sp. n.: A species of the clade associated with the neotropical common vampire bat .

Molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed the growing diversity of bat trypanosomes. Here, 14 isolates from blood samples of the vampire bat (Phyllostomidae) from Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil, were cultivated, and morphologically and molecularly characterized. All isolates represent a novel species named n. sp. positioned in the Neobat lineage of the clade The Neobat lineage also comprises closely related trypanosomes of clades Neotropic 1, 2 and 3 from diverse phyllostomid species. Trypanosomes of Neotropic 1, found in and (phyllostomids), likely represent a different species or genotype closely related to . Consistent with its phylogenetic positioning, differs from in morphology of both epimastigote and trypomastigote culture forms and does not infect Similar to its closest relatives of Neobat lineage, was unable to develop within mammalian cells. To date, PCR-surveys on archived blood/liver samples unveiled exclusively in from Southern to Northern Brazil. The description of a new species of bat trypanosome associated with vampire bats increases the repertoire of trypanosomes infecting currently comprised of , , , and