: Cutín de Milpe.

Diagnosis. We assign the new species to the genus Pristimantis based on the phylogeny (Fig. 5). Species of Pristimantis characterized by: (1) smooth to slightly tuberculate dorsal skin, areolate belly; discoidal fold evident; dorsolateral folds absent; (2) tympanum condition B; tympanic ring covered dorsally by supratympanic fold, tympanic membrane not differentiated; (3) truncate snout in dorsal view and protruding in lateral view; (4) upper eyelid generally without tubercles (occasionally one tiny tubercle present); (5) cranial crests absent; (6) oblique dentigerous processes of vomers; (7) vocal slits present, nuptial pads ...

Photographs showing color variation in living adult males of  Pristimantis milpe sp. nov.
 A. QCAZ-A 77106, holotype, SVL = 24.77 mm; B. QCAZ-A 76585, paratype, SVL = 26.97 mm; C. QCAZ-A 76518, paratype, SVL = 26.06 mm; D. QCAZ-A 65561, SVL = 19.64 mm; E. QCAZ-A 67428, SVL = 26.47 mm. Left column: dorsolateral view; central column: dorsal view; right column: ventral view. F. QCAZ-A 79899; note significant color change within a period of less than 24 h. Locality data for all specimens is provided in the holotype and paratypes sections.

Photographs showing color variation in living adult/subadult females of Pristimantis milpe sp. nov.
  A. QCAZ-A 67424, paratype, adult female, SVL = 32.07 mm; B. QCAZ-A 45268, paratype, subadult female, SVL = 29.44 mm; C. QCAZ-A 74171, paratype, adult female, SVL = 34.21 mm; D. QCAZ-A 74172, paratype, adult female, SVL = 34.17 mm; E. QCAZ-A 51314, adult female, SVL = 33.13 mm. Left column: dorsolateral view; central column: dorsal view; right column: ventral view. Locality data for all specimens is provided in the paratypes section.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the type locality, the Milpe Bird Sanctuary, a private reserve in Pichincha Province, Ecuador. The sanctuary protects ~ 100 ha of Foothill Montane Forest and is part of the Andean Chocó, one of the most diverse and threatened regions on the planet. The Milpe Bird Sanctuary is managed by the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity in the Andean Chocó. The Foundation maintains close relationships with local communities, promoting environmental education, sustainable livelihoods, and participatory management of natural resources. It also supports other private reserves and local Decentralized Autonomous Governments in forest restoration through the production of native plants in their nurseries, strengthening long-term conservation in the region.

Santiago R. Ron, Poulette Paredes-Aguirre, Diego A. Paucar, Yaara López, Katherine Apunte and Jhael A. Ortega. 2026. Long overdue: A New, widespread, species of Pristimantis (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the Chocó region and the synonymy of Pristimantis subsigillatus. ZooKeys. 1286: 121-152. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1286.194383 [24 Jul 2026] 

 x.com/santiak/status/2081416238371135900

[Entomology • 2020] Pseudotepuibasis garrisoni • A New Monotypic Genus of Coenagrionidae (Odonata: Zygoptera) from Colombian Amazon

 Pseudotepuibasis garrisoni

Stand-Pérez & Pérez-Gutiérrez, 2020. 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4845.4.7 

Researchgate.net/publication/344100303

Abstract

Pseudotepuibasis gen. nov. is erected for P. garrisoni sp. nov. from the Colombian Amazon (December 2015, Caquetá Department, Solano Municipality, Araracuara, Guacamayo Guard, -72.2497, -0.6308, L. Pérez leg.). Male and female of this new genus are described and illustrated, cerci of male with a ventrobasal spur for which it is considered in the tribe Teinobasini, close to Tepuibasis De Marmels, 2007 and Austrotepuibasis Machado & Lencioni, 2011, by its color pattern and cerci morphology; and close to Leptobasis Selys, 1877 and Mesoleptobasis Sjöstedt, 1918, by its genital ligula. Some notable characters of Pseudotepuibasis are a chitinized spine-like process directed posteriorly on the genital ligula, male cerci with chitinized median tooth, and thoracic color pattern.

Keywords: Odonata, Damselfly, Teinobasini, Guyana shield, tepui, integrative taxonomy, biogeography

 Habitus scan of Pseudotepuibasis garrisoni;
(A) Male holotype; (B) Female allotype. 

 Habitus of female of Pseudotepuibasis garrisoni.

Pseudotepuibasis garrisoni gen. nov. et sp. nov.

 Surroundings of habitat of Pseudotepuibasis garrisoni in rocky plateau with dwarf forest; in the background the Caquetá River.

