[Botany • 2026] Scottmoria umbonata (Lecythidaceae) • A New Species from Panama’s Caribbean Rainforests

Scottmoria umbonata S.A.Mori ex J.E.Bat., 

in Batista-Guerra, Campos-Pineda et Carrión, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.3.1

 

Abstract

A new species, Scottmoria umbonata, from wet Caribbean forests on the slopes of Sierra Llorona, Province of Colón, Panama, is described and illustrated. We provide a comprehensive description of the new taxon, discuss its affinities with similar species, and include line drawings, field photographs, a distribution map, and a preliminary conservation status assessment.

Bertholletia clade, Endemism, Scottmoria complex, Sierra Llorona, Taxonomy, Eudicots

Plate comparing Scottmoria umbonata (A–E) and Scottmoria woodsoniana (F–J).
Scottmoria umbonata: A. Laminated grey bark. B. Abaxial leaf blade, showing 1–2 intersecondary veins not impressed to slightly impressed adaxially. C. Inflorescence. D. Close up of bud, showing calyx lobes and pedicel-hypantium zone. E. Lateral view of mature fruit.
S. woodsoniana: F. Smooth reddish-brown bark. G. Abaxial leaf blade, showing 1–2 intersecondary veins strongly impressed adaxially. H. Inflorescence. I. Close up of bud, showing calyx lobes and pedicel-hypantium zone. J. Lateral view of mature fruit.

(A, E, J. Batista et al. 2174; B–D, Galdames et al. 6359; F, I, H, J. Batista 1449; G, J. Batista 1455; J, J. Batista 1659). Photos by Juvenal Batista and Carmen Galdames.

Scottmoria umbonata.
A. Apical and lateral views of flowers. B. Androecial hood in cross section showing yellow staminodes and nectaries. C. Androecial hood in cross section showing pink staminodes and yellow nectaries. D. Clustered or agglomerated inflorescences. E. Agglomerated inflorescences showing buds, robust rachis and lateral view of flowers. F. Rachis of inflorescences in groups of 5–6 per node.

(A, B, D–F, J. Batista et al. 2174; C, J. Batista et al. 2173). 

Photos by Juvenal Batista.

Scottmoria umbonata S.A.Mori ex J.E.Bat., sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:—Scottmoria umbonata and Scottmoria woodsoniana (Dwyer) (1965:362) Cornejo (2025: 489) are morphologically closely related species due to their similar flower color and depressed-globose fruits, but S. umbonata differs by presenting leaf blades with secondary veins slightly impressed adaxially (vs. strongly impressed in S. woodsoniana); 1–2 intersecondary veins not impressed to slightly impressed adaxially (vs. strongly impressed); leaf blade base cuneate, acute to slightly attenuate (vs. obtuse to rounded or truncate); inflorescences 2–5 per node, clustered, sometimes 1 per node (vs. solitary or 1 per node); rachis 0.5–3 (–7) cm long, thick and robust (vs. 2–8.5 cm, thin and slender); hypanthium verrucose with crowded lenticels (vs. smooth with scattered lenticels); sepals widely ovate (vs. ovate to oblong); flowers with style finely grooved (vs. smooth); style obconical (vs. columnar); stigma long-apiculate (vs. rounded to short-apiculate); mature fruits 6–7 × 3.5–8 cm (vs. up to 2.5 × 6 cm); supra-calycine zone 1.5–2.5 cm long (vs. 1–1.5 cm); the operculum with well-developed umbo from immature fruit to maturity (vs. convex operculum to poorly-developed); seeds 2–13 per mature fruit (vs. 5–6), with a flattened funicle (vs. thickened).

Etymology:—The epithet “umbonata” means having a highly developed umbo or raised central protuberance that persists from immature to mature fruit. 

Vernacular name:—The people of the Santa Rita and Sierra Llorona communities call this species “Coquito de potrero”. Its vernacular name refers to its peculiar pyxidium and the fact that it is one of the few trees that survives in pastures (“potreros”) that were once primary forests its hard wood, short height, and seeds that are edible for cattle are among the reasons why it is not cut down in the area.

Juvenal E. BATISTA-GUERRA, Ernesto CAMPOS-PINEDA and Juan F. CARRIÓN. 2026. Scottmoria umbonata sp. nov. (Lecythidaceae) from Panama’s Caribbean rainforests.  Phytotaxa. 750(3); 147-156. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.3.1 [2026-04-07]

[Crustacea • 2025] Trichocallia delicatula • A New Genus and Species of the Ghost-shrimp Family Callianideidae (Decapoda: Axiidea) from the Caribbean coast of Panama

Trichocallia delicatula   

Anker, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11606/1807-0205/2025.65.009

Abstract   

A peculiar new species of ghost-shrimp from Bocas del Toro Archipelago on the Caribbean coast of Panama is assigned to the genus Trichocallia gen. nov. in the family Callianideidae. The holotype and presently the only known specimen of Trichocallia delicatula sp. nov. was collected with a suction pump on a silty-muddy bottom under a network of decomposing and partly overgrown mangrove roots. The new genus appears to be most closely related to Callianidea H. Milne Edwards, 1837, with two species in the Indo-West Pacific, and Paracallianidea Sakai, 1992, with two species, one in the western Atlantic and one in the eastern Pacific.

