A new Trychopeplus species (Phasmatodea, Diapheromerinae, Cladomorformia) discovered from Ecuador’s enigmatic Chocó ecoregion

Abstract

This study presents a description of a new stick insect species belonging to the genus Trychopeplus Shelford, 1909, discovered by the authors in the Chocó ecoregion of northwestern Ecuador. Trychopeplus mashpiensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on males, females, and eggs. The distinctive features of this new species, such as its unique body ornamentation and the morphology of its egg structure without fringes, clearly differentiate it from other known species within the genus. Photographs of the new species are provided, along with an updated key and distribution map for all Trychopeplus species. These findings enhance our understanding of the genus’s diversity.