[Botany • 2026] Telipogon vasqueznunezii (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) • A New Species for Northern Peru

 

Telipogon vasqueznunezii C.Martel, Chamaya & Iberico,
  

in Martel, Chamaya Gonzáles, Ibérico Vela, Edquén, Rodríguez et Iturralde. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.15517/j4h3bb59 

 facebook.com/JamesChamaya 

Abstract

Telipogon is a highly diverse genus in the Andes, yet it remains incompletely documented in northern Peru. Telipogon vasqueznunezii is morphologically similar to T. hystrix but differs in the oblong-ligulate lip, the two small lobes at the lip base, the absence of a protrusion on the lip, and the tuft of acicular setae on the columnar appendix. A detailed description, illustrations, a distribution map, and a conservation assessment are provided here.

Keywords: Andes, miniature Telipogon, montane forest relic, Telipogon embreei, Telipogon hystrix

Telipogon vasqueznunezii.
 A. Habit. B. Portion of inflorescence with flowers. C. Flower, lateral view. D. Flower, ¾ view. E. Details of setae with stellate apices. F. Anther cap with pollinarium and tuft of setae on the columnar appendix, ventral view. G. Pollinarium, ventral view.

Based on J.Chamaya 106 (holotype CPUN). Drawn by Juan F. Montoya Quino.

Telipogon vasqueznunezii.
 A. Habit. B. Portion of inflorescence with flowers. C. Leaves. D. Bract of the inflorescence. E. Flower bud. F. Flower, frontal view. G. Flower, lateral view. H. Dissected flower. I. Details of the lip trichomes. J. Ovary and column, lateral view. K. Column, frontal view. L. Column, ventral view. M. Anther cap, frontal and dorsal views. N. Pollinarium.

Based on W. Tafur 131 (UNACH). Plate prepared by Jose D. Edquén.

Telipogon vasqueznunezii.
 A. Plant in situ. B. Vegetative plant. C. Two plants with sub-erect inflorescences. D. The same individual shown in the background in C, with the inflorescence becoming pendant during further development.

Photos by James A. Chamaya G.

Comparison of flowers of Telipogon vasqueznunezii and T. hystrix. 
A. Flower of Telipogon vasqueznunezii, ¾ view. B. Flower of T. vasqueznunezii , lateral view.
C. Flower of T. hystrix, ¾ view. D. Flower of T. hystrix, lateral view.

Photos by James A. Chamaya G. (A–B) and Gabriel Iturralde (C–D).

Telipogon vasqueznunezii C.Martel, Chamaya & Iberico, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Telipogon vasqueznunezii is most similar to Telipogon hystrix (Dodson) N.H.Williams & Dressler but is distinguished by the larger flowers (9–11 × 8–13 mm vs. 5 × 5 mm), the obovate to sub-oblong petals (vs. narrowly ovate), the oblong-ligulate lip (vs. elliptical to oblong), the sub-auriculate lip base with a pair of small lobes (vs. the sagittate base with two long lobes), the absence of a protrusion on the lip (vs. a hump-like protrusion on the lower half), and one tuft of acicular setae on the columnar appendix (vs. one tuft of setae with a stellate apex on the columnar appendix).

Eponymy: The species is named after Dr Leopoldo Pompeyo Vásquez Núñez, a Peruvian botanist and professor at Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo. Professor Vásquez has dedicated his life to better understanding the plant diversity of northern Peru with a focus on potentially useful plants.

Carlos Martel, James Alexander Chamaya Gonzáles, Gustavo Ibérico Vela, José D. Edquén,

William Tafur Rodríguez and Gabriel A. Iturralde. 2026. A New Species of Telipogon (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) for Northern Peru. LANKESTERIANA. 26(2): 83–92. DOI: doi.org/10.15517/j4h3bb59 [29 May 2026] 

 facebook.com/JamesChamaya/posts/10242235437720353

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Stenocercus aguilari • Morphological and Genetic Evidence support New Species of Stenocercus (Iguania: Tropiduridae) from the Peruvian Andes

  

  Stenocercus aguilari  

Castillo-Urbina, Rios-Roque, Barrera-Moscoso & Mendoza, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5796.2.5