Keywords: Malacostraca, Decapod crustacean, New taxon, Caribbean Sea, West Atlantic, Marine biodiversity

Trichocallia gen. nov.  

 Trichocallia delicatula sp. nov. 

Arthur Anker. 2025. A New Genus and Species of the Ghost-shrimp Family Callianideidae from the Caribbean coast of Panama (Decapoda: Axiidea). Papéis Avulsos De Zoologia. 65; e202565009.  DOI: doi.org/10.11606/1807-0205/2025.65.009

[Herpetology • 2025] Bolitoglossa chirripoensis • A New Species of Salamander of the Genus Bolitoglossa (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from the highest massif of the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica

 

Bolitoglossa chirripoensis

Klank, Chaves, Castro & Arias, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5642.5.2 

 facebook.com/Teonanacatl97

Abstract

The mountains of Isthmian Central America (ICA) are biodiversity hotspot and contain a high number of endemic amphibians, many of which have been described from the region in recent decades. Neotropical salamanders of the genus Bolitoglossa have undergone an extensive diversification in the mountains of ICA, specifically in the Cordillera de Talamanca The páramo of the Cordillera de Talamanca, despite being only 1.5% of its total area, harbors six species of Bolitoglossa, which represents 14.2% of the species of the genus in the region. Based on molecular and morphological analyses, we describe a new species of the Bolitoglossa subpalmata species group from the highest massif of ICA, the páramo of the Chirripó National Park. This new species emphasizes the importance of the Cordillera de Talamanca for the speciation of salamanders in ICA and as an important site for their conservation and study.

Amphibia, Isthmian Central America, Neotropics, Páramo, Phylogenetics, Taxonomy

Bolitoglossa chirripoensis sp. nov.

Jeremy KLANK, Gerardo CHAVES, Kimberly CASTRO and Erick ARIAS. 2025. A New Species of Salamander of the Genus Bolitoglossa (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from the highest massif of the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica.  Zootaxa. 5642(5); 427-450. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5642.5.2 [2025-06-03] 

 facebook.com/Teonanacatl97/posts/10233760963999899

[Paleontology • 2025] Chiloconger aflorens, Dasyscopelus inopinatus, ... • Remarkable Dominance of myctophid otoliths in Upper Miocene Chagres Formation, Caribbean Panama

  

The Piña assemblage, represents a rare fossil record of a mesopelagic fish-dominated ecosystem linked to coastal upwelling during the Late Miocene

Reconstruction of Late Miocene mesopelagic fish-dominated ecosystem in Caribbean Panama.

 Artwork by Yun-Kae Kiang.

in Lin​ et O’Dea, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20155

  x.com/otolith_lin 

Abstract 

Marine fossils from the Upper Miocene Chagres Formation in northern Panama offer critical insights into the paleoenvironmental conditions and ecological responses prior to the separation of the Atlantic from the Pacific by the formation of the Isthmus of Panama. Here we present a systematic study based on more than 6,200 otoliths collected from a coastal exposure near the town of Piña, Colón. This assemblage is remarkable for the extraordinary dominance of the family Myctophidae, constituting over 96% of specimens. The otolith density in the sediments is among the richest known globally (278.80 ± 135.59 otoliths/kg). The taxonomic composition is represented by 31 taxa across 12 families, including four new species: namely Chiloconger aflorens sp. nov., Dasyscopelus inopinatus sp. nov., Hoplostethus boyae sp. nov., and Malakichthys schwarzhansi sp. nov. Taphonomic evidence, combined with abundant predatory marine vertebrate fossils and extensive burrow ichnofossils, indicates a dynamic and highly productive nearshore ecosystem. The dominance of myctophids and multiple lines of evidence support the existence of a Late Miocene coastal upwelling system in the region, highlighted by efficient trophic transfer channeled from high primary production to apex predators. These findings provide a nuanced understanding of Neogene marine ecosystems prior to the final emergence of the Isthmus of Panama.

Reconstruction of Late Miocene mesopelagic fish-dominated ecosystem in Caribbean Panama.
The illustration highlights key taxa, including lanternfish, hatchetfish, billfish, Isistius sharks, Otodus megalodon, Isthminia panamensis, and Lepidochelys sea turtle.

 Artwork by Yun-Kae Kiang.

