[Botany • 2024] Talbotiella couteronii (Leguminosae: Detarioideae) • A New gregarious Tree Species from Cameroon

 

Talbotiella couteronii  Sonké, M.Simo & Burgt,

 

in Sonké, Simo-Droissart, Bidault, Ngoula et van der Burgt. 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.133256

Abstract

Background and aims – For some time now, the forests of the Sanaga basin in Cameroon have been threatened by the construction of numerous hydroelectric dams. In anticipation to this construction work, botanical surveys were carried out, resulting in the discovery of many species new to science. One of these certainly belongs to the genus Talbotiella in Leguminosae.

Material and methods – This study is based on morphological observations on herbarium specimens, through detailed examination of 28 specimens of the new tree species as well as specimens of existing species of Talbotiella.

Key results – Talbotiella couteronii is described and illustrated. The new species resembles Talbotiella batesii but has fewer leaflets, 5–10 pairs; an inflorescence usually with fewer flowers, 5–12; and flowers with longer pedicels, 10–20 mm long. Talbotiella couteronii is endemic to Cameroon, where it is restricted to the middle Sanaga basin in the Central Region and the Littoral Region. It occurs gregariously in periodically flooded riverine forests. Talbotiella couteronii is preliminarily assessed as Endangered following the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. The genus Talbotiella now consists of 10 species; of which six species are endemic to Cameroon. A comparative table summarizes the main vegetative characteristics of the 10 species. This treatment also includes an update of the description of T. bakossiensis.

Keywords: Cameroon, conservation, Endangered species, IUCN Red List assessment

Talbotiella couteronii. A. Flowering branch. B. Infructescence with two pods; two seeds. C. Flower with a single bract, two bracteoles, four sepals and 10 stamens. D. Stipule. E. Leaflet lower side, with two glands. F. Leaf upper side, with nine pairs of leaflets.

A, E, F drawn from Sonké & Ngoula 7886 (K); B from Sonké & Ngoula 7889 (K); C from Sonké & Ngoula 7887 (K); D from Sonké & Ngoula 7888 (K). Drawing by Xander van der Burgt.

Talbotiella couteronii.
A. Opened flowers. B. Twig with inflorescences. C. Young leaves with stipules. D. Infructescence with two fruits. E. Immature fruits and five unripe seeds.

A from Sonké & Ngoula 7888; B from Sonké & Ngoula 7886; C from Sonké & Ngoula 7895; D, E from Sonké & Ngoula 7889.

Talbotiella couteronii Sonké, M.Simo & Burgt, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: This species closely resembles T. batesii, from which it differs by the number of bud scales (11–17 vs 3–5), narrower stipules (9–15 × 1–1.5 mm vs 13–15 × 2–2.5 mm) that are glabrous on both surfaces (vs pubescent outside along the midrib), usually fewer leaflets ((5–)6–9(–10) pairs vs 9–13 pairs), looser inflorescence with longer pedicels (10–20 mm vs 3–8.5 mm) and usually fewer flowers (5–12 vs 10–18), larger ovary (4–6 × 2–3 mm vs 1.5–3.5 × 1–1.3 mm), and larger seeds (14–21 × 10–15 × 2–3 mm vs 9–10 × 9–10 × 2–3 mm).

Etymology: This new species is named after Dr Pierre Couteron (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France) in recognition for his constant support to the first author.

 Bonaventure Sonké, Murielle Simo-Droissart, Ehoarn Bidault, Fernandez Ngoula, Xander M van der Burgt. 2024. Talbotiella couteronii (Leguminosae: Detarioideae), A New gregarious Tree Species from Cameroon. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 157(3): 407-416. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.133256

[Entomology • 2024] Onthophagus pragtig • A New and unusually ornate southern African Dung Beetle Species in d’Orbigny’s Onthophagus Group 18 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Onthophagini)

Onthophagus pragtig Deschodt, 

in Deschodt et Sole, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5493.2.7 

  www.UP.ac.za

 

Abstract

Onthophagus pragtig Deschodt, new species is described and illustrated from South Africa. Its known collection localities are shown. We also briefly describe and illustrate three distinct subgroups in the18th Onthophagus group of d’Orbigny (1913) and further provide a checklist of the known species in this group while dividing them into these subgroups where known.