Miguel Ángel Stand-Pérez and León Andrés Pérez- Gutiérrez. 2020. Pseudotepuibasis gen. nov., A New Monotypic Genus of Coenagrionidae from Colombian Amazon (Odonata: Zygoptera). Zootaxa. 4845(4); 576–584. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4845.4.7 

Researchgate.net/publication/344100303_Pseudotepuibasis_a_new_monotypic_genus_of_Coenagrionidae_from_Colombian_Amazon

[Botany • 2026] Psittacanthus job-kuijtii • Novelties in Psittacanthus (Loranthaceae) from Colombia: A New Species and four new records for the Andean and Amazon Regions

 

Psittacanthus job-kuijtii F.J.Roldán, Carmona & J.S.Murillo,

in Carmona-Gallego, Roldán-Palacio et Murillo-Serna, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.1886910 

 

Abstract

Background and aims – Psittacanthus is the largest genus of neotropical mistletoes within Loranthaceae, comprising approximately 110 species. With 37 species recorded to date, Colombia stands as the most diverse country for this group of aerial hemiparasites. Despite this richness, a comprehensive national or regional taxonomic revision of these mistletoes is currently lacking. This study aims to update the knowledge of Colombian Psittacanthus diversity by describing a new species and reporting new records for the country.

Material and methods – This study is based on an extensive literature review and the examination of herbarium material of Psittacanthus. We examined herbarium specimens using both physical collections and high-resolution digital images. Morphological analyses were conducted using dried and rehydrated samples, following the standardized specialized terminology for neotropical mistletoes. Taxonomic descriptions and diagnoses were developed to establish and test taxonomic hypotheses, ensuring a rigorous comparison between focal taxa and previously described species.

Key results – A new species for the Colombian Andes is described, and four new records for the Amazonian and Andean–Amazonian Piedmont of Colombia are reported. Psittacanthus job-kuijtii sp. nov. is described and illustrated herein; this species inhabits the moist lowland forests of the Colombian inter-Andean valleys, which are areas containing exceptional biodiversity. Furthermore, P. amazonicus, P. lamprophyllus, P. pilanthus, and P. zonatus are recorded for the first time for Colombia. The description of this new species and the additional records increase the known diversity of Colombian Psittacanthus to 41 taxa and a total of 111 species for the genus.

Keywords: Andes, flora of Colombia, mistletoe, Psittacantheae, Santalales, taxonomy

Psittacanthus job-kuijtii.
 A. Habit. B. Flower, showing from bottom to top: the upper portion of the flower pedicel, cupule with bract followed by the ovary and calyculus, petals with their tips recurved at anthesis, and protruding stamens and pistil. C. Detail of vermicular projections on the margin of petal. D. Basal ligule in front view. E. Basal ligule in lateral view.

 Based on the holotype (David et al. 6371, HUA). Illustration by Diego Zapata (HUA).

Psittacanthus job-kuijtii.
 A. Triad of an inflorescence showing basal floral parts (flower pedicels and cupule with bract, ovary, calyculus, and proximal portion of petals). B. Flower buds. C. Flower at anthesis with recurved petals.

Photographs from the holotype (David et al. 6371, HUA) by Esteban Domínguez. 

Figure composition by Diego Zapata (HUA).

Psittacanthus job-kuijtii F.J.Roldán, Carmona & J.S.Murillo, sp nov.

 

Diagnosis. Psittacanthus job-kuijtii differs from the remaining species in the genus by the combination of the following characters: percurrent shoots; leaf blades ovate to broadly lanceolate, base truncate to rounded, margins revolute and adaxially extending toward the petiole, forming a V-shaped projection, apex attenuate to acuminate; inflorescences usually double triads, rarely triple triads, or a monad with two triads (all variations were observed in the holotype); flowers 4–5 cm long in pre-anthesis; petals red to orange in the proximal and medial portions and yellow distally with a deltoid, fleshy basal ligule bearing minute papillae, 1.8–2 mm long; stamens dimorphic, staminal hairs absent. Psittacanthus job-kuijtii is similar to P. peronopetalus, but differs from it by having usually double (rarely triple) triads (vs umbels of four triads), and flowers opening at anthesis with petals recurved for about 2 cm (vs flowers opening only at the apex, with petals recurved for no more than 2 mm).

