[Botany • 2026] Puya ukumari (Bromeliaceae: Puyoideae) • A New montane bromeliad Species from southeastern Peru

Puya ukumari  Treviño, Yuca & Gouda, 

in Yuca-Palomino, Mamani-Mayta, Champi-Charalla, Condori-Cuti, Llacta-Gomez, Treviño-Zevallos, Gouda, Forsyth, Whitworth et Pillco-Huarcaya, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.280.211255

Abstract

Montane forests of the Tropical Andes are among the most diverse and endemic-rich ecosystems in the world; however, they remain insufficiently documented, particularly in remote and topographically complex landscapes. Here, we describe Puya ukumari sp. nov. (Bromeliaceae), a new species from humid montane forests and forest–puna ecotonal habitats in the Kosñipata and Mapacho valleys of southeastern Peru, occurring at elevations between 2,300 and 3,300 m a.s.l. The species was first detected during a long-term ecological monitoring program in the region but remained unrecognized for several years due to the limited number of recorded flowering individuals. Its taxonomic identity became evident following the observation of flowering plants during field surveys conducted in 2025. Puya ukumari resembles P. lineata in possessing a simple, nodding, dark-colored inflorescence; however, it is readily distinguished by its considerably larger flowering plant height (160–200 cm vs. 40–80 cm), significantly wider inflorescence diameter (11–12.5 cm vs. 3.5–6 cm), larger lanate sepals (30–33 × 15–18 mm vs. 13–18 × 6–10 mm and floccose), and markedly darker, nearly black petals. These characters support its recognition as a distinct taxon within the group of Puya species with simple inflorescences. The species is currently known from a limited number of confirmed localities within a restricted elevational range. Based on its distribution and the observed threats to its habitat, a preliminary conservation assessment suggests that it should be classified as Endangered (EN) according to IUCN Red List criteria.

Key words: Bromeliaceae, montane forest, Peru, plant taxonomy, Tropical Andes

 

Puya ukumari sp. nov.
A. Habit; B. Lateral view of the flower and longitudinal section of the flower; C. Androecium and gynoecium; D. Stigma with spirally twisted lobes; E. Adaxial and abaxial views of the floral bract; F. Juvenile leaves; G. Spine; H. Blade indument and marginal leaf spines; I. Upper inflorescence bracts near the flowers; J. Basal inflorescence bracts; K. Lateral view of the fruit; L. Bottom view of the fruit; M. Transverse section of the fruit; N. Winged seed.

Illustration by Nidia Sanchez.

Puya ukumari sp. nov.
 A. Inflorescence; B. Frontal view of the flower; C. Lateral view of the flower; D. Longitudinal section of the flower; E1. Androecium and gynoecium; E2. Dorsifixed anthers; E3. Stigma with spirally twisted lobes; F1. Upper right petal; F2. Upper left petal; F3. Lower petal; G1. Adaxial view of the floral bract; G2. Abaxial view of the floral bract; H1. Perianth dissection, showing sepals and petals; H2. Sepal apex; H3. Petal apex. Photographs by Jhon Yuca.

Ecological context, floral visitors, and early regeneration of Puya ukumari sp. nov. 
a. Habitat in humid upper montane forest and forest–puna ecotone, showing rocky slopes and discontinuous canopy where the species occurs;
b. Diurnal floral visitor (bee, Apis mellifera) interacting with flowers during anthesis; c. Diurnal floral visitor Boissonneaua matthewsii approaching the inflorescence; d. Nocturnal floral visitor (Anoura sp.) recorded by camera trap during night activity;
e. Seed germination and early seedling development under ambient montane forest conditions at Wayqecha Biological Station. Scale bar: 5 mm.

Puya ukumari Treviño, Yuca & Gouda, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Puya ukumari is similar to P. lineata but is readily distinguished by its much larger flowering size (160–200 cm vs. 40–80 cm), significantly wider inflorescence (11–12.5 cm in diameter vs. 3.5–6 cm), and much larger sepals (30–33 × 15–18 mm vs. 13–18 × 6–10 mm), which are lanate in P. ukumari and floccose in P. lineata, as well as by its markedly darker petals (nearly black vs. blue).

Etymology. The specific epithet ukumari is a noun in apposition derived from the Quechua word “ukumari”, meaning Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus). The species is dedicated to the Andean bear in recognition of the ecological importance of Puya species as a key component of its diet and of their close association within Andean montane ecosystems.