 

Chien-Hsiang Lin​ and Aaron O’Dea. 2025. Remarkable Dominance of myctophid otoliths in Upper Miocene Chagres Formation, Caribbean Panama. PeerJ. 13:e20155. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20155 [October 17, 2025]

 x.com/otolith_lin/status/1979392035296809357

[Botany • 2025] Garcinia isthmensis (Clusiaceae) • A New tree Species for Central America

  

Garcinia isthmensis Mouzinho, 

in Mouzinho, Carrión, Marinho et Giacomin, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.708.1.2 

Abstract

We present a new species, Garcinia isthmensis Mouzinho, sp. nov. ined., known to occur in Costa Rica and Panama. Garcinia isthmensis is described and distribution data, photographs and preliminary conservation status are provided, as well as its diagnostic characteristics and morphological affinities.

Guttiferae, jorco, Mesoamerica, Neotropics, satra, Eudicots

Garcinia isthmensis Mouzinho (R. Aguilar 10734).
 A. Branch. B. Cut branch, showing the exudate with orange-colored oxidation. C. Leaf blades. D. Staminate inflorescence. Photos: Reinaldo Aguilar. Image courtesy of the C.V. Starr Virtual Herbarium (http://bluegum.nybg.org/science/vh/).

Garcinia isthmensis Mouzinho, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis:—Garcinia isthmensis is vegetatively similar to G. magnifolia due to its elliptical to elliptic-oblong shape and size of the leaf blades (≥ 19 cm long), but differs from it due to its slightly verrucose branches (vs. smooth in G. magnifolia), conspicuous exudate canals (vs. inconspicuous in G. magnifolia), staminate flowers with 40–55 stamens per flower (vs. ca. 30 stamens in G. magnifolia), non-rostrate fruits (vs. rostrate in G. magnifolia) and fruit pedicels of 33.5–44 mm long (vs. 7–10 mm long in G. magnifolia).

Etymology:—The epithet refers to the Panama isthmus, that connects Meso- and South American regions.

Thiago MOUZINHO, Juan F. CARRIÓN, Lucas Cardoso MARINHO and Leandro Larerda GIACOMIN. 2025. Garcinia isthmensis (Clusiaceae): A New tree Species for Central America.  Phytotaxa. 708(1); 16-22. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.708.1.2 [2025-07-02]

[Botany • 2025] Begonia chucantiensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Lepsia) • A New Species from the eastern mountains of Panama

 

Begonia chucantiensis Guillén, Moonlight & Jara, 

in Guillén, Moonlight, Jara-Muñoz, Stapf et Carrión, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.256.145404 

 

Abstract

Begonia chucantiensis sp. nov. is described as a new species of Begonia section Lepsia from Cerro Chucantí, Darién Province, in eastern Panama. A study of the literature and herbarium specimens, as well as fieldwork, suggests that the new taxon is distinguished from other species in the section by the combination of the following characters: uniform nodes, stipules persistent, 3.3–6 × 0.8–1.7 cm leaf blades, only two flowers per inflorescence, 12–14 stamens, and fruits with wings of similar shape and size. Images, information on geographic distribution, habitat, and a preliminary assessment of the conservation status of the new species are also provided.

Key words: Biogeographic isolation, Cerro Chucantí, Darién, Lepsia, Serranía de Majé

Holotype of Begonia chucantiensis sp. nov. (PMA132927).

Morphological aspects of Begonia chucantiensis sp. nov.
 A plant habit B fertile branches C detail of fertile branch D leaves viewed from the adaxial side and staminate flower E leaves viewed from the abaxial side, staminate flower and fruit F stipules G front view of staminate flower H pistillate flower I lateral view of the fruit.

 Images A, B, D, E C. Mitre-Ramos. C, F, I L. Guillén. G, H J.L. Guerra.

 Begonia chucantiensis Guillén, Moonlight & Jara, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Within Begonia section Lepsia, B. chucantiensis resembles B. confinis in having persistent stipules and two flowers per inflorescence; however, it differs by having glabrous young branches and uniform nodes (vs. ferruginous indumentum and swollen nodes), stipules 8.5–10.5 × 3.5–4.5 mm (vs. 0.8–1.3 × 0.3–0.4 mm), elliptic to lanceolate leaf blades (vs. rhomboid subtrilobed), 3.3–6 × 0.8–1.7 cm leaf blades (vs. 0.6–1.3 × 0.3–0.6 cm), peduncles up to 1.3 cm (vs. 2.8 cm), 12–14 stamens (vs. 8–10), and fruits with similar wing shape and size (vs. one wing conspicuously unequal).