Isabel Carmona-Gallego, Francisco J. Roldán-Palacio and Jhon S. Murillo-Serna. 2026. Novelties in Psittacanthus (Loranthaceae) from Colombia: A New Species and four new records for the Andean and Amazon Regions. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 159(2): 347-355.  DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.1886910 [2 Jun 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Sarcaulus paujilensis (Sapotaceae: Chyrsophylloideae) • Morphological and Genetic Evidence for the Sarcaulus brasiliensis complex reveals A New Species from the Rainforests of the Middle Magdalena Valley, Colombia

 

Sarcaulus paujilensis M.A.Jaram. & T. D.Penn.,

in Jaramillo, Pennington, Aymard-Corredor et Majin-Ladino, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.175192 

Abstract

Sarcaulus is a small genus of neotropical trees in the Sapotaceae. Most specimens in herbaria are identified as S. brasiliensis, a species recognized from Costa Rica to Bolivia. Morphological characteristics and molecular sequence data help us to identify a new species of Sarcaulus with hermaphrodite flowers from the Middle Magdalena Valley, Colombia. A complete description, an illustration, a Lancaster plate, information about habitat, phenology, conservation status, and the species name etymology are presented. In addition, a key for identifying Sarcaulus species is provided. Sarcaulus paujilensis is remarkable for its bisexual flowers, in an otherwise predominantly unisexual (plant dioecious) genus. This new finding increases the number of species of the genus in the Neotropical flora to six. More fieldwork and molecular phylogenetics are needed to establish many new taxa.

 

Key words: Chocó Region, Ericales, Flora Neotropical, Flora of Colombia

 

Sarcaulus paujilensis.
A. Flowering branch; B. Seed; C. Fruiting branch; D. Immature fruit; E. Mature fruit; F, G. Transversal section of fresh fruit.

Photos by A. Lizette Sierra, Paula Lara, and Luisa Suarez; B–G. Andrés F. Majín-Ladino.

Sarcaulus paujilensis M.A.Jaram. & T. D.Penn., sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Sarcaulus paujilensis resembles S. oblatus, however, this new species can be differentiated from the latter by having leaves oblanceolate to oblong (vs. elliptic to narrowly oblong-elliptic), petiole 1.7–2.5 cm long (vs. 8–15 mm long), flowers paired (vs. fascicles 5-many-flowered), bisexual (vs unisexual), sepals 5–6 mm (vs. 2.5–3 mm), staminodes ca. 2 mm long (vs. 0.5–1 mm), ovary 1–4-locular, shortly sericeous (vs. 4­5-locular, minutely adpressed puberulent), fruits ca. 50 × 25–30 mm, ovoid (vs. 22–25 × 30–32 mm, oblate), and seeds 25–28 mm long (vs. seeds 17–18 mm long).

M. Alejandra Jaramillo, Terence D. Pennington, Gerardo A. Aymard-Corredor and Andrés F. Majin-Ladino. 2026. Morphological and Genetic Evidence for the Sarcaulus brasiliensis complex (Sapotaceae, Chyrsophylloideae) reveals A New Species from the Rainforests of the Middle Magdalena Valley, Colombia. PhytoKeys. 273: 37-54. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.175192  [09 Apr 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Arhinoglanis relictus • Phylogenetic Assessment and Taxonomic Description of the First Scale-feeding Candiru (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from west of the Andes

 

Arhinoglanis relictus

DoNascimiento, Ortega-Lara, Albornoz-Garzón, Román-Valencia & Lujan, 2026

  

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlag002  

  x.com/DrNathanLujan

Abstract

Among vertebrates, specialized scale-feeding occurs almost exclusively in tropical freshwater fishes, with the Amazon basin having the richest regional assemblage of such specialists. With 28 valid species and 11 valid genera, 10 of which are ectoparasitic scale and mucus-feeders, the Neotropical trichomycterid subfamily Stegophilinae is the only fish lineage to have significantly diversified within this niche. Stegophilines are widespread and ubiquitous throughout the lowland freshwaters of South America, east of the Andes. We describe Arhinoglanis gen. nov. and Arhinoglanis relictus sp. nov., the first Stegophilinae from west of the Andes, from the upper Cauca River drainage, Colombia. At 26.4 mm maximum standard length, the new genus and species is also the first miniature Stegophilinae. Using diaphanization, light microscopy, and micro-computed tomography imagery, we coded 534 morphological characters for 50 terminal taxa to recover the new taxon as sister to the exclusively cis-Andean clade of Homodiaetus + Schultzichthys. A single unique synapomorphy unites these genera: proximal tip of ceratobranchial 5 wider than proximal tip of ceratobranchial 4. Five autapomorphies diagnose the new genus, the most notable of which is a paedomorphically unossified dorsal lamina of the mesethmoid. The scarcity and highly restricted distribution of the new species within the Magdalena basin has led to its evaluation as Critically Endangered.

catfish, Cauca River, morphology, Neotropics, Stegophilinae, systematics

Arhinoglanis relictus, live paratype, ROM 112325, 20.9 mm SL, in lateral (A) and dorsal (B) views.