Abstract

The genus Stenocercus comprises a diverse group of 80 recognized species distributed across South America, with approximately 65% (52 species) occurring in Peru. The Department of Ancash, situated in the central Andes and encompassing the Cordillera Negra and Cordillera Blanca, is a topographically complex region marked by prominent geographic barriers that may promote allopatric speciation and influence patterns of Andean biodiversity, particularly within Stenocercus lineages. Populations previously assigned to S. chrysopygus from the puna habitats of Ancash exhibit notable variation in diagnostic traits and coloration, suggesting that this taxon may represent a species complex. However, inconsistent morphological diagnoses and limited genetic data have hindered accurate taxonomic resolution, underscoring the need for integrative approaches. Furthermore, a recent study showed that only populations from the Santa River Valley correspond to S. chrysopygus sensu stricto, while the other populations assigned to the distribution of S. chrysopygus constitute lineages of different species. In this study, we describe Stenocercus aguilari sp. nov. from Huari Province, Ancash Department, and present a phylogenetic hypothesis of its position based on the mitochondrial ND2 gene. We applied multivariate morphological analyses of scale counts using MANOVA and Gaussian Mixture Models, as well as molecular species delimitation approaches based on both distance-based and tree-based single-locus methods. All analyses support the taxonomic distinctiveness of S. aguilari sp. nov. Morphologically, the new species belongs to the group characterized by granular scales on the posterior surface of the thighs, vertebral scales similar in size and shape to adjacent rows, and three caudal whorls per autotomic segment. It is distinguished from other members of this group by the absence of a posthumeral mite pocket, the presence of a Type 1 postfemoral mite pocket, higher number of midbody scales and the presence of a distinct black patch on the pelvic region of the venter in adult males. Finally, the focal lineage is divergent from all nominal species in the Stenocercus genus for which respective data are available by >14.8% uncorrected pairwise distance in the ND2 gene.

Reptilia, Integrative taxonomy, multivariate analysis, molecular species delimitation, Cordillera Blanca

Stenocercus aguilari sp. nov. preserved holotype, adult female, SVL 71.54 mm (MUSM 41243):
 dorsal (A), lateral (B), and ventral (C) views of the head; dorsal (D) and ventral (E) views of the entire specimen.

Photographs by E. Castillo-Urbina. Scale bar = 10 mm.

(A–C) Lateral, ventral, and dorsal views in life of the adult female holotype of Stenocercus aguilari sp. nov.(MUSM 41243), SVL 71.5 mm.
(D) Panoramic view of the type locality in Ancash, San Marcos. (E–F) Shrubs and rocky microhabitats used for foraging and basking.

Stenocercus aguilari sp. nov.

 

ERNESTO CASTILLO-URBINA, SHARY RIOS-ROQUE, DIEGO BARRERA-MOSCOSO, ALEJANDRO MENDOZA. 2026. Morphological and Genetic Evidence support New Species of Stenocercus (Iguania: Tropiduridae) from the Peruvian Andes. Zootaxa. 5796(2); 313-331. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5796.2.5 [2026-04-21]

[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]

[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.  

[Botany • 2025] Puya vallis-colcaensis (Bromeliaceae: Puyoideae) • A New Species from the Peruvian Andes

 

 Puya vallis-colcaensis  Treviño & Gouda,

in Treviño-Zevallos, Gouda, Quipuscoa et Bravo, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.8  

Researchgate.net/publication/388487988

Abstract

A new Puya species, Puya vallis-colcaensis (Bromeliaceae, Puyopsis), that inhabits the high Andean region of Arequipa in southern Peru, is described and illustrated. This species has greenish-black petals, a compound inflorescence with branches measuring 11–15 cm long, floral bracts that turn dark when dry, and sepals with dense stellate trichomes, carinate toward the apex. This species was locally mistaken for the similar P. weberbaueri, but a comparative and detailed analysis of its morphology reveals that it should be considered a new taxon.

 

Puyopsis, Colca canyon, mountain range, endemism, valley, Monocots

 Puya vallis-colcaensis.
A. Habit; B. Branch of inflorescence and primary bract; C. petal; D. Sepals, on the left abaxial and adaxial view on the right; E. Flower and floral bract; F. Flower base and reproductive organs; G. Transverse section of the ovary; H. Fruit after dehiscence; I. View distal part of the peduncle; J. View of basal part of the peduncle.

Photos by Italo Treviño.

 Puya vallis-colcaensis.
 A. Habitat in Colca Canyon, Arequipa, B. Plant in habitat with a Condor in the background, circling around, C. Hummingbird visiting the flowers.