Coleoptera, Food specialists, millipede carcass, sandy habitat, new subgroup association

 Christian M. Deschodt and Catherine L. Sole. 2024. A New and unusually ornate southern African Dung Beetle Species in d’Orbigny’s Onthophagus Group 18 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Onthophagini). Zootaxa. 493(2); 186-194. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5493.2.7 

  www.UP.ac.za/research-matters/news/multimedia-3274976-meet-hathoronthophagus-spinosa-and-onthophagus-pragtig

[Entomology • 2023] Proaegeria murzini • On the Systematic Position of the Genus Proaegeria Le Cerf 1916 (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) with Description of A New Species

 

Proaegeria murzini Gorbunov, 2023

DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2023.63.4 

Researchgate.net/publication/371830996

Abstract

A new species, Proaegeria murzini sp. n., is described and illustrated from a series of males and a female collected in the vicinities of Kindia, Guinea. The new species is well distinguished from the closest relative, Proaegeria vouauxi Le Cerf, 1916, by the colouration of the abdomen and the details of the structure of the hindwing. The study of the genital structures of both the male and the female of the new species unequivocally determines the systematic position of this genus in the tribe Sesiini.

 Moths. Proaegeria murzini sp. n.:
1-2. Holotype, male, Sesiidae pictures №№ 0023-0024-2023;
3-4. Paratype, male. Sesiidae pictures №№ 0021-0022-2023;
5-6. Paratype, male. Sesiidae pictures №№ 0025-0026-2023;
7-8. Paratype, female. Sesiidae pictures №№ 0019-0020-2023.
Dorsal view (1, 3, 5, 7) and ventral view (2, 4, 6, 8).

 Genitalia. Proaegeria murzini sp. n.: 9-14. Paratype, male, genitalia preparation № 010-2023.
9. Tegumen-uncus complex; 10. Valva; 11. Saccus; 12. Juxta, ventral view; 13. Phallus. 14. Paratype, female, genitalia preparation № 011-2023. Scale bar 1.0 mm.

Proaegeria murzini sp. n.

Oleg G. Gorbunov. 2023. On the Systematic Position of the Genus Proaegeria Le Cerf 1916 (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) with Description of A New Species.  Ecologica Montenegrina 63; 39-45. 

DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2023.63.4

 Researchgate.net/publication/371830996_systematic_position_of_Proaegeria_with_description_of_a_new_species

[Entomology • 2023] Hathoronthophagus spinosus • A New Genus and Species in the Diverse Dung Beetle Tribe Onthophagini Streubel, 1846 (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) from South Africa

Hathoronthophagus Stals, Daniel & Deschodt, 2024
Hathoronthophagus spinosus (Deschodt in Deschodt & Sole, 2023)

in Stals, Daniel et Deschodt, 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5397.3.10 

 Researchgate.net/publication/377153072

in Deschodt & Sole, 2023.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5375.2.9

 

Abstract

A new dung beetle genus and species is described and pictured following its recent discovery on a farm in South Africa. Hathor spinosa Deschodt, new species belongs to the subfamily Scarabaeinae, tribe Onthophagini Streubel, 1846, it shows a unique set of characters. A map is provided to show the type locality of the new genus and species that has a putative association with ants.

Coleoptera, Putative ant association, dung beetle, Afrotropical region

Christian M. Deschodt and Catherine L. Sole. 2023. A New Genus and Species in the Diverse Dung Beetle Tribe Onthophagini Streubel, 1846 (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) from South Africa.  Zootaxa. 5375(2); 279-284. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5375.2.9

 

===========

In November 2023, Deschodt & Sole (2023) proposed the new genus-group name Hathor Deschodt for a peculiar, putatively ant-associated onthophagine dung beetle from Gauteng province, South Africa. The genus is as yet known only from the female holotype of the species Hathor spinosa Deschodt, 2023. It was overlooked that the new generic name is preoccupied by Hathor Kirkaldy & Edwards, 1902, as regulated by the Principle of Homonymy (Articles 52–60 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature [henceforth the Code, Anonymous 1999]). Hathor Kirkaldy & Edwards is a monotypic genus of red bug or cotton stainer (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoroidea: Pyrrhocoridae) from tropical Africa, itself a junior subjective synonym of Sericocoris Karsch, 1892. Sericocoris is currently a valid genus (Robertson 2004; Stehlík & Jindra 2011).

Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae, Onthophagini

Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Onthophagini

Genus Hathoronthophagus Stals, Daniel & Deschodt, replacement name

Hathoronthophagus spinosus (Deschodt in Deschodt & Sole, 2023), new combination

Riaan Stals, Gimo M. Daniel and Christian M. Deschodt. 2024. Hathoronthophagus, new replacement name for Hathor Deschodt, 2023, preoccupied genus-group name of a putatively myrmecophilic dung beetle (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Onthophagini).  Zootaxa. 5397(3); 449-450. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5397.3.10

  Researchgate.net/publication/377153072_Hathoronthophagus_new_replacement_name_for_Hathor_Deschodt_2023_dung_beetle_Scarabaeidae

www.UP.ac.za/research-matters/news/multimedia-3274976-meet-hathoronthophagus-spinosa-and-onthophagus-pragtig

[Entomology • 2024] Halleriaphagus gen. nov. & Ouma gen. nov. • Redefining Ormyridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) with Establishment of Subfamilies and Description of New Genera

 Halleriaphagus van Noort & Burks, gen. nov., 
Ouma Mitroiu, gen. nov. 

in van Noort, Mitroiu, Burks, Gibson, Hanson, Heraty, Janšta, Cruaud et Rasplus, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12630 

Abstract

The circumscription of the family Ormyridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) is revised after phylogenetic analysis based on ultra-conserved elements (UCEs) and comparative morphological assessment of the chalcid ‘Gall Clade’. Six genera are treated in the family, including two new genera, Halleriaphagus van Noort and Burks, gen. nov., and Ouma Mitroiu, gen. nov. One genus, Eubeckerella Narendran, is re-assigned to the family, and Ormyrulus Bouček is synonymised with Ormyrus Westwood, syn. nov., resulting in the new combination Ormyrus gibbus (Bouček), comb. nov. The six genera are classified in three subfamilies, two of which are newly described, Asparagobiinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov., and Hemadinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov. Halleriaphagus is established for the newly described type species Halleriaphagus phagolucida van Noort and Burks, sp. nov., and Ouma is erected for O. daleskeyae Mitroiu, sp. nov., and O. emazantsi Mitroiu, sp. nov. Asparagobius is revised with description of Asparagobius bouceki van Noort, sp. nov., and Asparagobius copelandi Rasplus and van Noort, sp. nov. Asparagobius and Halleriaphagus are classified in Asparagobiinae, Hemadas in Hemadinae and Eubeckerella, Ormyrus and Ouma in Ormyrinae. The molecular support defining the ormyrid clade is corroborated by the proposed morphological synapomorphy of a foliaceous prepectus overlying the tegula base. Identification keys to the genera of Ormyridae and to the species of Asparagobius and Ouma are provided. Online Lucid identification keys and images of all the species treated herein are available at: http://www.waspweb.org.

Keywords: classification, gall clade, molecular, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy, ultra-conserved elements 

Proposed reclassification of Ormyridae

•• Asparagobiinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov., 

• Asparagobius Mayr, 1905.

Asparagobius bouceki van Noort, sp. nov.

Asparagobius braunsi Mayr, 1905.

Asparagobius copelandi Rasplus and van Noort, sp. nov.

• Halleriaphagus van Noort and Burks, gen. nov.

Halleriaphagus phagolucida van Noort and Burks, sp. nov.

•• Hemadinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov. 

• Hemadas Crawford, 1909.

Hemadas nubilipennis (Ashmead, 1887).

•• Ormyrinae Förster, 1856.

• Eubeckerella Narendran, 1999.

Eubeckerella malaica Narendran, 1999.

• Ormyrus Westwood, 1832.

Ormyrus 144 species [for full list see UCDW, 2023].

Ormyrus gibbus (Bouček, 1986), comb. nov.

• Ouma Mitroiu, gen. nov.

Ouma daleskeyae Mitroiu, sp. nov.

Ouma emazantsi Mitroiu, sp. nov.

Simon van Noort, Mircea-Dan Mitroiu, Roger Burks, Gary Gibson, Paul Hanson, John Heraty, Petr Janšta, Astrid Cruaud and Jean-Yves Rasplus. 2024. Redefining Ormyridae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) with Establishment of Subfamilies and Description of New Genera. Systematic Entomology. 49(3); 447-494. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12630 

[Arachnida • 2024] Assamhoplites martensis • African Highland Harvestman: New Genus and New Species of Filopalpinae Martens, 2022 (Opiliones: Assamiidae) from Wonchi Crater, Oromia Province, Ethiopia

 

