Neotropical Species Research Articles

Integrating datasets from herbarium specimens and images to treat a Neotropical myrtle species complex.

Herbaria are the most important source of information for plant taxonomic work. Resources and technologies available today, such as digitised collections and herbarium DNA sequencing, can help accelerate taxonomic decisions in challenging plant groups. Here we employ an integrative methodology relying exclusively on herbarium specimens to investigate species boundaries in the Neotropical Myrcia neoobscura complex (Myrtaceae). We collected morphometric data from high-resolution images of herbarium sheets and analysed it using hierarchical clustering. We posteriorly tested the obtained morpho-groups with phylogenomics using the Angiosperms353 probe kit. We also gathered phenological and geographic information from specimen labels and built phenological histograms and ecological niche models to investigate ecological differences amongst taxa. Current circumscriptions of Myrcia arenaria, Myrcia neoglabra and Myrcia neoregeliana are confirmed in this study. Conversely, the four pieces of evidence together support Calyptranthes langsdorffii var. grandiflora, Marlierea regeliana var. parviflora and Marlierea warmingiana as separate from Myrcia marliereana, Myrcia neoriedeliana and Myrcia neoobscura, respectively, contrary to arrangements proposed by previous authors. Integrated analyses also support separation between Myrcia excoriata and two similar, undescribed taxa. Our data reveal the need for major changes in the systematics of the group, with recognition of 12 species. The successful delivery of our study aims was possible due to obtaining robust, high-quality data from museum specimens. We emphasise the importance of maintaining botanical collections physically and digitally available for taxonomic work and advocate their use to accelerate holistic taxonomic solutions of tropical species complexes. This is urgent, given the paucity of funds for fieldwork and unprecedented rates of habitat loss in the tropics.

Helicosina, a new genus of Neotropical Limosininae (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae)

The new genus Helicosina is described to include three new Neotropical species characterized by swollen hind femora, cruciate interfrontal setae, strongly flattened notum and a distinctly narrow-elongate surstylus. At least one species is associated with furled Heliconia leaves. The following new species are described: H. crena sp. nov. from Costa Rica, H. sica sp. nov. from Ecuador, and H. valga sp. nov. from Costa Rica and Panama.

How relevant is the relationship between ostiole size and wasp head shape in the Ficus-Agaonidae mutualistic interaction?

The mutualism between Ficus species (Moraceae) and their pollinating wasps (Agaonidae) is a widely recognized coevolutionary model. In Ficus species from the Paleotropic, it has been determined that the ostiole acts as a morphological filter that affects the head dimensions of pollinating female wasps. Here, for the first time, the allometric relationship between ostiole size (diameter and length) and the shape of the head (length/width) of pollinating wasps is quantitatively explored in 6 Neotropical Ficus species (3 sect. Americanae and 3 sect. Pharmacosycea). In the case of sect. Americanae, wasp head shape was significantly correlated only with ostiole length, while in sect. Pharmacosycea both ostiole variables were correlated with head shape. The ordination analysis (NMDS) clearly reflected associations of these traits in species for both sections. The results support what has been interpreted in previous studies as reciprocal evolution between the analyzed traits, which contribute, along with other morphological and ecological traits, to the specificity between Ficus species and their pollinating wasps.

Characterization of the myostatin gene in the neotropical species Piaractus mesopotamicus and the possibility of its use in genetic improvement programs.

The myostatin gene has played an important role in the genetic improvement of the main species of economic importance; however, it has not yet been described for some Neotropical fish essential for aquaculture. This study aimed to characterize the myostatin gene of pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, and investigate the association of a microsatellite marker in this gene with the weight of fish. The myostatin gene sequence was obtained after following a RACE-PCR strategy based on a partial mRNA sequence available in the GenBank database and the alignment of myostatin sequences from other fish species. The obtained sequence for the P. mesopotamicus gene was analyzed for short tandem repeats, and one dinucleotide was observed at the 3´untranslated region. A short tandem repeat polymorphism was verified in a wild population. Subsequently, the STR was evaluated in a test population of 232 animals in two 220m² concrete tanks at the Aquaculture Center of Unesp. Eight alleles and 22 genotype combinations were identified. A significant association was observed between microsatellite marker polymorphisms and the weight traits (WEIGHT1 and WEIGHT2). Alleles 210, 222, 226, and 230 were found to favor weight gain. In summary, this study contributes to the characterization of the myostatin gene in pacu fish and identifies an association between a STR and weight traits. Thus, this gene could be used as a target for genetic breeding using molecular strategies such as CRISPR and quantitative strategies such as marker-assisted selection, which would contribute to improving the production of the species.

