Objective.

To study the species of moss in the Guantiva - La Rusia paramo complex (Boyacá - Colombia), from the richness and similarity in the ecosystems, localities and substrates in the eastern and western flanks of the paramo.

Methodology.

On the Guantiva - La Rusia paramo complex (Boyacá and Santander) six transects were made in the altitudinal gradient: three in the eastern flank (Municipalities of Cerinza, Paipa and Tipacoque) and three in the western flank (Onzaga, Belén and Duitama).

Results.

A total of 128 moss species of 72 genera and 36 families were recorded, being the most diverse Dicranaceae, with four genera and 22 species, followed by Pottiaceae (6/14), Hypnaceae (8/12), Sematophyllaceae (5/10) and Bryaceae (4/6).At the genus level, Campylopus with 19 species, Breutelia and Leptodontium (7), Sematophyllum (5) and Neckera (4) stand out. The greatest richness with 67 species, 45 genera and 25 families were found in the sub-paramo. The most diverse substrate was terrestrial with 81 species, followed by corticola, 64, and rupicolous vegetation, 24. Leptodontium viticulosoides, Campylopus heterostachys and Molendoa sendneriana are recorded in the vulnerable category of (VU).

Conclusion.

It is concluded that the greatest species richness was recorded in the less humid flank which can be explained by local but not regional factors.

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