 Assamhoplites martensis 

 Porto, Kontos & Pérez-González, 2024

 zoosystema.com/46/22 

 x.com/AbelAracno

The family Assamiidae Sørensen, 1884, within the suborder Laniatores Thorell, 1876, of Opiliones remains poorly studied, with challenges arising from typology-based systematics and limited sampling, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The recent discovery of Filopalpinae Martens, 2022, a new subfamily, highlighted the underexplored richness in Ethiopia. In this study, we describe a new genus and species, Assamhoplites martensis n. gen., n. sp., from the northwestern Ethiopian Highlands, adding a crucial piece to the understanding of the diversity of harvestmen in the region. Our findings reveal the unique distribution of Filopalpinae within the Ethiopian Montane Moorlands ecoregion, a biodiversity hotspot. This area high altitudes, humidity, and temperate climate make it an ideal refuge for harvestmen. This discovery prompts further exploration to determine if Filopalpinae represents altitude relicts or a widespread lineage. The sexual dimorphism in pedipalp morphology, observed not only in Assamhoplites martensis n. gen., n. sp. but also in related species, raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary significance of such extreme modifications. The study underscores the importance of considering both morphological and biogeographical factors in taxonomic classifications, illustrated by the creation of the monotypic genus Assamhoplites n. gen. based on differences in pedipalp morphology and distribution. The northwestern Ethiopian Highlands, separated by the Great Rift Valley, act as a possible biogeographical barrier influencing the diversification of these harvestmen. This study provides insights into the intricate evolutionary processes shaping the unique diversity of the fauna of the Ethiopian highlands.

Keywords: Afrotropics, genital morphology, Grassatores, sexual dimorphism, new species, new genus

 Assamhoplites martensis n. gen., n. sp.

 Assamhoplites martensis n. gen., n. sp.

 

Willians PORTO, Panagiotis KONTOS and Abel PÉREZ-GONZÁLEZ. 2024. African Highland Harvestman: New Genus and New Species of Filopalpinae Martens, 2022 (Opiliones, Assamiidae) from Wonchi Crater, Oromia Province, Ethiopia. Zoosystema. 46(22); 577-587.  zoosystema.com/46/22

  x.com/AbelAracno/status/1836471424455786969 

[Mammalogy • 2024] Rhinolophus webalai • Systematics of the Rhinolophus landeri complex (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae), with Evidence for 3 Additional Afrotropical Bat Species

  Rhinolophus webalai Patterson, Dick, Bartonjo & Demos,

in Patterson, Demos, Torrent, Grunwald, Montauban, Peterhans, McDonough, ... et Juste, 2024. ,  

Webala’s Horseshoe Bat  ||  DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyae085

Abstract

Roughly a third of all horseshoe bat species (Rhinolophidae: Rhinolophus) are found in Africa, where a recent continent-wide genetic survey suggested the presence of both undescribed and apparently invalid species. Here, we focus on the R. landeri species complex and the recent elevation of R. lobatus Peters, 1852, to species rank. That action created ambiguity in the taxonomy of East African members of the group—are both R. landeri Martin, 1838, and R. lobatus sympatric in East Africa or is another, unnamed species present there? Here, we refine genetic, morphological, and behavioral characterizations of R. landeri and its erstwhile synonyms with samples from the vicinity of their type localities. The distribution of R. landeri appears to be limited to Central and West Africa; existing genetic records attributed to this species from Mali clearly represent another taxon. We marshal genetic evidence for the species-level distinction of R. dobsoni Thomas, 1904, from Sudan, which was previously considered a synonym of R. landeri. We reject R. axillaris J. A. Allen, 1917, as a synonym of the R. landeri complex, provisionally regarding it as a valid member of the landeri species group. Finally, we demonstrate that East Africa is home to a fourth species of the landeri complex that is named herein. Final resolution of the systematics of this species complex awaits expanded characterizations (especially of genetics, vocalizations, and noseleaves) and studies of variation in regions of contact.

 

Afrotropical, Chiroptera, genetics, Rhinolophidae, species complex, systematics, vocalizations

Cranial and mandibular views of the Rhinolophus landeri species complex, all to same scale:
(a) R. dobsoni, FMNH 48714; (b) R. landeri, FMNH 240685; (c) R. lobatus, FMNH 229146; and (d) Rhinolophus webalai sp. nov., FMNH 215894 (holotype).

External characteristics of Rhinolophus webalai sp. nov., showing nose leaf, axillary tufts, and typical grayish-brown pelage condition of FMNH 233830, adult male from Marsabit National Park and Reserve, Kenya.