A phylogeny of the Inocybe alienospora group (Agaricales) with emphasis on seven new species from China and emendation of sect. Leptocybe

ABSTRACT A multigene phylogeny of the Inocybe alienospora group is presented based on analyses of ITS, 28S, and rpb2 nucleotide data. Four major subclades and three additional independent lineages were identified in the I. alienospora group. Two species with superficial similarities with the I. alienospora group, viz, I. multicoronata and I. elata, however, were not nested within the I. alienospora group. Inocybe sect. Leptocybe is proposed to accommodate the I. alienospora group in a more formal classification system. As such, sect. Leptocybe now includes 12 documented species and seven new species described in this work. The seven new species include I. aprica sp. nov., I. casuarinoides sp. nov. I. haikouensis sp. nov., three species associated with Casuarina from tropical China; also I. heteromorpha, a species associated with fagaceous trees from tropical China; and I. aurescens sp. nov., I. juji sp. nov., and I. peppa sp. nov., three species associated with fagaceous trees from subtropical China. In addition, new geographical data for I. carpinicola and I. acutata are reported. The East Asian species I. acutata and the neotropical species I. lasseri were confirmed as members of sect. Leptocybe. A key to the 19 species in sect. Leptocybe is also provided.

Influence of light intensity on the responses of seedlings of neotropical tree species to nitrogen source

Light intensity plays a crucial role in N uptake and assimilation in plants, but its interaction with different N sources is overlooked. Considering the high energy required for N assimilation, it is hypothesised that low light is critical for the seedling development with both N sources, but with increased light intensity, growing with nitrate (NO3-) becomes favourable in relation to ammonium (NH4+). Seedlings of Cecropia pachystachya (pioneer), Guarea kunthiana (shade-tolerant, understory) and Cariniana estrellensis (shade-tolerant, canopy) were grown in hydroponic medium with NO3- or NH4+ as the sole N source and subjected to low (LL) or high light (HL) for 60 days. All three species showed a decrease in growth when cultivated with NH4+, compared to NO3-, under HL, but not under LL. The decrease in biomass reached 54% in C. pachystachya, 36% in G. kunthiana and 26% in C. estrellensis. Growth reduction was associated with stomatal limitation of photosynthesis and reduced leaf area in C. pachystachya, and with non-stomatal limitation of photosynthesis and oxidative stress in G. kunthiana. Cation uptake was negatively affected by NH4+ in all species. Cariniana estrellensis showed no photosynthetic limitation and showed a higher tolerance to NH4+ under HL in terms of nutrient content. In conclusion, neither N source significantly favors seedling development under LL, while NH4+ is considerably more unfavorable for seedling development than NO3- under HL.

Linking functional and phylogenetic diversity to assess decay in ecosystem services induced by metacommunity‐level mammal extirpations

AbstractDefaunation is an increasingly pervasive process, reaching ever larger spatial scales worldwide. We integrated data on thousands of putative local mammal assemblages across the Neotropics into 518 metacommunities to predict the phylogenetic trait‐based effects of regional defaunation—here defined as meta‐extirpation (i.e. extinction at the metacommunity level)—on dozens of putative ecosystem services (ESs). Further, based on 1029 real‐world mammal assemblages coalesced into 236 metacommunities, we assessed the spatial extent of meta‐extirpations across the Neotropics, while empirically quantifying losses in ESs in comparison with putative scenarios. Using observed data, we also sought to understand changes in the mean body size of metacommunities for different dietary guilds. We examined patterns of mammal diversity, evaluated the erosion of ESs based on ecological networks and measured the relationships between diversity metrics and ESs via dissimilarity arrangements and generalized linear models. Meta‐extirpation regimes lead to a mean loss of 49.6% of the ESs provided by Neotropical mammals within metacommunities, whereas real‐world meta‐extirpations derived 47.2% of ES loss. We show that simulated meta‐extirpations penalizing large‐bodied species, induced the most severe losses in ESs. Regional‐scale meta‐extirpations lead to changes in the metabolic allometry and trophic structure of consumers, inducing significant metacommunity downsizing. We conclude that once‐thriving mammal‐mediated roles in natural ecosystems are fading, with significant consequences for human livelihoods. Many mammal populations have succumbed in several Neotropical ecoregions; so it is critical to protect representative fractions of Neotropical landscapes and regional species pools. Finally, we reinforce the appeal for effective conservation action, given that meta‐extirpations are already a global reality.