 Jhon A. Yuca-Palomino, Norma G. Mamani-Mayta, Luis A. Champi-Charalla, Elias Condori-Cuti, Narciso Llacta-Gomez, Italo F. Treviño-Zevallos, Eric J. Gouda, Adrian Forsyth, Andrew Whitworth and Ruthmery Pillco-Huarcaya. 2026. Puya ukumari sp. nov. (Bromeliaceae, Puyoideae), A New montane bromeliad Species from southeastern Peru. PhytoKeys. 280: 113-131. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.280.211255 [15-10-2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Liolaemus arequipensis • Taxonomic Nightmare: Hard Species Delimitation in Liolaemus (Squamata: Liolaemidae) Lizards of the Peruvian High Andean Plateau with a Description of A New Cryptic Species

Liolaemus arequipensis 

Huamaní-Valderrama, De la Riva, Salas, Santa-Cruz, Salazar, Sites & Aguilar-Puntriano, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d18100588

Abstract

Liolaemus species are the only lizards inhabiting the cold and hypoxic environments of the high Andean plateau. However, delimiting species within the Liolaemus montanus group across this region remains exceptionally challenging. Two taxonomically difficult groups in this area, the L. annectens and L. signifer complexes, comprise valid species and unassigned populations that require extensive taxonomic revision using modern species delimitation approaches. In this study, we perform phylogenetic, single-locus species delimitation and nuclear network analyses on these complexes. Our results show that within the L. annectens and L. signifer complexes, three and one lineages, respectively, are congruent with mitochondrial evidence and at least one haplotype network. L. annectens is supported by mitochondrial evidence but lacks unique haplotypes in both nuclear networks, and L. signifer shows inconclusive support by both mitochondrial and nuclear evidence. Based on these molecular results and morphological analyses, we describe a new Andean cryptic species, Liolaemus arequipensis sp. nov. from southern Peru.

Keywords: phylogeny; integrative taxonomy; single-locus delimitation; morphology; Liolaemus; Peru

 Holotype of Liolaemus arequipensis sp. nov., dorsal (A), ventral (B) and lateral (C) views.

Photographed by C. Salas.

Liolaemus arequipensis sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name refers to the Peruvian region of “Arequipa”, where the species was collected. The epithet arequipensis is an adjective in the nominative singular.

Ling Huamaní-Valderrama, Ignacio De la Riva, Cinthya Salas, Roy Santa-Cruz , Esther Salazar, Jack W. Sites, Jr. and César Aguilar-Puntriano. 2026. Taxonomic Nightmare: Hard Species Delimitation in Liolaemus (Squamata: Liolaemidae) Lizards of the Peruvian High Andean Plateau with a Description of a New Cryptic Species. Diversity. 18(10), 588; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d18100588

[Paleontology • 2026] New Fossil Material of Chelus colombiana (Testudines: Chelidae) from the Middle Miocene of Peru

 

Chelus colombiana MUSM-920
specimen from the Middle Miocene of Fitzcarrald Arch, Peru.
(A) Shell in anterior (cranial) view. (B) Shell in left lateral view. (C) Shell in posterior (caudal) view, showing both pelvic girdles articulated and sutured to the carapace and plastron. 

in Cadena, Salas-Gismondi, Zamora-Vega, ... et Pérez-García. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.palwor.2026.201135

  Artistic reconstruction  by Juan Giraldo

Abstract

We describe two fossil turtle shells of Chelus colombiana from Middle Miocene vertebrate localities in the Fitzcarrald Arch and Iquitos regions of Peru. One specimen represents one of the most complete fossil shells of the genus, also one of the largest known, measuring 84.6 cm in carapace length and estimated to have weighed approximately 65 kg. Morphological comparisons confirm synchronous consistency with other C. colombiana specimens from Colombia and Brazil, with only minor variation in the gular and extragular scutes. These new records extend the known geographic distribution of C. colombiana to the southwestern margins of the Pebas wetland system and support a broader pattern of body size gigantism among Miocene South American turtles, likely driven by ecological connectivity rather than climatic factors. However, the absence of associated cranial material remains a major obstacle to fully resolving the taxonomy of fossil Chelus, a problem further explored in this study.