Rhinolophus webalai Patterson, Dick, Bartonjo, and Demos, new species

Webala’s Horseshoe Bat

Diagnosis: A small member of the R. landeri species complex with spade-shaped sella, acutely triangular connecting process, lancet with strongly concave tip, and the presence of rust-colored axillary tufts in a majority of adult males (Fig. 6). Middle lower premolar tiny, displaced labially and barely reaching the cingula of flanking premolars (Fig. 7). Echolocation call (Supplementary Data SD6) dominated by long constant-frequency signal flanked by brief initial and terminal frequency-modulated elements, the latter with a greater frequency span, making call bandwidth very broad. Peak frequency averages 109.7 kHz, end frequency 80.2 kHz, and bandwidth 30.2 kHz. Unlike other sampled members of the landeri complex, the fundamental (first) harmonic of the call is conspicuous.

Etymology: We are pleased to name the new species after one of Africa’s foremost bat biologists, Dr. Paul Waswa Webala, in recognition of his important contributions as a field biologist, conservation scientist, prolific author, and mentor to Africa’s next generation. We suggest Webala’s horseshoe bat as a common name for this species.

Bruce D Patterson, Terrence C Demos, Laura Torrent, Amanda L Grunwald, Cecilia Montauban, Julian C Kerbis Peterhans, Molly M McDonough, Carl W Dick, Michael Bartonjo, M Corrie Schoeman, Luis A Ruedas, Javier Juste. 2024. Systematics of the Rhinolophus landeri complex, with evidence for 3 additional Afrotropical bat species. Journal of Mammalogy. gyae085. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyae085

 

[Ichthyology • 2024] Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae (Siluriformes: Auchenoglanididae) • A New Species of Giraffe Catfish from Mfimi-Lukenie Basin, central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo

 

  Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae

Modimo, Bernt, Monsembula Iyaba, Mbimbi & Liyandja, 2024

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15885

 x.com/MJBernt

Abstract

A new, distinctively short-bodied giraffe catfish of Parauchenoglanis is described from the Ndzaa River, a small left-bank tributary of the Mfimi-Lukenie basin in the Central basin of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners by having 29 or fewer (vs. 33 or more) total vertebrae. It can further be distinguished from all congeners, except Parauchenoglanis zebratus Sithole et al., 2023 and Parauchenoglanis ngamensis (Boulenger 1911), by having 13 or 14 (vs. 16 or more) pre-anal vertebrae. The species is endemic to the Mfimi River basin, where it has been collected mainly in blackwater tributaries.

Keywords: Congo basin, CT scan, DNA barcoding, morpholog,y Ndzaa River, Parauchenoglanis

  Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae sp. nov. 
Photographs of preserved (a) holotype (AMNH 278139 in lateral view) and (b–d) paratype (AMNH 278165, 68.1 mm standard length [SL], respectively, in dorsal, lateral, and ventral views).

Scale bar: 1 cm.

Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: P. stiassnyae is distinguished from all congeners by having 28–29 vertebrae (vs. 33 or more). P. stiassnyae is also distinguished from all congeners by the possession of 13–14 pre-anal vertebrae (vs. 15 or more) except for Parauchenoglanis zebratus (14–17) and Parauchenoglanis ngamensis (13, holotype). The new species can further be distinguished from P. cf. punctatus_L3, P. balayi, P. longiceps, P. pantherinus, P. punctatus, and P. ubangensis by a narrower supraoccipital process–nuchal plate interdistance (1.4%–2.9% vs. >3% HL); from P. cf. punctatus_L3, P. guttatus, P. longiceps, P. pantherinus, and P. punctatus by a wider orbital HW (64.7%–76.2% vs. 54.9%–63.9% HL); from P. guttatus, P. longiceps, and P. ubangensis by a wider mouth (37.8%–50.8% vs. 25.9%–35.7% HL); from P. guttatus, P. punctatus, P. ubangensis, and P. zebratus by a wider premaxillary toothplate (12.9%–18.6% vs. 6.6%–12.5% HL); from P. guttatus, P. longiceps, P. pantherinus, and P. zebratus by a wider head (HW: 70.1%–81.1% vs. 58.9%–69.3% HL); from P. balayi and P. pantherinus by a shorter dorsal-fin spine (10.8%–16% vs. 16.1%–18.8% SL); from P. guttatus and P. pantherinus by a smaller orbital diameter (9.5%–14.2% vs. 14.4%–16.9% HL) and a wider interpectoral distance (16.7%–21.4% vs. 15.3%–16.6% SL); from P. balayi, P. ngamensis (holotype), and P. ubangensis by a shorter adipose-fin–caudal-fin interdistance (2.7%–5.2% vs. 6.2%–10.5% SL); and from P. balayi by a longer head (HL: 31.3%–35% vs. 28.1%–30.6% SL) and a narrower interorbital (IOD: 19.5%–27.1% vs. 27.3%–28% HL).