Lucila Guillén, Peter W. Moonlight, Orlando A. Jara-Muñoz, María Sánchez de Stapf and Juan F. Carrión. 2025. A New Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from the eastern mountains of Panama. PhytoKeys. 256: 61-71. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.256.145404 

Resumen: Se describe a Begonia chucantiensis sp. nov. como una nueva especie de Begonia sección Lepsia del Cerro Chucantí, provincia de Darién, en el este de Panamá. Un estudio de la literatura y especímenes de herbario, así como trabajo de campo, sugiere que el nuevo taxón se distingue de las otras especies de la sección por la combinación de los siguientes caracteres: nudos uniformes, estípulas persistentes, láminas foliares de 3.3–6 × 0.8–1.7 cm, solo dos flores por inflorescencia,12–14 estambres y frutos con alas similares en forma y tamaño. También, se proporcionan imágenes, información sobre la distribución geográfica, el hábitat y una evaluación preliminar del estado de conservación de la nueva especie.

[Entomology • 2022] Description of A Neotropical Gall Inducer on Araceae: Arastichus gen. nov. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Two New Species

 

the lifecycle of Arastichus gallicola with its host plant, Thaumatophyllum solimoesense (Arecaceae).  

Arastichus Gates, Hanson, Jansen-González & Zhang, gen. nov.

in Zhang, Gates, Hanson et Jansen-González, 2022.  

DOI: 10.3897/jhr.92.85967

Illustrated by Taina Litwak x.com/TainaLitwak1

Abstract

A new genus of a Neotropical gall inducing tetrastichine eulophid on Araceae is described and confirmed using Ultraconserved Elements (UCE) phylogenomic data. Arastichus Gates, Hanson, Jansen-González & Zhang, gen. nov., includes two new species and one species transferred from Aprostocetus Westwood: A. capipunctata Gates, Hanson, Jansen-González & Zhang, sp. nov., A. gallicola (Ferrière), comb. nov., and A. gibernau, Gates, Hanson, Jansen-González & Zhang, sp. nov.

Keywords: Chalcidoidea, Philodendron, Phytophagy, Tetrastichinae, Thaumatophyllum

Illustration of the lifecycle of Arastichus gallicola with its host plant, Thaumatophyllum solimoesense (Arecaceae).

Illustrated by Taina Litwak.

 Arastichus gallicola (Ferrière), comb. nov.

 Arastichus capipunctata Gates, Hanson, Jansen-González & Zhang, sp. nov.

 Arastichus gibernau Gates, Hanson, Jansen-González & Zhang, sp. nov.

 Y. Miles Zhang, Michael W. Gates, Paul E. Hanson and Sergio Jansen-González. 2022. Description of A Neotropical Gall Inducer on Araceae: Arastichus, gen. nov. (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) and Two New Species. Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 92: 145-171. DOI: 10.3897/jhr.92.85967

  twitter.com/TainaLitwak1/status/1650863255588573193

[Herpetology • 2025] Echinosaura embera • A New Species of Hedgehog-lizard of the Genus Echinosaura (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from Colombia and Panama with A Reevaluation of the Conservation Status of the Genus

 

 Echinosaura embera 

 Vásquez-Restrepo & Daza, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.7 

  Researchgate.net/publication/388527814

Abstract

The gymnophthalmid semi-aquatic lizards of the genus Echinosaura have been subject to taxonomic scrutiny in recent years. Here, we combine previously available and new morphological and phylogenetic evidence to describe a new species formerly known under the name E. palmeri. Our results are consistent with previous phylogenetic hypotheses and recover an overlooked evolutionary lineage which is both morphologically and genetically different from the other ones currently recognized within the genus. This species is diagnosable based on external and hemipenial morphology and is phylogenetically related to E. centralis, E. palmeri, and E. panamensis. The new species inhabits the northern portion of the Pacific region in Colombia and the Darien zone between Colombia and Panama. We also re-evaluate and propose a new IUCN extinction risk categorization for the nine species in the genus, assessing three uncategorized species, removing two species from a threatened category, and including a previously considered Least Concern species into a threatened status.

Reptilia, Chocó, morphology, Neotropical, systematics, taxonomy

  Echinosaura embera in life,
A: MHUA-R 12591 (holotype) from Chigorodó, Antioquia, Colombia,
B: CBUCESD 1867 (paratype) from Carmen de Atrato, Chocó, Colombia.

Photos: Juan M. Daza and Juan D. Vásquez-Restrepo, respectively.