Photos by Italo Treviño (A, C), J.M. Wu (B).

Puya vallis-colcaensis Treviño & Gouda, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. In this placethis species reaches large numbers and is well distributed, being one of the characteristic species of this territory. 

Italo F. TREVIÑO-ZEVALLOS, Eric J. GOUDA, Victor QUIPUSCOA and Cinthia BRAVO. 2025. Puya vallis-colcaensis (Bromeliaceae) A New Species from the Peruvian Andes.  Phytotaxa. 683(1); 72-78. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.8 [2025-01-29]

 Researchgate.net/publication/388487988_Puya_vallis-colcaensis_a_new_species_from_the_Peruvian_Andes

 

[Mammalogy • 2026] Oreoryzomys jumandi, O. balneator, O. hesperus, ... • Mountains of Diversity: A Systematic Revision of the Andean Rodent Genus Oreoryzomys (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae)

 

(A-E) Oreoryzomys balneator (Thomas, 1900);
(F-J) O. hesperus (Anthony, 1924);
 (K-O) Oreoryzomys jumandi Brito, Vargas, García, Tinoco & Pardiñas, 

in Brito​, Vargas, Tinoco, García, Carrión-Olmedo, Koch, Wistuba, Nivelo-Villavicencio et Pardiñas. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20515

Abstract

The until recently monotypic cricetid genus Oreoryzomys inhabits piedmont and cloud forests, primarily in eastern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Erected following the taxonomic revision of a polytypic Oryzomys complex two decades ago, Oreoryzomys has remained poorly understood, with most references limited to the original descriptions of its type species (O. balneator) and a subspecies (O. b. hesperus). Here, we present an integrative taxonomic revision of the genus, based on new field collections and comprehensive museum-based analyses. Phylogenetic reconstructions from mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences, combined with morphometric and qualitative morphological data, support the recognition of three species: (1) a redescribed O. balneator from central-eastern Ecuador; (2) O. hesperus, elevated to full species rank based on topotypic material; and (3) a new species from populations of the Quijos River Valley, northeastern Ecuador. This revision triples the known species diversity of Oreoryzomys and highlights the genus as a notable radiation of small-bodied oryzomyines adapted to Andean environments. Our findings emphasize the need for systematic revisions of other poorly known Andean rodents to better reveal the hidden diversity of cricetids and the role of the Andes in shaping Neotropical biodiversity.

Keywords: Andes, Ecuador, New species, Oreoryzomys balneator, Oreoryzomys hesperus, Oryzomyini, Peru

 

External appearance of the three Oreoryzomys species (left panels) and details of their feet and hands (right panels).
Top row: (A) live lateral view (O. balneator, MECN 5815); (B–C) plantar and dorsal views of foot; (D–E) palmar and dorsal views of hand (MECN 6140).
Middle row: (F) live lateral view (O. a. hesperus, MECN 4789); (G–H) plantar and dorsal views of foot; (I–J) palmar and dorsal views of hand.
Bottom row: (K) live lateral view (Oreoryzomys jumandi sp. nov., MECN 8278, holotype); (L–M) plantar and dorsal views of foot; (N–O) palmar and dorsal views of hand.

Scale = 10 mm. Photographs (A–J, L–O) by J Brito; (K) by R Wistuba.

Oreoryzomys jumandi new species. Brito, Vargas, García, Tinoco & Pardiñas

 

Jumandi Mountain Mouse, 

Ratón montano de Jumandi (in Spanish)

 

Diagnosis: A species of Oreoryzomys distinguished by the following combination of characters: incisive foramina short, not reaching the anterior margin of M1 (Fig. 6F); frontoparietal (coronal) suture distinctly V-shaped (Fig. 6E); stapedial process of the auditory bulla elongate and pointed, projecting beyond the posterior margin of the alisphenoid (Fig. 9F); median lacerate foramen broad and positioned at a distance from the bulla; M3 with the hypoflexus shallow, forming a lake-like structure; and m2 with a long mesolophid fused to the mesostyle (Fig. 11C).

 

Etymology: Named in honor of Jumandi, a Quijo warrior who led the first indigenous uprising against Spanish conquistadors in the Americas on 29 November 1578 (Santos-Granero, 1992). In recognition of his historical significance, Jumandi was officially declared a National Hero by the Asamblea Nacional del Ecuador in November 2011.