Longevity records for bird species from the central Monte desert, Argentina

ABSTRACT Longevity is a key life-history parameter of bird species, highly relevant for the development of evolutionary biology, the study of ecological patterns and conservation planning. However, there is a marked paucity of data for Neotropical birds, mainly because estimating longevity requires long-term studies that are very scarce in temperate South America. We report data on the longevity of 25 bird species obtained in an 8-year long-term capture–recapture programme carried out in the Monte desert in Argentina and evaluate the influence of diet and migratory status on this life-history trait. The maximum value recorded was 105 months for Microspingus torquatus and the minimum was 13 months for Synallaxis albescens. Resident birds had higher average longevity than migratory birds, while species consuming mainly plant material had higher longevity values than those consuming mainly animal foods. Our results are similar to the few published records from temperate South America, although more data are needed to assess the impact of diet and migratory behaviour on longevity of Neotropical species.

A continental-wide decline of occupancy and diversity in five Neotropical carnivores

The Neotropics are a global biodiversity hotspot that has undergone dramatic land use changes over the last decades. However, a temporal perspective on the continental-wide distributions of species in this region is still missing. To unveil it, we model the entire area of occupancy of five Neotropical carnivore species at two time periods (2000–2013 and 2014–2021) using integrated species distribution models (ISDMs) in a Bayesian framework. The carnivores are the jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), margay (Leopardus wiedii), maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), tayra (Eira barbara), and giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). We mapped the temporal change, the areas where gains and losses accumulated for all species (hotspots of change) and calculated the temporal species turnover and change in spatial turnover. We show that (1) most carnivore species have declined their area of occupancy (i.e., range size) in the last two decades, (2) their diversity has decreased over time, mostly in the Chaco region, and (3) that hotspots of fast species composition turnover are in Chaco, the Caatinga region, and northwest of Mexico. We discuss how these newly identified hotspots of change overlap with regions of well-known and pronounced land use transformation. These estimated patterns of overall decline are alarming, more so given that four out of the five species had been classified as not threatened by IUCN. The official global threat status of these species may need to be re-evaluated. All this would be invisible if standard forecasts, local expert knowledge, or static threat criteria, such as range size, were used. We thus provide a new approach to evaluate past species range dynamics based on multiple lines of evidence, which can be employed over more species in the future, particularly in under-sampled regions.

“Picking up signals” in male genital morphospace and integrating phylogenomics to delimit Neotropical Nylanderia Emery species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract Genital morphology, a cornerstone in taxonomy that predates Linnaeus’s Systema Naturae, is vital for species delimitation. However, the widely accepted paradigm that genitalia are taxonomically informative lacks robust testing between closely related species, and supporting evidence is often limited to taxonomic literature in which genitalia are assumed a priori to be species-specific. The cosmopolitan ant genus Nylanderia Emery includes 123 described species, with most in the Neotropics still undescribed. Workers are often morphologically cryptic, and males are rare in collections but required for morphological delimitation. Using Ultraconserved Elements (UCEs) from 236 samples, including 53 Neotropical Nylanderia species, we reconstructed a phylogenetic framework to compare the genitalia (gonopods) of males collected alongside workers. We used geometric morphometrics on images of slide-mounted genitalia from 16 species and nano-CT scans of Nylanderia fulva (Mayr) and Nylanderia pubens (Forel) genital capsules and interpreted results considering phylogeny under maximum likelihood and the multispecies coalescent. We found strong morphological and molecular support for 2 distantly related American clades, identifiable by gonopod shape, with significant differences observed among most species. Three previously reported COI clades of N. fulva were not supported as monophyletic, nor were their gonopods significantly different. However, N. pubens was supported as distinct by all phylogenetic and 3DGM results. Our findings emphasize the importance of male genitalia for delimiting species boundaries and revising Neotropical Nylanderia. Given their importance, particularly in morphologically cryptic taxa, we recommend a greater focus on linking male and worker phenotypes, which can be facilitated through comprehensive nest series collection.

Essential Oils of Neotropical Myrtaceae Species from 2011 until 2023: An Update.