 Biology and ecology: Most specimens of P. stiassnyae were collected in forested habitats over mud and plant debris in tributaries of the Mfimi River. The rivers where specimens of P. stiassnyae have been collected are characterized by a humic, moderately acidic (pH 4.1–5.3), and dark-brown water with low conductivity (10–50 μS/cm) and low concentrations of dissolved solids (TDS: 10–30 mg/L). These observations, combined with the species body colouration, suggest that P. stiassnyae is adapted to forested habitats, muddy, humic, and dark-brown waters of the Mfimi River tributaries.

 Etymology: P. stiassnyae is named after Melanie L. J. Stiassny (MLJS) of the AMHN. MLJS is the initiator of the AMNH Congo Project that resulted in significant documentation and an improved systematic, biological, and evolutionary understanding of the Congo River basin ichthyofauna with an extensive collection deposited at the AMNH, the University of Kinshasa, and the University of Marien Ngouabi. Additionally, MLJS trained and continues to train numerous Congolese ichthyologists, including the authors of the present paper. We dedicate this species to her outstanding work and commitment to biodiscovery and conservation in the Congo River basin.

 

Myriam Y. Modimo, Maxwell J. Bernt, Raoul J. C. Monsembula Iyaba, José J. M. M. Mbimbi and Tobit L. D. Liyandja. 2024. Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae (Siluriformes: Auchenoglanididae): A New Species of Giraffe Catfish from Mfimi-Lukenie Basin, central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15885

 x.com/MJBernt/status/1818665684739535207

[Ichthyology • 2024] Nannocharax skeltoni • A New Species of Banded Nannocharax (Cithariniformes: Distichodontidae) from the Luapula River Basin, Zambia, Africa

Nannocharax skeltoni

 Jerep, Vari, Dillman & Santana, 2024

 

DOI:  10.1643/i2023041

 x.com/IchsAndHerps

Abstract

A new species of Nannocharax is described from the Luongo and Kalungwishi Rivers, tributaries of the Luapula River in the northeastern region of Zambia. The new species differs from its congeners by a combination of characters, such as the body coloration pattern formed by a series of one-scale-wide vertical bars, a small caudal-peduncle spot surrounded by a light clear area at the base of the middle caudal-fin rays, and a low number of scales in the circumpeduncular series and lateral line series. The new species is also distinguished from other members of the Nannocharax multifasciatus species-group by genetic distances ranging from 10.3% to 11.6% with DNA barcoding. Likewise, distance and coalescent molecular species delimitation approaches recovered the new species as an independent operational taxonomic unit. Newly generated hypotheses of phylogenetic relationships based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference for the new taxon are provided.

Nannocharax skeltoni, CUMV 100101, 22.6 mm SL, holotype, Zambia, Luapula, Luongo River drainage, Lufubo River falls ...

Nannocharax skeltoni, new species

Etymology.—The species name, skeltoni, is in honor of Professor Paul Harvey Skelton of the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to our knowledge of the diversity and biogeography of African fishes. A genitive noun

Fernando C. Jerep, Richard P. Vari, Casey B. Dillman and C. David de Santana. 2024. A New Species of Banded Nannocharax from the Luapula River Basin, Zambia, Africa (Cithariniformes: Distichodontidae). Ichthyology & Herpetology. 112(2):156-167. DOI:  10.1643/i2023041

 x.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1796046263835648257

[Herpetology • 2024] Rhampholeon bombayi, R. nalubaale, R. msitugrabensis, ... • Taxonomy of the Rhampholeon boulengeri Complex (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae): Five New Species from Central Africa’s Albertine Rift

Rhampholeon plumptrei

 Hughes, Behangana, Lukwago, Menegon, Dehling, Wagner, Tilbury, South, Kusamba & Greenbaum, 2024

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5458.4.1 

 x.com/Daniel_F_Hughes

 