 A, ventral photo of live paratype of Arhinoglanis relictus, ROM 112325, 20.9 mm SL, showing gut content, and CT reconstructions of same specimen in (B) ventral and (C) left lateral views, with magnified gut content in (D) ventral, (E) dorsal, and (F) left lateral views.

Scale bars (left) = 5 mm, (right) = 1 mm.

 Arhinoglanis gen. nov. 

Arhinoglanis relictus sp. nov.

 

Carlos DoNascimiento, Armando Ortega-Lara, Juan G Albornoz-Garzón, César Román-Valencia and Nathan K Lujan. 2026. Phylogenetic Assessment and Taxonomic Description of the First Scale-feeding Candiru from west of the Andes (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 206(3); zlag002. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlag002 [15 March 2026]

  x.com/DrNathanLujan/status/2033293332143636918

[Entomology • 2026] Staphylus neideae, S. ricardoi, ... • Integrative Taxonomic Revision of Capilla Grishin, 2023, Subgenus of Staphylus Godman & Salvin, 1896 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Pyrginae), with Descriptions of Four New Species

[M–P] Staphylus (C.) nicoleae Lemes, sp. nov.; [Q, R] S. (C.) neivae sp. nov.; 
[S, T] S. (C.) ricardoi Lemes, sp. nov.; [U–X] S. (C.) neideae Lemes, sp. nov.: 

in Lemes, Siewert, Mielke, Casagrande et Warren, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.84.e179328 

Abstract

The taxonomy of the subgenus Staphylus (Capilla) is reviewed, including redescriptions of known species, identification keys, and detailed distribution maps. The female genitalia of Staphylus (Capilla) azteca (Scudder, 1872), S. (C.) caribbea (Williams & Bell, 1940), S. (C.) corumba (Williams & Bell, 1940), S. (C.) eryx Evans, 1953, S. (C.) tucumanus (Plötz, 1884) and S. (C.) tyro (Mabille, 1878) are described and illustrated for the first time. Four new species are described: Staphylus (Capilla) nicoleae Lemes sp. nov. from Colombia and Venezuela, S. (C.) ricardoi Lemes, sp. nov. from Peru, S. (C.) neideae Lemes sp. nov. and S. (C.) neivae sp. nov. from Brazil. Pholisora imperspicua Hayward, 1940 is a syn. nov. of Staphylus (C.) lizeri lizeri (Hayward, 1938) and Hesperia melangon epicaste Mabille, 1903 is a syn. nov. of Staphylus (C.) melangon melangon (Mabille, 1883). Neotypes are designated for Staphylus epicaste Mabille, 1903, Nisoniades tucumanus Plötz, 1884 and Staphylus fascia Hayward, 1933. Lectotypes are designated for Pholisora azteca Scudder, 1872, Bolla machuca Schaus, 1913, Helias tyro Mabille, 1878, Staphylus anginus Schaus, 1902, Hesperia melangon 1883, Hesperia musculus Burmeister, 1875 and Helias aurocapilla Staudinger, 1876.

Keywords: Butterflies, Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, Neotropical, Skippers

Species of Staphylus (Capilla) in dorsal and ventral views.  
A–D S. (C.) ascalon: A, B male (Brazil, São Paulo, Teodoro Sampaio, Morro do Diabo, OM 17.996); C, D female (Brazil, Minas Gerais, Passa Quatro, DZ 46.813).
E, F S. (C.) buena: male (Bolivia, Santa Cruz, Buenavista, holotype, CMNH 7188).
G–J S. (C.) caribbea: G, H male (Costa Rica, Limón Province, La Bomba, MGCL 1112082); I, J female (Costa Rica, Limón Province, Germania, MGCL 1112078).
K–N S. (C.) eryx: K, L male (Brazil, Pará, Santarém, DZ 46.566); M, N female (Brazil, Pará, Santarém, MGCL 1112109).
O–R S. (C.) corumba: O, P male (Brazil, Pará, Santo Antônio do Tauá, Reserva Sonho Azul, DZ 45.033); Q, R female (Brazil, Pará, Santo Antônio do Tauá, Reserva Sonho Azul, DZ 45.005).
S, T S. (C.) lizeri album: male (Brazil, Minas Gerais, Carmo do Rio Claro, OM 2.788). U–X S. (C.) lizeri lizeri: U, V male (Peru, Madre de Dios, Tambopata Reserve, DZ 46.176); W, X female (Colombia, Meta, Villavencio, Bosque Bavaria, DZ 45.526).

 Scale bar = 1 cm.

