Six new species in the Colostethus latinasus group (Anura: Dendrobatidae) highlight hidden biodiversity in Panama

For decades, there has been taxonomic confusion regarding the identity of Colostethus pratti -like frogs occurring in Panama. By including a sample from the close vicinity of the type locality of C. pratti (Valdivia, Colombia), we revealed that these Panamanian frogs instead form a monophyletic clade sister to C. latinasus . Using an integrative approach combining mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers, bioacoustics, morphology, and geographical distribution, we describe these lineages herein as six new species: Colostethus bocatoro sp. nov ., C. donosensis sp. nov ., C. kuara sp. nov ., C. portobelensis sp. nov ., C. sanblasensis sp. nov ., and C. chucantiensis sp. nov . Based on divergence-time estimates, we further discuss the potential timespan of dispersal from South America in relation to the formation of the Isthmus. Our findings highlight the role of geographical isolation in driving divergence of reproductive signals and generating cryptic amphibian diversity across the Isthmus of Panama. Much of this diversity likely remains undiscovered, underscoring the urgent need for further research and conservation attention in the region.