Abstract

In a recent molecular study, the pygmy chameleon Rhampholeon boulengeri Steindachner, 1911 was shown to contain six genetically distinct, but phenotypically cryptic lineages. Phylogenetic analyses of genetic data demonstrated that several well-supported clades occurred in non-overlapping elevational ranges across the Albertine Rift in Central Africa. In order to resolve the taxonomy of the R. boulengeri complex, we examined the morphology of specimens representing all six genetic lineages, including the type specimens. Results supported the notion that the current taxonomy does not reflect species diversity and further uncovered the extent to which morphological differences were dissociated from genetic divergence in this complex. We formally describe five new species of Albertine Rift Rhampholeon, which reflects the species diversity more accurately within the region. All of the species are morphologically conserved and seem to exhibit a pattern of cryptic speciation similar to that observed in the genus and in other chameleon genera. Several of the new species are distributed in adjacent habitats, but occur in parapatry where they are separated by elevation, while species that overlap in elevation are allopatric. At least one of the new species exhibited bone fluorescence from its facial tubercles when examined under ultraviolet light, which is the first published account for the genus. Our results highlight the importance of investigating cryptic diversity using an integrative framework, especially for widespread species that look similar, and the description of these new species reinforces the Albertine Rift as one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots.

Reptilia, Biodiversity, Burundi, chameleon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, new species, reptile, Rwanda, Uganda

Rhampholeon bombayi (named or African explorer Sidi Mubarak Bombay)

Rhampholeon plumptrei (named for Andrew Plumptre)

Rhampholeon monteslunae (named for "Mountains of the Moon" aka Rwenzori Mountains)

R. msitugrabensis (named for Albertine Rift )

R. nalubaale (named for Luganda word for "godess")

 in Hughes, Tolley, Behangana, et al. 2018.  

Daniel F. Hughes, Mathias Behangana, Wilber Lukwago, Michele Menegon, J. Maximilian Dehling, Philipp Wagner, Colin R. Tilbury, Trisan South, Chifundera Kusamba and Eli Greenbaum. 2024. Taxonomy of the Rhampholeon boulengeri Complex (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae): Five New Species from Central Africa’s Albertine Rift.  Zootaxa. 5458(4); 451-494. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5458.4.1

  x.com/Daniel_F_Hughes/status/1796219361939632522

 x.com/AndyPlumptre/status/1796570211400990848

Daniel F. Hughes, Krystal A. Tolley, Mathias Behangana, Wilber Lukwago, Michele Menegon, J. Maximilian Dehling, Jan Stipala, Colin R. Tilbury, Arshad M. Khan and Chifundera Kusamba. 2018. Cryptic Diversity in Rhampholeon boulengeri (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae), A Pygmy Chameleon from the Albertine Rift Biodiversity Hotspot. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 122; 125-141. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.11.015  

[Ornithology • 2024] Integrative Taxonomy reveals Unrecognised Species Diversity in African Corypha Larks (Passeriformes: Alaudidae)

African Corypha Larks (Aves: Alaudidae)

in Alström, Mohammadi, Donald, Nymark, Enbody, Irestedt, ... et Stervander, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad107 

 twitter.com/nesospiza

 

Abstract

The species complex comprising the rufous-naped lark Corypha africana, Sharpe’s lark Corypha sharpii, the red-winged lark Corypha hypermetra, the Somali long-billed lark Corypha somalica and Ash’s lark Corypha ashi encompasses 31 recognised taxa across sub-Saharan Africa, many of which are extremely poorly known and some not observed for decades. Only 17 taxa have been studied molecularly and none comprehensively for morphology, vocalisations or other behaviours. Here, we undertake comprehensive integrative taxonomic analyses based on plumage and morphometrics (for 97% of the taxa), mitochondrial and nuclear loci (77%), ≤ 1.3 million genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (68%), song (many described for the first time; 52%) and additional behavioural data (45%). All polytypic species as presently circumscribed are paraphyletic, with eight primary clades separated by ≤ 6.3–6.8 Myr, broadly supported by plumage, morphometrics, song and other behaviours. The most recent divergences concern sympatric taxon pairs usually treated as separate species, whereas the divergence of all clades including C. africana subspecies is as old as sister species pairs in other lark genera. We propose the recognition of nine instead of five species, while C. ashi is synonymised with C. somalica rochei as C. s. ashi. The geographical distributions are incompletely known, and although the nine species are generally para-/allopatric, some might be sympatric.