Juan D. VÁSQUEZ-RESTREPO and Juan M. DAZA. 2025. A New Species of Hedgehog-lizard of the Genus Echinosaura (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from Colombia and Panama with A Reevaluation of the Conservation Status of the Genus.  Zootaxa. 5583(1); 128-142. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.7 [2025-01-31]  

  Researchgate.net/publication/388527814_A_new_species_of_Echinosaura_from_Colombia_and_Panama

[Herpetology • 2025] Deep Cryptic Diversity in the Craugastor podiciferus Species Group (Anura: Craugastoridae) of Isthmian Central America revealed by mitochondrial and nuclear data

 (A) Craugastor aenigmaticus (UCR 22961) from Cerro Arbolado, Puntarenas, CR, (B) C. blairi (SMF 104032) from Fortuna, PA, (C) C. sagui (SMF 104018) from La Nevera, PA,
 (D) C. zunigai (UCR 20389) from Potrero Grande, Puntarenas, CR, (E-F) C. podiciferus (UCR 23155, 23159) from Caribbean slopes of Cerro Kamuk, Limón, CR,
 (J) Craugastor sp. Pico Blanco (UCR 24466) from Escazú, San José, CR, (K) Craugastor sp. Chumacera (UCR 23011) from Chumacera, San José, CR, (L) Craugastor sp. Siola (UCR 23169) from Siola, Limón, CR, 
(M) C. bransfordii from Siquirres, Limón, CR, (O) C. underwoodi from Cascajal, San José, CR, (V) C. rearki from Siquirres, Limón, CR.

in Arias, Crawford, Hertz et Olea,. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18212

Abstract 

The Craugastor podiciferus Species Group contains eleven species of terraranan frogs distributed from eastern Honduras to eastern Panama. All species have remarkable color pattern polymorphisms, which may contribute to potential taxonomic problems. We performed exhaustive sampling throughout the geographic distribution of the group to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic history of all named species based on two mitochondrial markers and nuclear ddRAD loci. We also implemented various species delimitation methods to test for the presence of unconfirmed candidate species within the group. Molecular phylogenetic analyses showed that the group contains four major clades. All currently named species are supported by molecular data, yet species richness within the group is clearly underestimated. Species delimitation was discordant between the mitochondrial and nuclear datasets and among analytical methods. Adopting a conservative approach, we propose that the C. podiciferus species group contains at least 12 unconfirmed candidate species. Ancestral area reconstruction showed that the group originated and diversified in the highlands of the Talamancan montane forest ecoregion of Costa Rica and western Panama.

Photographs in life of Craugastor podiciferus species complex.
 (A) Craugastor aenigmaticus (UCR 22961) from Cerro Arbolado, Puntarenas, CR, (B) C. blairi (SMF 104032) from Fortuna, PA, (C) C. sagui (SMF 104018) from La Nevera, PA, (D) C. zunigai (UCR 20389) from Potrero Grande, Puntarenas, CR, 
(E-F) C. podiciferus (UCR 23155, 23159) from Caribbean slopes of Cerro Kamuk, Limón, CR, (G) Craugastor sp. Monte Verde (UCR 24613) from Monte Verde, Puntarenas, CR, (H) Craugastor sp. San Gerardo (CRARC 0247) from San Gerardo, Guanacaste, CR,
(I) Craugastor sp. Fila Costeña (UCR 23028) from Quebradas, San José, CR, (J) Craugastor sp. Pico Blanco (UCR 24466) from Escazú, San José, CR, (K) Craugastor sp. Chumacera (UCR 23011) from Chumacera, San José, CR, (L) Craugastor sp. Siola (UCR 23169) from Siola, Limón, CR, 
 (M) C. bransfordii from Siquirres, Limón, CR, (N) Craugastor sp. Fila Carbon (UCR 23127) from Amubri, Limón, CR, (O) C. underwoodi from Cascajal, San José, CR, (P) Craugastor sp. Quebradas from Fila Costeña, Puntarenas, CR,
(Q) Craugastor sp. Vereh (UCR 23040) from Vereh, Cartago, CR, (R) Craugastor sp. Panama (SMF 104010) from Rambala. PA, (S) C. stejnegerianus (UCR 22976) from Palmar Norte, Puntarenas, CR, (T) C. gabbi (UCR 22998) from San Vito, Puntarenas, CR,
(U) C. persimilis from Siquirres, Limón, CR, (V) C. rearki from Siquirres, Limón, CR, (W) Craugastor sp. Neilly (UCR 22985) from Río Claro, Puntarenas, CR, and (X) Craugastor sp. Quepos (UCR 24612) from Montes de Oca, San José CR.

Photos by E. Arias (A, E, F, G, I, J, K, L, N, Q, S, T, W, and X), Andreas Hertz (B,C, and R), Eduardo Boza-Oviedo (D and O), Brian Kubicki (H, M, U, and V), and Raby Nuñez (P).

Conclusions: 

The diversity within the Craugastor podiciferus Species Group is vastly underestimated, as revealed by the presence of several undescribed species recovered from the phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses. An exhaustive morphological review of the genetic lineages may show morphological characteristics that would allow for the differentiation of the molecular lineages. Comprehensive studies are needed on habitat use, acoustics, behavior, and other data to corroborate and better understand the taxonomy of all lineages revealed here.