Keywords: South America; Neogene; Pebas Formation; Testudines; Pleurodira; paleobiogeography

Systematic paleontology

Order Testudines Batsch, 1788 sensu Joyce et al., 2020a

Suborder Pleurodira Cope, 1865 sensu Joyce et al., 2020b

Family Chelidae Gray, 1825 sensu Joyce et al., 2021

Genus Chelus Duméril, 1806

Chelus colombiana Wood, 1976

 Shell of Chelus colombiana MUSM-920 specimen from the Middle Miocene of Fitzcarrald Arch, Peru. 
(A) Shell in anterior (cranial) view. (B) Shell in left lateral view. (C) Shell in posterior (caudal) view, showing both pelvic girdles articulated and sutured to the carapace and plastron.
 (D) Artistic reconstruction of Chelus colombiana by Juan Giraldo.

Edwin-Alberto Cadena, Rodolfo Salas-Gismondi, Camila Zamora-Vega, John Flynn, Pierre-Olivier Antoine, Patrice Baby and Adán Pérez-García. 2026. New Fossil Material of Chelus (Testudines: Chelidae) from the Middle Miocene of Peru. Palaeoworld. 35(5); 201135. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.palwor.2026.201135 [25 May 2026]

 

[Botany • 2026] Neea myrciifolia (Nyctaginaceae: Pisonieae) • A New Species discovered in central Peru

 

Neea myrciifolia  D.S.Costa & Farroñay,

in Costa, Farroñay, Rossetto, Gonzáles et Giacomin, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10369-7

Summary

Neea myrciifolia D.S.Costa & Farroñay (Nyctaginaceae, Pisonieae) a new species found exclusively in central Peru, in montane forest remnants, is here described, more than 90 years after the last Neea species was described for the country. Images of the morphological structures, a distribution map and a provisional conservation status of the new species, as well as taxonomic notes on morphologically similar species, are provided.

Key Words: endemism, Neotropical flora, Pisonieae, Reserva Comunal Yanesha, taxonomy

Neea myrciifolia.
A – B branches with pistillate flowers and fruits; C – D pistillate inflorescence.
A, C from R. Rojas 5731; B, D from R. Vásquez 36005.

photos by: Rocío del Pilar Rojas Gonzáles & Rodolfo Vásquez.

Neea myrciifolia D.S.Costa & Farroñay, sp. nov. 

Recognition. Neea myrciifolia can be easily distinguished from all other species in the genus by a unique combination of vegetative and reproductive characters: opposite leaves with abaxial surface with a verrucose texture covered with sparse, pubescent to tomentose, reddish trichomes, globose 2-branched inflorescences with tubular staminate and pistillate flowers and patent, open, deltoid perianth lobes.

Etymology. The specific epithet "myrciifolia" refers to the vegetative resemblance, e.g. opposite leaves and brochidodromus venation, to the genus Myrcia DC. (Myrtaceae).

Daniel da Silva Costa, Francisco Farroñay, Elson Felipe Sandoli Rossetto, Rocío del Pilar Rojas Gonzáles and Leandro L. Giacomin. 2026. Discovering Neea myrciifolia: the first New Species of Neea from Peru in over 90 years.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10369-7 [03 August 2026]

x.com/manuelujan/status/2088201291327488285

[Mammalogy • 2026] Phylogenomics and Museomics reveal Five distinct Species of Tiger Cats (Carnivora: Felidae: Leopardus) in South America

 

Leopardus tilcayo  Nogales-Ascarrunz, Aliaga-Rossel, Lescroart & Eizirik, 

in Lescroart, Nogales-Ascarrunz, Cassatt-Johnstone, Bonilla-Sánchez, ... et Eizirik, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2026.08.059

Highlights: 

• First discovery of a novel cat species in over a century: Leopardus tilcayo

• Description of a novel cat subspecies: Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo

• Phylogenomic resolution of the tiger cat complex, revealing five distinct species

• Museomics and novel approaches to assess evolutionary history and genomic diversity

Summary

The evolutionary history of elusive organisms can be characterized through genomic analyses, which have the power to reveal previously unknown taxa even in groups assumed to be well studied, such as cats. We have analyzed complete genomes of 38 individuals from the Neotropical cat genus Leopardus, including 26 individuals representing multiple evolutionary units of the contentious tiger cat (Leopardus tigrinus) species complex. Eight genomes were generated from museum specimens, which allowed the first genetic assessment of the type locality for L. tigrinus in the Guiana Shield. We found that this complex comprises five distinct species, including a novel cat species, discovered in the Bolivian Yungas and described in this study as L. tilcayo. The Peruvian Yungas unit of this complex also represents a distinct taxonomic entity, which we describe here as a novel subspecies, L. tigrinus antisuyo. Our phylogenomic analyses resolve the evolutionary relationships among the tiger cat geographic units, thus stabilizing their recalcitrant taxonomy and enabling adequate conservation assessment of these threatened felids. We also address other aspects of their evolution, including biogeography, past episodes of interspecies admixture, demographic history of each taxonomic unit, and temporal changes in genetic diversity. Altogether, our results clarify the evolutionary history of a complex radiation of wild cats, reveal novel taxa, and serve as a basis for conservation planning on behalf of these elusive wild cats.

