Abstract

Peltigera hydrophila, a new species from Chile tentatively distinguished based on phylogenetic evidence but not yet named, is formally described here. Morphological differences (e.g., non-tomentose thallus) and habitat preferences (semi-aquatic) corroborate molecular and phylogenetic distinctiveness of this early diverging lineage in section Pelti- gera. Due to overlapping ecological ranges, P. hydrophila shares some morphological traits with aquatic species from the phylogenetically unrelated section Hydrothyriae.