Six new species in the <i>Colostethus latinasus </i>group (Anura: Dendrobatidae) highlight hidden biodiversity in Panama.

By including a sample from the close vicinity of the type locality of <i>C. pratti</i> (Valdivia, Colombia), we revealed that these Panamanian frogs instead form a monophyletic clade sister to <i>C. latinasus</i>. Using an integrative approach combining mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers, bioacoustics, morphology, and geographic distribution, we describe these lineages herein as six new species: <i>C. bocatoro</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, <i>C. donosensis</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, <i>C. kuara</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, <i>C. portobelensis</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, <i>C. sanblasensis</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, and <i>C. chucantiensis</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> 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 geographic 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.</p>