Species of Staphylus (Capilla) in dorsal and ventral views.
A–D S. (C.) tucumanus: A, B male (Argentina, Salta, Pichanal, DZ 45.125); C, D female (Paraguay, Presidente Hayes, Estancia Victoria, Rio Norte Lindo, OM 37.963).
E–H S. (C.) azteca: E, F male (El Salvador, La Libertad, Santa Tecla, MGCL 1112133); G, H female (Mexico, Chiapas, San Jerónimo, DZ 45.085).
I–L S. (C.) tyro: I, J male (Venezuela, Aragua, Ocumare de la Costa, DZ 22.893); K, L female (Venezuela, Aragua, Ocumare de la Costa, DZ 46.608).

M–P Staphylus (C.) nicoleae sp. nov.: M, N male (Colombia, Cundinamarca, El Boqueron, holotype, DZ 45.163); O, P female (Colombia, no specific locality, paratype, NHMUK015052554);
Q, R S. (C.) neivae sp. nov.: male (Brazil, Paraíba, São José da Mata, Campina Grande, holotype, DZ 44.944).
S, T S. (C.) ricardoi sp. nov.: male (Peru, Tingo Maria, holotype, OM 41.643).
U–X S. (C.) neideae sp. nov.: U, V male (Brazil, Minas Gerais, Brumadinho, holotype, OM 55.562); W, X female (Brazil, Minas Gerais, Brumadinho, paratype, OM 55.476).

Scale bar = 1 cm.

M–P Staphylus (C.) nicoleae sp. nov.: M, N male (Colombia, Cundinamarca, El Boqueron, holotype, DZ 45.163); O, P female (Colombia, no specific locality, paratype, NHMUK015052554);
Q, R S. (C.) neivae sp. nov.: male (Brazil, Paraíba, São José da Mata, Campina Grande, holotype, DZ 44.944). 
S, T S. (C.) ricardoi sp. nov.: male (Peru, Tingo Maria, holotype, OM 41.643).
U–X S. (C.) neideae sp. nov.: U, V male (Brazil, Minas Gerais, Brumadinho, holotype, OM 55.562); W, X female (Brazil, Minas Gerais, Brumadinho, paratype, OM 55.476).

Scale bar = 1 cm.

Staphylus (Capilla) nicoleae Lemes sp. nov. from Colombia and Venezuela, 

S. (C.) ricardoi Lemes, sp. nov. from Peru, 

S. (C.) neideae Lemes sp. nov. and S. (C.) neivae sp. nov. from Brazil.  

 José Ricardo Assmann Lemes, Ricardo Russo Siewert, Olaf Hermann Hendrik Mielke, Mirna Martins Casagrande and Andrew David Warren. 2026. Integrative Taxonomic Revision of Capilla Grishin, 2023, Subgenus of Staphylus Godman & Salvin, 1896 (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae, Pyrginae, Carcharodini), with Descriptions of Four New Species. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 84: 123-173. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.84.e179328 [24 Feb 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Axinaea filandiensis (Melastomataceae: Merianieae) • A New Species from Colombia, and Comments on the Circumscription of Axinaea and groups in Meriania

 Axinaea filandiensis Humberto Mend. & W. Vargas,  

  

 in Mendoza Cifuentes et Vargas, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm132.2025.2421 

Abstract

Background and Aims: Axinaea is a predominantly Andean genus, with one species found in the mountains of Costa Rica and Panama. It is similar to Meriania, and the only feature that separates them from each other is the shape of the dorsal connective of the anther. The discovery of a new species, described here, with anther connective characters intermediate between the two genera, raised the need to improve the circumscription of Axinaea and document variation within Meriania, aspects that are addressed in this paper.

Methods: A new species of Axinaea is described from collections deposited in the UDBC herbarium of the Distrital University of Bogotá. The degree of threat is evaluated and the need for conserving the species is described. In addition, various groups within Meriania, including Axinaea, are summarized, and a unique set of characters for Axinaea is proposed.

Key results: Axinaea filandiensis sp. nov. is characterized by its 4-merous flowers, isomorphous stamens with blue anthers and globose-ellipsoid dorsal connectives. It is known only from the type locality and its conservation status is proposed as Critically Endangered (CR). Seven groups are described in Meriania, including Axinaea, and a unique set of characters is proposed for the latter genus, considering non-nectariferous flowers, cucullate corolla, isomorphic or slightly dimorphic stamens, anthers with the vascular bundle of the connective tissue directed backwards, and inappendiculate and globose to globose-elliptic connective. According to this circumscription, one species described in Meriania (M. rubrifolia) establishes its position within Axinaea.

Conclusions: Axinaea filandiensis represents a critically endangered species that requires urgent conservation action. The unique set of characters established in this paper clarifies the separation between Axinaea and Meriania. It is proposed to maintain both genera separate, considering that Meriania is an artificial group that should be split into several genera.