The Myrtaceae family is renowned for its rich diversity of bioactive metabolites with broad applications across various industries. This review comprehensively explores the chemical composition and biological activities of Neotropical species within the Myrtaceae family from 2011 to 2023. A total of 170 papers were analyzed, covering 148 species from 28 genera, with notable emphasis on Eugenia, Eucalyptus, Myrcia, and Psidium. Compounds with relative abundance exceeding 10% were tabulated to highlight the most significant volatiles for each genus. Our findings were cross-referenced with previous reviews whenever feasible. Antioxidant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial activities emerged as the primary focus, collectively representing 41% of the studies, predominantly conducted in vitro. Additionally, we discuss less conventional approaches to essential oil studies in Myrtaceae species, underscoring avenues for future exploration. The investigation of essential oils from Myrtaceae holds promise for significant advancements in biotechnology, with potential benefits for the economy, environment, and human health. This review serves as a valuable resource for guiding future research strategies in this field.

Sexual dimorphism and functional allometry in scorpions: A comparative study from a neotropical species

Sexual dimorphism (SD), the divergence of secondary sexual traits between males and females within a species, can arise from diverse evolutionary forces, such as natural selection, mate choice, and intrasexual competition. Allometric scaling patterns of dimorphic traits are related to their functional roles and the different selective pressures that affect each sex. Generally, traits that threaten rivals involved in intrasexual competition tend to exhibit the highest allometric slopes. Conversely, non-sexual traits often display isometric scaling, while genitalia and traits in direct contact between the sexes during courtship and copulation typically show hypoallometry. A good approach to study patterns of SD and allometry is to complement interspecific studies with analyzes of case studies, where the functional aspect is known in detail. Here, we review the occurrence of SD and evaluation of allometry in the Order Scorpiones, allowing us to compare general trends in a broader comparative framework within the group. In addition, we examined SD and allometric slopes of multiple traits (including somatic traits used in sexual and non-sexual interactions, as well as genitalia) in adult individuals of the scorpion Timogenes elegans (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae). We found that at an interspecific level there was a variation in SD between species and morphological traits, with most traits showing a male-biased SD, except for the chelicerae, which were found to be wider in females. Regarding SD studies, we found relatively few reports of functional allometry showing differences in allometric patterns between species. The results in T. elegans follow some of the general patterns found in other scorpions. We found hypoallometry in genital traits and hyperallometry in the pedipalps of both sexes, with steeper allometric slopes observed for pedipalp height in males. These results suggest that genital traits are under stabilizing selective pressure, while pedipalps in both sexes may be under natural and sexual selective pressure. Understanding allometric patterns and their relationship to function in scorpions provides significant insights into the evolutionary pressures driving the divergence of morphological traits used in both sexual and non-sexual contexts.

Exploring Chromosomal Polymorphism and Evolutionary Implications in Rineloricaria lanceolata (Günther, 1868) (Siluriformes: Loricariidae): Insights from Meiotic Behavior and Phylogenetic Analysis.

Chromosomal polymorphism is a significant aspect of population genetics, influencing the adaptation and evolution of species. In Rineloricaria lanceolata, a Neotropical fish species, chromosomal polymorphism has been observed, yet the underlying mechanisms and evolutionary implications remain poorly understood. This article aims to investigate the chromosomal polymorphism in Rineloricaria lanceolata, focusing on elucidating the meiotic behavior of karyotypic variants and tracing the phylogenetic origins of this polymorphism within the genus. By employing molecular markers and cytogenetic techniques, we aim to uncover the mechanisms driving chromosomal rearrangements and their potential role in speciation and adaptation. Understanding the genetic basis of chromosomal polymorphism in R. lanceolata not only contributes to our knowledge of species evolution but also holds implications for the conservation of genetic diversity within this vulnerable group of Neotropical fishes.

Immunolocalization of Aquaporin 1, 2, and 9 in Anuran Testis of the Neotropical Pointedbelly Frog Leptodactylus podicipinus.