Jorge Brito​, Rocío Vargas, Nicolás Tinoco, Rubí García, Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo, Claudia Koch, Ricarda Wistuba, Carlos Nivelo-Villavicencio and Ulyses F.J. Pardiñas. 2026. Mountains of Diversity: A Systematic Revision of the Andean Rodent Genus Oreoryzomys (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae). PeerJ. 14:e20515. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20515 [January 9, 2026]

 

[Botany • 2025] Gentianella tayacajensis (Gentianaceae: Swertiinae) • A New Species from Peru

 

Gentianella tayacajensis  S.J. Castillo, H. Beltrán & J.S. Pringle,

in Castillo, Beltrán et Pringle, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.14522/darwiniana.2025.131.1266

Abstract

A new species from Peru, Gentianella tayacajensis, collected in the department of Huancavelica, Tayacaja province, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically close to G. tristicha, G. graminea and G. oreosilene, from which it is distinguished by presenting rotaceous corollas with narrowly oblanceolate coroline lobes, 18-22 mm long and 5-6.2 mm wide; also, by the presence of filiform trichomes with rounded protuberances inside the corolla. The morphological differences between the new species and related species are discussed and its geographic distribution is mapped.

Keywords: Endemic, floral trichome, Swertiinae, taxonomy, Andean

Gentianella tayacajensis: A, plant habit; B, corolla and androecium; C, calyx; D, bract; E, bract colleters; F, ginoecium.

Drawings by Susy J. Castillo.

Gentianella tayacajensis: A, habitat; B, plant habit; C, basal branching; D, flowers; E, fruits; F, corolla trichomes.

Photographs by Susy J. Castillo.

Gentianella tayacajensis S.J. Castillo, H. Beltrán & J.S. Pringle, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Gentianella tayacajensis sp. nov. is morphologically closer to Gentianella tristicha (Gilg) J.S. Pringle, Gentianella graminea (Kunth) Fabris and Gentianella oreosilene (Gilg) J.S. Pringle; but differs from G. tristicha in its opposite (vs. verticillate) leaves and narrowly obovate corolla lobes 18–22 mm long and 5–6.2 mm wide (vs. wide obovate, 13–19 mm long and 6–10 mm wide); from G. graminea in its lilac, rotate (vs. white, campanulate) corolla, and longer and narrower corolla lobes (vs. obovate, 10–14 mm long and 6–9.5 mm wide); from G. oreosilene in its pedicels 13–50 mm long (vs. 10–20 mm long), rotate (vs. campanulate) corolla, 26–31 mm long (vs. 15–17 mm long), and longer corolla lobes (vs. 11–12 long); and from all three species in presence of filiform adaxial corolla trichomes with rounded protuberances (vs. trichomes smooth in G. graminea and G. tristicha, absent in G. oreosilene).

Susy Juanita Castillo, Hamilton Beltrán and James S. Pringle. 2025. Gentianella tayacajensis (Gentianaceae), A New Species from Perú. Darwiniana, Nueva Serie, 13(1), 145–152. DOI: doi.org/10.14522/darwiniana.2025.131.1266

[Mammalogy • 2025] Oreoryzomys huancabambensis • Introduction to the Systematics of Oreoryzomys balneator (Rodentia: Cricetidae) with the Description of A New Species from Peruvian montane forests

[B, D] Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov. Llancachahua-Tarqui, Ruelas, Escobar & Pacheco,  
[A, E] Oreoryzomys balneator  (Thomas, 1900)

in Llancachahua-Tarqui, Ruelas, Escobar et Pacheco Torres, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.15381/rpb.v32i4.31354 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398062542

Abstract

Oreoryzomys is a monotypic genus represented solely by Oreoryzomys balneator and has long been considered enigmatic due to the scarce information available since its description more than a century ago. In this study, we present a systematic revision of O. balneator with an integrative approach, focusing on Peruvian populations. We analyzed 73 specimens using morphological methods, complemented with phylogenetic analyses based on two mitochondrial genes. Our results reveal that the Peruvian populations previously referred as O. balneator represent a new and unnamed species. This species is genetically and morphologically differentiated, and geographically isolated from O. balneator sensu stricto (from Tungurahua Province, the type locality) and from the western Ecuadorian populations of El Oro Province. We formally describe this new species which inhabits montane forests from southeastern Ecuador (Zamora Chinchipe Province) to northeastern Peru (Piura and Cajamarca departments), at elevations between 1520 to 2990 m a.s.l. This work represents the first systematic revision of this genus, providing novel insights into its phylogenetic relationships, distribution, and natural history.