 

Keywords: Bolivian Yungas, Peruvian Yungas, Felidae, Guiana Shield, historic DNA, Leopardus, museomics, concordance vector, new species, tilcayo

 

Live specimen of Leopardus tilcayo (sample ID: L. tilcayo BOl-2, voucher ID: MNHN-L2), a newly described tiger cat species from the Bolivian Yungas.

Photo by Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz

 

Family Felidae Batsch, 1788 

Subfamily Felinae Batsch, 1788 

 Leopardus Gray, 1842

Leopardus tilcayo sp. nov. Nogales-Ascarrunz, Aliaga-Rossel, Lescroart & Eizirik 

Type material: Holotype: CBF-11990, adult male. Live-captured and held in captivity, genome sequences NCBI SRA accession SRX30196846. Date: 09-2021; collectors: E. Aliaga-Rosel and P. Nogales-Ascarrunz (see Data S1).

Type locality: La Paz, Nor Yungas, near Arapata village (1,570 m above sea level [a.s.l.]), Bolivia. Coordinates: −16.248594, −67.634691 (WGS84).

Etymology: This species is named after the local name “tilcayo” used for this felid, which is widely known in the Bolivian Yungas zone. The name is treated as an unchanged noun in apposition.

Vernacular name: We propose “tilcayo” as the English common name, preserving the traditional local designation in recognition of its cultural and regional relevance.

Diagnosis: Leopardus tilcayo differs from L. pardinoides by its shorter pelage, lower contrast pattern, more expanded and irregular open rosettes, less bushy tail, and the absence of broad and complete caudal bands (see Data S1). It differs from L. tigrinus by its larger and more irregular flank markings, longer and fuller tail, and irregular caudal blotches. It differs from L. guttulus by its larger, more heterogeneous markings, lower dorsal contrast, and relatively longer tail. L. tilcayo can be distinguished from other Leopardus taxa by a large number of molecular characters. In the nuclear genome, among the 29,288,951 transversion variants, on average 1,392,646 sites differentiate L. tilcayo from L. t. antisuyo and 1,491,301 sites differentiate L. tilcayo from L. pardinoides. For simplicity we provide a list of diagnostic mitochondrial DNA sites (see Data S1).

Jonas Lescroart, Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, Molly Cassatt-Johnstone, Alejandra Bonilla-Sánchez, Caroline Charão Sartor, Fernando Angulo, Jorge L. Ramirez, Larissa Rosa de Oliveira, Tadeu Gomes de Oliveira, Beth Shapiro, Enzo Aliaga-Rossel, Hannes Svardal and Eduardo Eizirik. 2026. Phylogenomics and Museomics reveal Five distinct Species of Tiger Cats in South America. Current Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2026.08.059 [September 17, 2026]

[Herpetology • 2025] Liolaemus misti • A New Species of the Liolaemus walkeri clade (Squamata: Liolaemidae) in the volcanic chain of Arequipa, Peru

 Liolaemus misti 

Santa-Cruz, Canazas-Terán, Bejarano, López, Morales, von May, Catenazzi & Aguilar- Puntriano, 2025

   

 Salamandra. 61(2); 

Abstract 

 We describe a new species of Liolaemus lizard from southwestern Peru, within the volcanic chain represented by the Chachani, Misti and Pichu Pichu volcanoes that surround the city of Arequipa. Te type locality is Simbral, in the district of Chiguata, Department of Arequipa. Te diagnostic characters of the new species include small size (SVL < 50 mm), a pigmented subocular scale, vertebral line generally absent or highly fragmented (when present), scales smooth or slightly keeled on the dorsal side of thighs, partial or total ventral melanism, and absence of precloacal pores in males and females. Te elevational distribution of the new species is 4135–5400 m a.s.l., with the upper limit representing the highest altitude record for a living squamate. 

Key words. Andes, high elevation, lizard, systematics, taxonomy.

Adult male holotype of Liolaemus misti sp. n. in life (MUSA 5708), SVL 49.1 mm, TL 55.0* mm.
(A) Dorsolateral, (B) ventral, (C) lateral head, (D) dorsal, and (E) absent precloacal pores. [* = Regenerated or broken tail.]