Many anuran survival strategies involve hydric regulation, and reproduction is not different. The aquaporin (AQP) family plays an important role in water transport and regulation in many tissues, including the male gonad. The testes undergo various stages of change during the reproductive cycle, and water balance is an important factor for ensuring reproductive success. Considering the relevance of water control in testicular development in anurans and the lack of research regarding the tissue localization of AQP in the male gonad, the present study investigated the expression of three AQPs (1, 2, and 9) in the testis of the neotropical anuran species Leptodactylus podicipinus during two different periods of the reproductive cycle (reproductive and non-reproductive). AQP1 and 2 immunoreactions were found in early germ cells, spermatozoa, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells, which were more frequently expressed within the reproductive period. AQP1 was also found in the testicular blood vessels. AQP9 was identified predominantly in the epithelium of the intratesticular ducts of reproductive-period individuals. This study presents, for the first time, the localization of AQP1, AQP2, and AQP9 in the testes of an anuran species and the differences in their location during two distinct periods of the reproductive cycle.

Phylogeography of Coccoloba uvifera (Polygonaceae) Sampled across the Caribbean Basin

Coccoloba uvifera L. (seagrape) is a primarily dioecious neotropical tree species which often grows in the beach–forest transitional ecotone of coastal strand vegetation. We used five maternally inherited non-coding chloroplast regions to characterize the phytogeography of C. uvifera collected across the Caribbean Basin and Florida. Bayesian analysis revealed divergence between the Aruba–Trinidad–Tobago–Antigua–Jamaica island group and the continental Belize–Florida–US Virgin Islands (USVI) group at 1.78 million years before present (mybp), divergence between the Belize and Florida–USVI groups at 1.08 mybp, and a split of Antigua–Jamaica from Aruba–Trinidad–Tobago at 0.217 mybp. Haplotype network analysis supports the three clades, with the island group possessing the oldest haplotype. Based on geology and proximity, these clades correspond to South American (oldest), Central American, and North American (most recent). Coccoloba uvifera demographic expansion occurred during the Pleistocene epoch and peaked near the end of the last glacial maximum (ca. 0.026–0.019 mybp) when the global sea levels were 125 m lower than today. Our findings also reveal that tropical cyclones, which often impact coastal strand vegetation, did not affect genetic diversity. However, there was a positive association between latitude and the average number of substitutions, further enriching our understanding of the species’ phytogeography.

Putting the puzzle together: the relationship between floral characters and pollinator morphology determines pollination mode in the fig-fig wasp mutualism.

The diversification of angiosperms has largely been attributed to adaptive radiation of their pollination and mating systems, which are relevant drivers of the macroevolution processes. The fig (Ficus, Moraceae) and fig wasp (Agaonidae, Hymenoptera) interaction is an example of obligate mutualism. Passive and active pollination modes have been associated with morphological traits in both partners. However, more information is required to assess the relationship between floral traits and pollination modes, particularly in Neotropical Ficus species. This study evaluates the morphological traits of figs and fig wasps regarding pollination modes in species belonging to Neotropical Ficus sections (three species each of Americanae and Pharmacosycea). Pollination mode was identified by floral morphology, anther/ovule ratio, and specialized structures fig wasps use for pollen transport (pollen pocket and coxal combs). Fig species in sect. Americanae are actively pollinated because pistillate flowers form a synstigma, present anther/ovule ratios <0.11, and their pollinator Pegoscapus fig wasps have pollen pockets and coxal combs. In contrast, species in sect. Pharmacosycea have free pistillate flowers, with anther/ovule ratios >0.27; they are pollinated by Tetrapus wasps, which lack specialized structures to carry pollen. Each species of Ficus was associated with a single morphospecies of fig wasp. The results support previous contributions that consider reciprocal morphological traits between fig species and their pollinating wasps as evidence of a close co-evolutionary history.

Fuscoporia nebularis, (Hymenochaetaceae) a new endemic and threatened species from the cloud forests of southern Brazil

A new and threatened species of Fuscoporia from the cloud forests of southern Brazil is described. This species, associated with hardwood species of Myrtaceae, differs from other Fuscoporia species by having broadly ellipsoid basidiospores (2.9–3.8 × 2.3–3.1 µm) and hymenial setae that occasionally have a bifurcate and curved apex. Additionally, molecular analysis based on ITS and nrLSU sequences supports the new species. The conservation status of this new species of Fuscoporia is assessed as ‘Endangered’ based on IUCN criteria. We present the new species with illustrated morphological description, phylogenetic analyses and comparison with morphologically similar or related species. A key to the neotropical species of Fuscoporia is provided.

Meristic co-evolution and genomic co-localization of lateral line scales and vertebrae in Central American cichlid fishes.