Based on our mitochondrial and nuclear analyses, morphological evidence, and previous information we recovered 23 lineages, 11 with names and 12 unconfirmed candidate species. Based on our results, we propose the following changes:

• We restrict C. podiciferus to populations of Cordillera Volcánica Central from Costa Rica and the Cordillera de Talamanca of Costa Rica and western Panama. In the Cordillera de Talamanca, C. podiciferus is restricted to the Caribbean slopes.

 •Craugastor polyptychus is referred to as a junior synonym of C. bransfordii.

 • Craugastor rearki is resurrected to include wide-ranging populations from the Caribbean versant of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras.

 • Craugastor lauraster is referred to as a junior synonym of the older name, C. rearki.

Finally, we want to highlight the need to continue exploring remote areas in the ICA, especially in the Talamanca Mountain Range. The fieldwork performed in this area has resulted in the discovery of several new species or new records for the region. Therefore, more fieldwork and laboratory work are necessary to improve the knowledge of biodiversity in this region to perform informed strategies of conservation.

Erick Arias, Andrew J. Crawford, Andreas Hertz and Gabriela Parra Olea​. 2025. Deep Cryptic Diversity in the Craugastor podiciferus Species Group (Anura: Craugastoridae) of Isthmian Central America revealed by mitochondrial and nuclear data. PeerJ. 13:e18212. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18212

[Herpetology • 2024] Bolitoglossa silentium & B. chiquitica • Taxonomic Assessment of the Bolitoglossa (Eladinea) Subgenus (Caudata: Plethodontidae) with the Description of Two New Species from the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica

Holotype of Bolitoglossa silentium sp. nov. (UCR20489) in life.

(B) Bolitoglossa bramei (UCR21930) from Valledel Silencio, (C) B. bramei (UCR23698) from Cerro Fábregas, 
(E) B. pygmaea (UCR23697) from Cerro Fábregas, and (F) B. pygmaea (no collected) from Cerro Echandi. 

Arias, Chaves, Kubicki & Parra-Olea, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5537.2.3

 Researchgate.net/publication/385654079

Photos by E. Arias (A,C,E), Victor Acosta (B), Brian Kubicki (D), and Omar zúñiga (F). 

 facebook.com: Erick Arias

Abstract

Isthmian Central America boasts a diverse array of salamanders, with a total of 72 species spanning three genera. Among these, a subset of the subgenus Bolitoglossa (Eladinea), stands out as particularly rare within the Cordillera de Talamanca. Many of its species have been discovered since 2009, with the majority documented from fewer than five specimens. In our endeavor to elucidate the taxonomy of this species group, we conducted fieldwork at Tapantí and the summits of Utyum, Echandi, and Fábregas, aiming to locate specimens. Our efforts have led to the expansion of the distributional range and the elucidation of the known body size of Bolitoglossa bramei, while Bolitoglossa robinsoni underwent redefinition. Furthermore, we describe two additional species herein, including a miniature salamander from Cerro Utyum and another salamander of moderate size from Valle del Silencio. As result of this study, the Bolitoglossa diminuta species group is now recognized to encompass seven species, all confined within the limits of the Cordillera de Talamanca.

Amphibia, caudate, Central America, Costa Rica, Panama 

Photograph in preservation of (A) Bolitoglossa robinsoni (UCR11216), holotype from Cerro Echandi and in-life photographs of species found in the Talamanca Mountain range during this study. (B) B. bramei (UCR21930) from Valledel Silencio, (C) B. bramei (UCR23698) from Cerro Fábregas, (D) B. diminuta (UCR24413) from Tapantí, (E) B. pygmaea (UCR23697) from Cerro Fábregas, and (F) B. pygmaea (no collected) from Cerro Echandi.

 Photos by E. Arias (A,C,E), Victor Acosta (B), Brian Kubicki (D), and Omar zúñiga (F). 

Bolitoglossa chiquitica sp. nov.

Costa Rican Miniaturized Salamander

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition, it is from the Spanish word “chiquitica”, a popular diminutive used by Costa Rican people to refer to especially small things or animals. This name is given in reference to the small size of this species and its restricted distribution to Costa Rica. 

Holotype of Bolitoglossa silentium sp. nov. (UCR20489) in life.

Photograph by Luis G. Artavia.

Bolitoglossa silentium sp. nov.

Valle del Silencio Web-footed Salamander

Etymology. The specific epithet, silentium, is a noun in apposition and is from Latin, meaning silence. The Spanish meaning of silence is “silencio”, this name was chosen in recognition of the site where this species was found, Valle del Silencio (Silent Valley). 