Keywords: Andes, stamens, sub-Andean forest, taxonomy

Living plants of Axinaea filandiensis Humberto Mend. & W. Vargas.
A. flowering branch; B. detail of stem and inflorescence; C. floral buds; D. open flower.

Photos from Vargas 17591 (UDBC)

 

Humberto Mendoza Cifuentes and William G. Vargas. 2025. Axinaea filandiensis (Melastomataceae, Merianieae), A New Species from Colombia, and Comments on the Circumscription of Axinaea and groups in Meriania. Acta Botanica Mexicana. (132); DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm132.2025.2421 

 

[Arachnida • 2026] Pikelinia floydmuraria • Another Web in the Wall: A New Pikelinia Mello-Leitão, 1946 (Araneae: Filistatidae) from Colombia

 

Pikelinia floydmuraria  

Villarreal, Delgado-Santa, González-Gómez, Rodríguez-Castro, Román, Agudelo & García, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.175423

Abstract

The new synanthropic crevice weaver spider species, from the family Filistatidae, Pikelinia floydmuraria sp. nov. (male and females) is described from the department of Tolima, Colombia. The female internal genitalia of P. fasciata from the Galapagos islands, Ecuador, is described here for the first time. Additional unidentified species of Pikelinia populations were recorded in the departments of Cauca, Quindío, and Risaralda. Dietary analysis of P. floydmuraria sp. nov. (Tolima) and Pikelinia sp. (Armenia) revealed a predominance of Hymenoptera (~35% of prey), followed by Diptera and Coleoptera. This study expands known diversity and trophic ecology of Pikelinia genus.

Key Words: Crevice weaver, food preferences, Galapagos Islands, Neotropic, taxonomy

Pikelinia floydmuraria sp. nov., male paratype (MIZA-0105938).
A. Habitus, dorsal view; B. Carapace, dorsal view; C. Sternum and coxae, ventral view; D. Left Pedipalp, retrolateral view; E. Left Pedipalp, prolateral view; F. Right leg II, metatarsus and tarsus, prolateral view; G. Right metatarsus II, detail of modified setae, prolateral view; H. Female paratype (CIUQ-026403) Habitus, dorsal view.

Photos: Osvaldo Villarreal (A–C; F–G), Leonardo Delgado-Santa (D–H). Scale bars: 1 mm (A, H); 0.5 mm (B, C); 0.25 mm (D, E); 0.1 mm (F, G).

Pikelinia floydmuraria sp. nov., from Tolima.
A. Female, habitus; B–D. Male, habitus;
E, F. Juvenile, attacking a cockroach on the web.

Photos: Julio C. González-Gómez.

Pikelinia floydmuraria sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Pikelinia floydmuraria sp. nov. is the most similar and morphologically closest species to P. fasciata, sharing a nearly identical male palpal structure and leg II chaetotaxy. Males are distinguished from P. fasciata by the concolor leg pattern (vs. annulate) and the abdominal pattern of an irregular longitudinal central blotch (vs. two anterior pale spots and five transversal bands). Females are differentiated by the spermathecae with long, slender, S-shaped receptacle necks (vs. shorter, stouter, and C-shaped in P. fasciata).

Etymology. The specific epithet “floydmuraria” is a neologism derived from “Floyd” (honoring the band Pink Floyd) and “muraria” (from Latin mūrus, wall), alluding to both the album “The Wall” and the species’ wall-dwelling habitat.

 Osvaldo Villarreal, Leonardo Delgado-Santa, Julio C. González-Gómez, Germán A. Rodríguez-Castro, Andrea C. Román, Esteban Agudelo and Luís F. García. 2026. Another Web in the Wall: A New Pikelinia Mello-Leitão, 1946 (Araneae, Filistatidae) from Colombia, with notes on its diet and description of the female genitalia of P. fasciata (Banks, 1902). Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 357-366. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.175423 [18 Feb 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Columnea cumanday (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from the Central Cordillera in the Northern Andes (Colombia)

Columnea cumanday  Solano-C., Parra-Lizc. & Sierra-Ariza,

in Sierra-Ariza, Parra-Lizcano et Solano‑C., 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.14522/darwiniana.2025.132.1312