Keywords: Andes, Huancabamba Depression, Oryzomyini, Piura Department, Yungas

External comparisons between Oreoryzomys balneator (AMNH 67569, A, C, E)
and Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov. (MUSM 10701, B, D, F).

Live specimen of Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov. (MUSM 55512, holotype) from Habaspite, Carmen de la Frontera, Piura Department. Note the presence of three commensal staphylinid beetles on the head of the specimen.

Photograph taken by Víctor Pacheco.

Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov.

 A) Panoramic view of the type locality of  Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov. in Habaspite, Carmen de la Frontera Province, Piura Department, in 2021.
B) Typical habitats within forest patches, and C) low-scale mining activities in the type locality.

Photographs taken by Víctor Pacheco.

 

Daniel Llancachahua-Tarqui, Dennisse Ruelas, Elizabeth Escobar and Víctor Raúl Pacheco Torres. 2025. Introduction to the Systematics of Oreoryzomys balneator (Rodentia; Cricetidae) with the Description of A New Species from Peruvian montane forests. Revista peruana de biología. 32(4): e31354. DOI: doi.org/10.15381/rpb.v32i4.31354 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398062542_Introduction_to_the_Systematics_of_Oreoryzomys_balneator_with_the_description_of_a_new_species_from_Peruvian_montane_forests

[Botany • 2025] Solanum stellaticalycinum (Solanaceae) • A New simple-leaved Species of the Pteroidea Clade from Peru

 Solanum stellaticalycinum M.A.Cueva, Treviño & D.Sotomayor, 

in Cueva Manchego, Treviño, Sotomayor, Villalba et Knapp, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.166870

Photos by M.A. Cueva. 

 

Abstract

A new species from the montane forests in central Peru belonging to the Pteroidea clade of Solanum is described and illustrated. Solanum stellaticalycinum M.A.Cueva, Treviño & D.Sotomayor, sp. nov. is known only from the Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park and adjacent areas (Prov. Oxapampa, Dept. Pasco, Peru). With simple leaves, it is morphologically similar to S. anceps Ruiz & Pav., a widespread species in South America, and to S. angustialatum Bitter and S. incurvum Ruiz & Pav., both known from the montane forests of northern and central Peru. Solanum stellaticalycinum is distinguished from all these by its purple pedicels and flowers with linear to narrowly triangular calyx lobes, a membranous corolla with lanceolate lobes and ovoid-conical, smooth or slightly rugose fruits. Here we discuss the taxonomic affinities, distribution and conservation status of this new species. We also include a key to all species of Pteroidea with complete distributions at the country level and department level distributions within Peru.

Key words: Andes, cloud forest, Solanum, taxonomy, Yanachaga-Chemillén

 Solanum stellaticalycinum M.A.Cueva, Treviño & D.Sotomayor. 
A. Habit; B. Inflorescence; C. Flower; D. Floral dissection; E. Anther detail; F. Gynoecium detail. G, H. Fruit longitudinally dissected to reveal seeds (based on M. Cueva et al. 645).

Illustration by Maria I. Villalba.

 

 Solanum stellaticalycinum M.A.Cueva, Treviño & D.Sotomayor.
A, B. Habit; C. Inflorescence; D. Flower at full anthesis; E. Floral buds; F. Fruit (M. Cueva et al. 645).

Photos by M.A. Cueva. 

 Solanum stellaticalycinum M.A.Cueva, Treviño & D.Sotomayor, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Solanum stellaticalycinum differs from all other species of the Pteroidea clade in its calyx with narrow linear lobes and corolla with narrow lanceolate lobes with elongate, acuminate apices that are spreading at anthesis. It differs from the sympatric S. anceps Ruiz & Pav. in its larger flowers and fruits on pendent rather than erect pedicels, and from S. mite Ruiz & Pav. and S. conicum Ruiz & Pav. in its simple, rather than deeply pinnatifid, leaves.

Etymology. The species epithet refers to the shape of the calyx, which is like a star (see Figs 1, 2). This character is not present in any other species of the Pteroidea clade.