Erick Arias, Gerardo Chaves, Brian Kubicki and Gabriela Parra-Olea. 2024. Taxonomic Assessment of the Bolitoglossa (Eladinea) Subgenus (Caudata: Plethodontidae) with the Description of Two New Species from the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica.  Zootaxa. 5537(2); 211-233. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5537.2.3

 Researchgate.net/publication/385654079_Taxonomic_assessment_of_Eladinea_subgenus_with_two_new_species_from_Costa_Rica

  facebook.com/eapiedra/posts/2477155595791262

[Botany • 2023] Stenostephanus purpureus (Acanthaceae: Justicieae: Isoglossinae) • A New Species from Costa Rica and Panama—Overlooked for More than 150 Years

 Stenostephanus purpureus 

in Daniel et Kriebel, 2023.

 DOI: 10.3100/hpib.v28iss2.2023.n3

 Abstract  

Comparative studies of macromorphological and palynological characters of plants representing Stenostephanus silvaticus from southern Mexico and southern Central America reveal that those from the two geographically isolated regions represent different taxa. Stenostephanus purpureus is described as a new species from Costa Rica and Panama. It differs from S. silvaticus of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Veracruz, Mexico by numerous characters, including: pyramidal inflorescences with rachises, dichasial peduncles, and floral pedicels glabrous; corollas blue-purple to purple with both lips recoiled; and pollen subspheroidal with a fossulate interapertural band of exine bearing a medial row of gemmae and baculae. We provide a description of S. purpureus and a key to, images of, and map showing the distributions of both species.

KEYWORDS: Stenostephanus silvaticus, pollen, nototriby/sternotriby/pleurotriby

Thomas F. Daniel and Ricardo Kriebel. 2023. Stenostephanus purpureus (Acanthaceae: Justicieae: Isoglossinae), A New Species from Costa Rica and Panama—Overlooked for More than 150 Years. Harvard Papers in Botany. 28(2); 655-662. DOI: doi.org/10.3100/hpib.v28iss2.2023.n3

 calacademy.org/phenomena/what-makes-a-new-species-a-new-species

Los estudios comparativos de caracteres macromorfológicos y palinológicos de plantas que representan a Stenostephanus silvaticus del sur de México y el sur de Centroamérica revelan que las de las dos regiones geográficamente aisladas representan taxones diferentes. Stenostephanus purpureus se describe como una especie nueva de Costa Rica y Panamá. Se diferencia de S. silvaticus de Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco y Veracruz, México por numerosos caracteres, entre ellos: inflorescencias piramidales con raquis, pedúnculos bicaisales y pedicelos florales glabros; corolas azul-púrpura a púrpura con ambos labios retraídos; y polen subesferoidal con una banda interapertural fosulada de exina que lleva una fila medial de yemas y báculas. Proporcionamos una descripción de S. purpureus y una clave, imágenes y un mapa que muestra las distribuciones de ambas especies.

[Herpetology • 2024] Atelopus calima • A New Species of Harlequin Toad (Anura: Bufonidae: Atelopus) from the Western Cordillera of Colombia, with comments on other forms

 Atelopus calima 

 Velásquez-Trujillo, Castro-Herrera, Lötters & Plewnia, 2024

  salamandra-journal.com 

 Researchgate.net/publication/378241393

Abstract

The harlequin toads (Bufonidae, Atelopus) from the Cordillera Occidental of Colombia are poorly understood, with several species being known only from few specimens and a single locality. Material from the Yotoco area, Departamento Valle del Cauca, has been addressed in previous studies and was allocated ambiguously to different available names. We here describe the Yotoco Atelopus as a species new to science as it is readily distinguished from all congenerics by a combination of morphological characters (i.e., snout profile, cranial crests, skin texture, pattern and coloration). In addition, we comment on the taxonomy of three Atelopus populations from the Cordillera Occidental and the Cordillera Central of Colombia; two of them we tentatively assign to A. nicefori and A. sonsonensis, respectively. The third one remains of unclear status. The need for further examination of the harlequin toads from the Andes of Colombia in an integrative taxonomic framework is emphasized. 

Key words. Amphibia, Anura, Atelopus calima sp. n., conservation, morphology, taxonomy

 Amplectant couple of Atelopus calima sp. n. in life (individuals not collected), photographed in March 1988 at Reserva Nacional Forestal Bosque de Yotoco.

Photograph: F. Castro-Herrera.

Atelopus calima sp. n.

Diagnosis: Atelopus calima (Figs 2–4) can be readily distinguished from all other described species by the combination of medium body size, projected snout with a knob-like protuberance on the tip and dorsal as well as lateral skin smooth with few scattered large and flat warts which are covered with clustered spiculae on the flanks and whitish brown to cream flanks with dark brown warts in preservative. It is most similar to the central Cordillera endemics A. nocturnus and A. sonsonensis. Further, A. calima resembles the western Cordillera endemics A. carauta, A. chocoensis, A. famelicus (including its junior synonym A. negreti), A. galactogaster, A.  longirostris (including its junior synonyms A.  boussingaulti and A. longirostris marmorata), A. lynchi sensu stricto, A. nicefori and A. pictiventris, and the central Cordillera endemics A. quimbaya, A. sanjosei and A. sernai.