A new species of Columnea, endemic to the Colombian Andes and discovered in very humid montane forests of the Central Cordillera, is described and illustrated. Columnea cumanday Solano-C., Parra-Lizc. & Sierra-Ariza is distinguished by its lanceolate bracts and calyx lobes with a laciniate margin, each lacinia bearing a gland (green when fresh) at the apex. Both structures are covered with a dense hirsute indumentum of red-purple trichomes. The corolla is uniformly purple, with the outer surface densely covered with transparent, multicellular, glandular trichomes. The species bears four glandular nectaries: one dorsal nectary, bilobed to trilobed, and three deltoid ones. The berry is orange-red, ovate to rounded, villose, and covered with purple-red multicellular trichomes. Discuss and compare their differences with morphologically similar species, and a preliminary conservation status is proposed according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords. Andes; Central Cordillera; Colombia; Gesnerioideae; taxonomy

Columnea cumanday.
A, habit. B, leaf, adaxial and abaxial surface. C, flower, lateral view. D, flower, front view. E, calyx lobe. F, flower, open corolla. G, flower, androecium and gynoecium. H, fruits.

Photographs and LCDP by M. A. Sierra-Ariza.

Columnea cumanday Solano-C., Parra-Lizc. & Sierra-Ariza, sp.nov.

Etymology. The epithet cumanday is a noun in apposition; it refers to the name given by the Carrapa and Quimbaya pre-Hispanic peoples to the snow-capped Volcán Nevado del Ruiz, which means “White Mountain”, where the new species occurs. This name also honors the rich biodiversity of this region.

Mario Alexei Sierra-Ariza, Nicolas Parra-Lizcano and Carlos A. Solano‑C. 2025. A New Species of Columnea (Gesneriaceae) from the Central Cordillera in the Northern Andes (Colombia).  Darwiniana, nueva serie. 13(2); 383-393. DOI: doi.org/10.14522/darwiniana.2025.132.1312

Researchgate.net/publication/396887358_A_new_species_of_Columnea_from_the_Central_Cordillera_in_the_Northern_Andes_Colombia

[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis mecada • A New Species of Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the western Slopes of the Serranía del Baudó, Chocó, Colombia

Pristimantis mecada

Garzón-Franco, Durango, Ospina-Sarria & Arredondo, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5757.4.1  

Researchgate.net/publication/400583019

Abstract

We describe a new species of Pristimantis based on morphological and acoustic evidence from the western slopes of the Serranía del Baudó, tentatively assigned to the Pristimantis ridens species group. The new species can be distinguished from congeneric species by having coppery or reddish bronze iris, with fine black reticulations and light blue sclera, upper eyelid bearing one to three subconical tubercles, posterior surfaces of thighs generally solid brown, with small cream specks present in a few cases and groin solid brown, with some individuals showing a cream or golden blotch. Moreover, this new species distribution is notably distant from the other most similar species, inhabiting the humid lowland tropical forests of the western slopes of the Serranía del Baudó. With the description of this new species, the Pristimantis ridens species group reaches 31 species, that can be found in the Andean and Pacific regions from Central America to northern Peru.

Amphibia, Bioacoustics, Biogeographical Chocó, Pristimantis ridens species group, Taxonomy

 Holotype of Pristimantis mecada in life (EAFIT-0050, SVL = 26.2 mm, adult female).
(A) Lateral view; (B) ventral view; coloration of the posterior surfaces of thigh (C) and groin (D), showing absence of conspicuous marks or spots.

Photos by Juan C. Arredondo.

Pristimantis mecada sp. nov. 

Esteban GARZÓN-FRANCO, Juan-P. DURANGO, Jhon Jairo OSPINA-SARRIA and Juan C. ARREDONDO. 2026. A New Species of Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the western Slopes of the Serranía del Baudó, Chocó, Colombia. Zootaxa. 5757(4); 301-323. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5757.4.1 [2026-02-09]

 Researchgate.net/publication/400583019_A_new_species_of_Pristimantis_from_the_western_slopes_of_the_Serrania_del_Baudo_Choco_Colombia

[Entomology • 2024] Actinote pyrrhosticta • A New Species and eight new subspecies of high elevation Actinote (Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae: Acraeini) from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru

 

Actinote pyrrhosticta Lamas, Willmott & Hall,

C-H, Actinote  pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp., Peru, Cuzco; 

   I) Actinote pyrrhosticta n. ssp.?, Peru, La Libertad, 

J) A. hilaris arcoiris n. ssp. female, Ecuador, Morona-Santiago,   

K, L) Actinote hilaris sourakovi n. ssp. female, Peru, Amazonas,   
   

in Willmott, Lamas, Hall, Boyer, Pyrcz et Florczyk, 2024.  