Adult female paratype of  Liolaemus misti sp. n. in life (MUSA 5709), SVL 45.5 mm, TL 45.2* mm.
(A) Dorsolateral, (B) ventral, (C) lateral head, (D) dorsal, and (E) absent precloacal pores. [* = Regenerated or broken tail.]

Liolaemus misti sp. n.  

Diagnosis: We assign Liolaemus misti sp. n. to the L. walkeri clade, lizards with throat or belly melanistic or with spots in males (Aguilar et al. 2013), small and slender (49.3 mm maximum SVL). Males of L. misti sp. n. differ from L. chavin and L. wari by their smaller size (less than 50 mm SVL vs 51.7–59.3 mm and 51.5–60.8 mm, respectively). Liolaemus misti sp. n. difers from L. tacnae by a lower number of midbody scales and dorsal scales (40–50 vs 48–59, 43–55 vs 53– 61, respectively). Te subocular scale and loreal scales are strongly pigmented in L. misti sp. n. whereas in L. walkeri these scales are lighter (Fig. 7). Te lateral felds in L. misti sp. n. have scattered black and white scales forming spots (males) or scattered black and brown scales (females), which are absent in L. pachacutec. Paravertebral marks appear as black complete marks or as fragmented lines (more noticeable when parallel to the dorsolateral stripe) in L. misti sp. n. (Figs 8A–9A), but they are absent or fuzzy in L. pachacutec; L. tacnae has paravertebral markings as black dots perpendicular to the dorsolateral stripe, with light scales behind the black scales (Figs 8C–9C). Te vertebral line is generally absent or highly fragmented in L. misti sp. n., but it is well diferentiated in L. chavin, L. pacachutec, L. walkeri, and L. wari. Liolaemus tacnae has keeled scales on the dorsal side of thighs, which are absent in L. misti sp. n. (Fig. 10). Liolaemus misti sp. n. also difers from L. pachacutec, L. walkeri, and L. wari in males lacking precloacal pores.

In Peru, three species of the L. alticolor-bribonii group have been confused with species of the L. walkeri clade: L. alticolor from Puno, L. chungara from Tacna, and L. incaicus from Cusco (Aguilar et al. 2013, Lobo et al. 2007, Quinteros et al. 2014, Valladares et al. 2021). Here we report key morphological diferences between these species and L. misti sp. n. Liolaemus misti sp. n. has 49–58 scales around the body, more than L. incaicus (34–46). Liolaemus misti sp. n. lacks keeled temporal scales which are present in L. chungara, L. incaicus (weakly keeled), and L. alticolor (markedly keeled). Dorsal scales in L. misti sp. n. are keeled and without a mucron, whereas a mucron is present in L. chungara. Liolaemus misti sp. n. has partial or total ventral melanism, which is absent in L. alticolor and L. incaicus. Liolaemus misti sp. n. lacks precloacal pores in males and females, which are present in some or all females of L. incaicus, and present in males of L. alticolor, L. chungara and L. incaicus.

Etymology: The scientifc epithet “misti” refers to the volcano Misti, in Quechua language means “a white man” referred to the snow or white blanket that covers the volcano, one of the greatest symbols and the most striking element of the landscape of the city of Arequipa. Misti is the most distinctive volcano of the three that surround the city, along with Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Arequipans say: “not in vain is one born at the foot of a volcano”, the presence of the Misti greatly infuences the noble spirit of its inhabitants.

Roy Santa-Cruz, Amaranta Canazas-Terán, Renato Bejarano, Evaristo López,Alberto Morales, Rudolf von May, Alessandro Catenazzi and César Aguilar-Puntriano. 2025. A New Species of the Liolaemus walkeri clade (Squamata: Liolaemidae) in the volcanic chain of Arequipa, Peru.  Salamandra. 61(2); 115-131.

[Arachnida • 2026] Latrodectus lucacha • A New Andean Species of Widow Spider (Araneae: Theridiidae: Latrodectus)

Latrodectus lucacha  

 Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, 2026

DOI:  doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1281.185973 

 

Abstract

We describe a new species of widow spider (Araneae, Theridiidae, Latrodectus) from the Andean region. DNA barcode sequences are provided. The species is documented from museum specimens across Peru and identified from photographs on iNaturalist, extending its inferred distribution into Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile. We integrate specimen and citizen-science occurrences to generate a species distribution model using WorldClim bioclimatic variables, predicting highest suitability along temperate to high-elevation Andean regions. We discuss the utility and limitations of citizen-science imagery for delimiting and mapping species and summarize available information on clinical aspects of envenomation in Peru associated with the local “lucacha” widow spider.