Meristic traits are often treated as distinct phenotypes that can be used to differentiate and delineate recently diverged species. For instance, the number of lateral line scales and vertebrae, two traits that vary substantially among Neotropical Heroine cichlid species, have been previously suggested to co-evolve. These meristic traits could co-evolve due to shared adaptive, developmental, or genetic factors. If they were found to be genetically or developmentally non-independent, this might require a more general re-evaluation of their role in evolutionary or taxonomic studies. We expanded a previous analysis of correlated evolution of meristic traits (lateral line scales and vertebrae counts) in these fishes to include a range of phylogenetic reconstructions as well as the analyses of 13 Nicaraguan Midas cichlid species (Amphilophus spp.). Additionally, we performed qualitative traits locus (QTL) mapping in a F2 laboratory-reared hybrid population from two ecologically divergent Midas cichlid fish species to discover and evaluate whether genomic co-segregation might explain the observed patterns of meristic co-evolution. Meristic values for these traits were found to morphologically differentiate some species of the Midas cichlid adaptive radiation. Our QTL analysis pinpointed several genomic regions associated with divergence in these traits and highlighted the potential for genomic co-segregation of the lateral line and vertebrae numbers on two chromosomes. Further, our phylogenetic comparative analyses consistently recovered a significant positive evolutionary correlation between the counts of lateral line scale and vertebrae numbers in Neotropical cichlids. Hence, the findings of genomic co-segregation could partially explain the co-evolution of these two meristic traits in these species. Continuing to unravel the genetic architecture governing meristic divergence helps to better understand both trait correlations and the utility of meristic traits in taxonomic diagnoses and how traits in phenotypes might be expected to co-evolve.

Floral ontogeny reveals potential synapomorphies for Senegalia sect. Monacanthea p.p. (Leguminosae).

Senegalia was recently described as non-monophyletic; however, its sections exhibit robust monophyletic support, suggesting a potential reclassification into separate genera-Senegalia sect. Monocanthea p.p. is the largest section. It contains 164 species of pantropical distribution and includes all of the current 99 neotropical species of Senegalia; however, no morphological characteristics are available to differentiate this section. To characterize this section, we examined floral developmental traits in four species of Senegalia sect. Monocanthea p.p. These traits were previously considered as potentially distinguishing features within Acacia s.l. and include the onset patterns of the androecium, the timing of calyx union, the origin of the staminal disc, and the presence of stomata on the petals. Furthermore, we analyzed previously unexplored traits, such as corolla union types, inflorescence development, and micromorphological features related to the indumentum, as well as the presence and location of stomata. The characteristics proposed as potential synapomorphies of the group include the postgenital fusion of the corolla and the presence of a staminal disc formed at the base of the filaments. The other analyzed floral characteristics were not informative for the characterization of the group. Future studies of floral ontogeny will help to establish more precise patterns, mainly whether corolla union and staminal tube formation occur similarly in African and Asian sections of Senegalia.

Genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. among cave-dwelling bats from Colombia

Bartonella is a bacterial genus that comprises arthropod-borne microorganisms. Several Bartonella isolates have been detected from bats worldwide, which are thought to be undescribed species. We aimed to test the presence of Bartonella spp. among bats from Colombia, and evaluate the genetic diversity of bat-associated Bartonella spp. through phylogenetic analyses. A total of 108 bat blood samples were collected from three bat species (Carollia perspicillata, Mormoops megalophylla, and Natalus tumidirostris) that inhabit the Macaregua cave. The Bartonella ssrA gene was targeted through real-time and end-point PCR; additionally, the gltA and rpoB genes were detected by end-point PCR. All obtained amplicons were purified and bidirectionally sequenced for phylogenetic analysis using a concatenated supermatrix and a supertree approaches. A detection frequency of 49.1 % (53/108) for Bartonella spp. was evidenced among bat blood samples, of which 59.1 % (26/44), 54.3 % (19/35) and 27.6 % (8/29) were identified in Carollia perspicillata, Natalus tumidirostris and Mormoops megalophylla respectively. A total of 35 ssrA, 5 gltA and 4 rpoB good-quality sequences were obtained which were used for phylogenetic analysis. All obtained bat sequences clustered together with sequences obtained from Neotropical bat species into two bat-restricted clades namely clade A and clade N. We detected the presence of Bartonella spp. that clustered within two different bat-associated Bartonella clades, giving the first data of the genetic diversity of these bacteria among bats from Colombia.