Tropical Lepidoptera Research. 34(1) 

  journals.flvc.org/TropLep/article/view/134801

Abstract  

We describe one new species and eight new subspecies of high elevation Actinote Hübner, [1819] (Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae, Acraeini) from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru: Actinote pyrrhosticta Lamas, Willmott & Hall, n. sp., Actinote pyrrhosticta quintecocha Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta apurimac Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta alfamayo Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia albesia Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia canyaris Pyrcz & Lamas, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris arcoiris Willmott & Hall, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris sourakovi Willmott & Lamas, n. ssp., and Actinote trinacria alegria Boyer & Willmott, n. ssp. We treat Actinote binghamae Dyar, 1913 as a new synonym of Actinote eresia eresina (Hoffer, 1874) n. syn., and treat Altinote santamarta Winhard, 2017 as a subspecies, Actinote trinacria santamarta rev. stat. We illustrate adult specimens of all described taxa of A. pyrrhosticta n. sp., A. eresia (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862) and A. hilaris Jordan, 1910, and representatives of A. trinacria (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862). We also provide illustrations of male and female genitalia for select taxa, distribution maps, and a revised, annotated synonymic list for all four species.

  

Images of new Actinote taxa in nature.
A, B) Mating pair of Actinote pyrrhosticta n. sp., female in foreground (A), and male (B), resting on rocks and low vegetation near edge of stream gully at type locality;
C-H, Actinote  pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp., Peru, Cuzco, above Mollepata (photographs by David Geale). C) Last instar; D) Pupal case with freshly emerged adult adjacent; E) Cluster of pupae; F,G) Males nectaring on Asteraceae flowers; H) Female nectaring on Asteraceae flowers;
I) Actinote pyrrhosticta n. ssp.?, Peru, La Libertad, Cochorco (photograph by Jonathan Newman);
J) A. hilaris arcoiris n. ssp. female, puddling on damp gravel, Ecuador, Morona-Santiago, Cebadas-Macas road;
K, L) Actinote hilaris sourakovi n. ssp. female, dorsal (K) and ventral (L), Peru, Amazonas, Abra Patricia (photographs by David Geale).  

Habitats of new Actinote taxa. A) Ecuador, Loja, Jimbura-San Andrés road, type locality of Actinote pyrrhosticta n. sp., stream gully and road where numerous individuals were observed on the morning of 12 June 2014; B) Peru, Cajamarca, El Pargo, habitat of A. pyrrhosticta n. sp. C) Peru,Apurímac, Santuario Nacional Ampay, Laguna Angasocha, type locality of A. pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp.D) Peru,Apurímac, Santuario Nacional Ampay, Laguna Uspacocha, habitat of A. pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp.E) Peru,Lambayeque, Cañaris, type locality of A. eresia canyaris n. ssp.F) Ecuador, Zamora-Chinchipe, San Francisco, type locality of Actinote hilaris arcoiris n. ssp.  

Keith R. Willmott, Gerardo Lamas, Jason P. W. Hall, Pierre Boyer, Tomasz Pyrcz and Klaudia Florczyk. 2024. A New Species and eight new subspecies of high elevation Actinote from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru (Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae, Acraeini). Tropical Lepidoptera Research. 34(1); 1-20.

  journals.flvc.org/TropLep/article/view/134801

 inabio.biodiversidad.gob.ec/2023/10/27/una-nueva-especie-y-ocho-nuevas-subspecies-de-mariposas-son-descritas-en-colombia-ecuador-y-peru/

En este trabajo describimos una especie nueva y ocho nuevas subspecies altoandinas de Actinote Hübner, [1819] (Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae, Acraeini) encontradas en Colombia, Ecuador y Perú: Actinote pyrrhosticta Lamas, Willmott & Hall, n. sp., Actinote pyrrhosticta quintecocha Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta apurimac Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta alfamayo Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia albesia Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia canyaris Pyrcz & Lamas, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris arcoiris Willmott & Hall, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris sourakovi Willmott & Lamas, n. ssp., y Actinote trinacria alegria Boyer & Willmott, n. ssp. Consideramos a Actinote binghamae Dyar, 1913 como un nuevo sinónimo de Actinote eresia eresina (Hoffer, 1874) n. syn., y a Altinote santamarta Winhard, 2017 como una subespecie, Actinote trinacria santamarta rev. stat. Ademas, ilustramos especímenes adultos de todos los taxa descritos de A. pyrrhosticta n. sp., A. eresia (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862) y A. hilaris Jordan, 1910, y algunos representantes de A. trinacria (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862). También presentamos ilustraciones de las genitalias masculinas y femeninas de algunos taxones seleccionados, junto con mapas de distribución, y una lista de sinonimos revisada para las cuatro especies. 

Shinichi Nakahara, Albert Thurman, Gordon B. Small. 2024. A new species of Pseudodebis Forster, 1964 from Panama (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae). Tropical Lepidoptera Research. 34(1); 21-28.