Key words: Andes, citizen-science, DNA barcode, iNaturalist, Latrodectus lucacha, new species, Peru, species distribution model, taxonomy

Observations of Latrodectus lucacha Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, sp. nov., from iNaturalist.
A. Female, male and egg case, from Arica, Arica y Parinacota, Chile; iNaturalist.org (by ferru, CC-BY-NC); B. Female with two egg cases, note parasitoid wasps on egg case, from Nabón, Azuay, Ecuador; iNaturalist.org (by kabirbosques, CC-BY);
C. Female feeding on a beetle, from Lima, Peru; iNaturalist.org (by ruthgo, CC0); D. Female feeding on a damselfly, from Lima, Peru; iNaturalist.org (by Mathieu_fr, CC-BY-NC).

Latrodectus lucacha Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, sp. nov.
A–C. From Pantanos de Villa Om, Lima, Peru (MUSM-ENT 051958), microphotographs of adult male; D. From Pachacayo, Junin, Peru (MUSM-ENT 0519569), schematic illustration of female reproductive structures; A, D. Dorsal; B. Lateral; C. Ventral.

Abbreviations: CD copulatory duct, FD Fertilization duct, SP Spermathecae. 

Scale bars: 1.0 mm (A–C), 0.5 mm (D).

Latrodectus lucacha Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Female with three loop copulatory ducts (Figs 2D, 3D–F), distinguishing it from L. geometricus C. L. Koch, 1841 and L. quartus Abalos, 1980 (Abalos 1980: figs 39, 66), which have more loops (ca 4), and from L. antheratus (Badcock, 1932) and L. variegatus Nicolet, 1849 (Abalos 1980: figs 49, 58), which have fewer (2). With dorsal longitudinal opisthosomal stripe variable in both width and length (Figs 4, 5), resembling several South American species, but not exhibiting oblique vertical stripes on the posterior quarter ...

Etymology. Lucacha is a common name for widow spiders in Peru (Pickard-Cambridge 1902; Maguiña Vargas et al. 2017).

Jeremy Miller, Chris Alice Kratzer and Charles Griswold. 2026. Description of A New Andean Species of Widow Spider (Araneae, Theridiidae, Latrodectus). ZooKeys. 1281: 49-67. DOI:  doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1281.185973 

[Botany • 2026] Passiflora albopurpurea (Passifloraceae) • A New Species of Passiflora Subg. Passiflora discovered in the central montane forest of Peru

 

 Passiflora albopurpurea Chávez-Corcuera,  
 

in Chávez-Corcuera, Castañeda, Gutierrez et Ocampo, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.741.1.10  

  Researchgate.net/publication/400720451 

 Abstract

A new species of Passiflora sect. Granadillastrum belonging to P. subg. Passiflora discovered in the montane forests of Peru is described and illustrated. This new taxon, Passiflora albopurpurea, differs from P. crassifolia by having entire 3–5-nerved leaves, corona in 6 or 7 series, sepals, petals and inner row of corona white and a glabrous ovary. A taxonomic discussion and a distribution map are provided, along with keys for the identification of morphologically related species occurring in Peru. This new species is rare, due to its restricted occurrence with a small population size and should be considered under category Endangered (EN). 

Chanchamayo, Endemism, Passifonflower, Oxapampa, Stipulata, series Menispermifoliae, supersection Stipulata, Eudicots

 

 Passiflora albopurpurea Chávez-Corcuera. A) Fertile branch; B) Senescent flower; C) Stipules; D) Petiole glands; E) Flower; F) Inner view of the flower.

Photographs A-B R. Vásquez; C-F G. Chávez-Corcuera.

Passiflora albopurpurea Chávez-Corcuera sp. nov.

GONZALO CHÁVEZ-CORCUERA, ROXANA CASTAÑEDA, HAROL GUTIERREZ and JOHN OCAMPO. 2026. Passiflora albopurpurea, A New Species of sect. Granadillastrum (Passifloraceae, subg. Passiflora) discovered in the central montane forest of Peru.  Phytotaxa. 741(1); 107-114. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.741.1.10 [2026-02-12] 

  Researchgate.net/publication/400720451_Passiflora_albopurpurea_a_new_species_discovered_in_the_central_montane_forest_of_Peru

[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]