Etymology: The specific name calima is a noun in apposition in dedication to the Calima culture (ca. 1600 BC to 1700 AD), which during their early Ilama and Yotoco phases exclusively inhabited the upper Río Calima region and its vicinities in the Cordillera Occidental where the new species is found. The Calima people honoured anurans, which they also depicted in the form of jewellery. We propose to use the English common name ‘Calima Harlequin Toad’ and the Spanish common name ‘Rana Arlequín de Calima’ for this new species.

 

David Andrés Velásquez-Trujillo, Fernando Castro-Herrera, Stefan Lötters and Amadeus Plewnia. 2024. A New Species of Harlequin Toad from the Western Cordillera of Colombia (Bufonidae: Atelopus), with comments on other forms. SALAMANDRA. 60(1): 67–81   

 salamandra-journal.com/index.php/contents/2024-vol-60 

Researchgate.net/publication/378241393_A_new_species_of_harlequin_toad_from_the_Western_Cordillera_of_Colombia

 

Resumen. Los sapos arlequín (Bufonidae, Atelopus) de la Cordillera Occidental de Colombia son poco conocidos, con varias especies conocidas sólo a partir de unos pocos especímenes y una sola localidad. El material del área de Yotoco, Departamento del Valle del Cauca, ha sido abordado en estudios previos y fue asignado de manera ambigua a diferentes nombres disponibles. Aquí describimos al Atelopus de Yotoco como una especie nueva para la ciencia, ya que se distingue fácilmente de todos los congenéricos por una combinación de características (i.e., perfil del hocico, crestas craneales, textura de la piel, patrón y coloración). Adicionalmente, comentamos la taxonomía des tres poblaciones de Atelopus de la Cordillera Occidental y Central de Colombia. Asignamos tentativamente dos de ellos a A. nicefori y A. sonsonensis, respectivamente. El tercero sigue sin estar claro. Se enfatiza la necesidad de realizar un examen más profundo de los sapos arlequín de los Andes de Colombia en un marco taxonómico integrador. 

Palabras clave. Amphibia, Anura, Atelopus calima sp. n., conservación, morfología, taxonomía.

[Botany • 2023] Casearia isthmica (Salicaceae) • A New Species from Central Panama and insights into its Phylogenetic Position within the Genus

Casearia isthmica de Mestier & O. Ortiz, 

in de Mestier, Pineda, Fonseca et Ortiz, 2023.

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.236.108651

Abstract

We describe here a new species of Casearia from Panama based on both morphological and molecular data. Casearia isthmica sp. nov. is restricted to the mid-elevation cloud forests of Central Panama and presents morphological similarities with two more widespread species, C. sanchezii from high elevation areas of El Salvador and Mexico and C. tremula from the Caribbean, Central America, and Northern South America. Casearia isthmica differs in presenting pedunculated and congested inflorescences with up to 20 flowers, as well as flowers with 12 stamens and a pubescent style. Phylogenetic analysis based on selected plastid (petD, trnK-matK, rpl16 and rps4-trnLF) and nuclear (GBSSI and ITS) markers shows that the new species belongs to subclade B3 of Casearia, a lineage that encompasses species from Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Results of the morphological and molecular analysis were congruent and allowed a broader understanding of this new taxon, especially regarding its relationships to other Casearia.

Key words: Molecular phylogeny, Neotropics, new species, Samydeae

Casearia isthmica de Mestier & O. Ortiz
A flowering branch B inflorescence C flowers at anthesis D fruiting branch E leaves F ripe fruit G bark.

Photos A, C, E (back side of the leaf) by Carmen Galdames (Galdames 6153). Photos D, E (front side of the leaf) by Carmen Galdames (Galdames 6642). Photo B by Ernesto Campos (Sumich 151).

 Photos G, E by Ernesto Campos Plate by Marco Cedeño-Fonseca.  

 

Casearia isthmica de Mestier & O. Ortiz 
A branches B twig and stipules C trunk base and roots D lenticellate bark. Photos A, B by Carmen Galdames (Galdames 6642). Photo C by Ernesto Campos (Campos 1087). Photo D by Ernesto Campos. Plate by Marco Cedeño-Fonseca.

 Casearia isthmica de Mestier & O.Ortiz, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the geographic distribution of the new species, which is restricted to the Isthmus of Panama.

Astrid de Mestier, Ernesto Campos Pineda, Marco Cedeño Fonseca and Orlando O. Ortiz. 2023. A New Species of Casearia Jacq. (Salicaceae) from Central Panama and insights into its Phylogenetic Position within the Genus. PhytoKeys. 236: 97-112. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.236.108651