Marco A. Cueva Manchego, Italo F. Treviño, Diego A. Sotomayor, María I. Villalba, Sandra Knapp. 2025. Solanum stellaticalycinum, A New simple-leaved Species of the Pteroidea Clade from Peru (Potato Clade, Solanum, Solanaceae). PhytoKeys. 266: 117-128. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.166870

Resumen: Se describe e ilustra una nueva especie de los bosques montanos del centro del Peru, perteneciente al clado Pteroidea de Solanum. Solanum stellaticalycinum M.A.Cueva, Treviño & D.Sotomayor, sp. nov. se conoce únicamente del Parque Nacional Yanachaga-Chemillén y áreas adyacentes (Prov. Oxapampa, Depto. Pasco, Perú). Con hojas simples, es morfológicamente similar a S. anceps Ruiz & Pav., una especie ampliamente distribuida en Sudamérica, y a S. angustialatum Bitter y S. incurvum Ruiz & Pav., ambas conocidas de los bosques montanos del norte y centro del Perú. Solanum stellaticalycinum se distingue de todas estas por sus pedicelos morados y flores con lóbulos del cáliz lineales a estrechamente triangulares, una corola membranosa con lóbulos lanceolados y frutos ovoide-cónicos, lisos o ligeramente rugosos. Aquí discutimos las afinidades taxonómicas, la distribución y el estado de conservación de esta nueva especie. También incluimos una clave para todas las especies de Pteroidea con distribuciones completas a nivel de país y distribuciones a nivel de departamento dentro del Perú.

[Botany • 2025] Pleurothallis vallejoi (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A new species from the P. talpinaria complex, with Notes on Comparative Floral Morphology and Pollination Ecology

 

Pleurothallis vallejoi Sierra-Ariza, J. Alvarez-Diaz & Mark Wilson, 

in Sierra-Ariza, Alvarez-Diaz, Tinoco et Wilson. 2025.

 revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rlankesteriana

 Researchgate.net/publication/396843480

Abstract

A new species of Pleurothallis subgenus Talpinaria, discovered in the department of Tolima, Central Andes of Colombia, is described, illustrated, and discussed. The new species, Pleurothallis vallejoi is compared with P. talpinaria from Colombia and Venezuela, P. trimeroglossa from Peru and Ecuador, P. jostii, presumed to occur in Ecuador, and P. gracilicolumna from Colombia. The new species is distinguished from the previous ones by a lip with subquadrate lateral lobes, with narrowly elliptical basal auricles, and a callus that is elongated, thin, and slightly elevated, with the median lobe occupying almost half of the total lip length. Additionally, the pollination mechanism of the P. talpinaria complex is described and discussed.

Keywords: Andean orchids, Diptera, Pleurothallis gracilicolumna, Pleurothallis jostii, Pleurothallis talpinaria, Pleurothallis trimeroglossa, Sylvicola

Lankester composite digital plate of Pleurothallis vallejoi.
A. Habit. B. Flower. C. Dissected perianth. D. Lip and column lateral view. E. Lip. F. Column.

LCDP by M. A. Sierra-Ariza based on M.A. Sierra-Ariza, J. Alvarez-Diaz & Fernando Tinoco 491 (Holotipo: TOLI).

Pleurothallis vallejoi Sierra-Ariza, J. Alvarez-Diaz & Mark Wilson, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: P. vallejoi is morphologically most similar to P. trimeroglossa (Fig. 2), from which it differs in the sub-quadrate lateral lobes of the lip, 1.7–2.0 × 1.2–1.5 mm (vs. transversely oblong, 1.8–2.1 × 1.1–1.3 mm), basal auricles that are narrowly elliptical, 1.7–2.0 × 0.6–0.8 mm (vs. narrowly oblong, 2.0–2.3 × 0.4–0.6 mm), a callus that is elongated, thin, slightly elevated, and inconspicuous (vs. dome-shaped, flattened, and notably visible), and a median lobe of 4.1–4.3 mm long (vs. 4.8–5.1 mm).

Mario Alexei Sierra-Ariza, José Armando Alvarez-Diaz, Fernando Tinoco and Mark Wilson. 2025.A new species of Pleurothallis (Pleurothallidinae) from the P. talpinaria complex, with Notes on Comparative Floral Morphology and Pollination Ecology. LANKESTERIANA. 25(3): 151–166. DOI: 10.15517/zzdx7h51 

https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rlankesteriana/article/view/2944

 Researchgate.net/publication/396843480_A_New_Species_of_PLEUROTHALLIS_from_the_P_TALPINARIA_COMPLEX