Africa, behaviour, bird, morphometrics, new classification

Remaining species and name recommendations are:

Highland lark (C. kurrae)

Plains lark (C. kabalii)

Plateau lark (C. nigrescens)

Rufous-naped lark (C. africana s.s.)

Sentinel lark (C. athi)

Somali lark (C. somalica)

Red-winged lark (C. hypermetra s.s.)

Kidepo lark (C. kidepoensis)

Per Alström, Zeinolabedin Mohammadi, Paul F. Donald, Marianne Nymark, Erik D. Enbody, Martin Irestedt, Emmanuel Barde Elisha, Henry K. Ndithia, B. Irene Tieleman, Derek Engelbrecht, Urban Olsson, Loïs Rancilhac and Martin Stervander. 2024.  Integrative Taxonomy reveals Unrecognised Species Diversity in African Corypha Larks (Aves: Alaudidae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlad107. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad107

  twitter.com/nesospiza/status/1708435961779020040

[Botany • 2022] Benna alternifolia (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New herbaceous Genus and Species from Guinea, West Africa

Benna alternifolia  Burgt & Ver.-Lib.,

in van der Burgt, Haba, Magassouba et Veranso-Libalah, 2022. 

 DOI: 10.3372/wi.52.52102

Abstract

Benna is a new monospecific genus in the Melastomataceae, from the Benna Plateau in Forécariah Prefecture in Guinea, West Africa. Molecular sequence data show the genus Benna is nested within the tribe Sonerileae but clearly unrelated to the other African Sonerileae genera. The genus is weakly supported as sister to the South American Sonerileae genus Phainantha. Similarities and differences with African and American Sonerileae genera are listed. The new species Benna alternifolia is a perennial evergreen herb, half-spherical in shape, up to 1.2 m in diameter. A plant may have up to 60 alternate leaves, with petioles up to 45 cm long and blades up to 31 × 28 cm. The flowers are actinomorphic, with 4 sepals and 4 pink petals, 8 dimorphic stamens, and an inferior 4-locular ovary. The fruit is a capsule. The seeds are obovoid or nearly so, with a smooth testa. Benna alternifolia occurs in deep shade in canyons, on vertical or overhanging sandstone rocks out of reach of falling rain drops, and only where water is seeping all year round, including during the 6-month dry season. About 680 plants were found. Benna alternifolia is assessed to the IUCN category Near Threatened.

KEYWORDS: Africa, alternate leaves, Benna, Guinea, Melastomataceae, near threatened, new genus, Sonerileae  

Benna alternifolia – A: the largest population was found in a deep canyon, of which the upper part is visible at the centre of the photograph, on a 1040 m-high hill on the Benna Plateau; B: plants in their habitat, on vertical rock in deep shade, under overhanging rocks, out of reach of falling rain drops, but within reach of permanently seeping water; C: group of four plants; D: single plant.

 – Origin: A, C from Burgt & al. 2274 (type gathering); B from Burgt & al. 2323; D from Burgt & Haba 2333. – All photographs by Xander van der Burgt.

Benna alternifolia – A: leaf upper surface; B: leaf lower surface; C: inflorescence with flower buds; D: roots. – Origin: A, D from Burgt & Haba 2333; B, C from Burgt & al. 2274 (type gathering).

– All photographs by Xander van der Burgt.

Taxonomy

Benna Burgt & Ver.-Lib., gen. nov.

Type: Benna alternifolia Burgt & Ver.-Lib.

Diagnosis — The genus Benna differs from all other African Melastomataceae genera by the following combination of characters: Herbs. Leaves alternate, venation acrodromous, margin dentate. Inflorescence cymose, paniculate, axillary, branching alternate. Flowers actinomorphic, epigynous, 4-merous, 8 dimorphic stamens. Fruit a capsule, apically dehiscent, containing many seeds. Seeds obovoid or nearly so, glossy, testa smooth. The genus Benna is placed in the tribe Sonerileae. A morphological comparison between Benna and the seven currently accepted African Sonerileae genera is presented in Table 1. A morphological comparison between Benna and the six currently accepted American Sonerileae genera is presented in Table 2.

Benna alternifolia Burgt & Ver.-Lib., sp. nov.

Benna alternifolia – A: branch showing alternate leaf arrangement, with two inflorescences and seven leaves: five mature leaves of which three removed, a young leaf, and a very young leaf; B: flower bud; C: petal inner surface; D: flower bud in longitudinal section with petals partly removed; E: large stamen back and front, small stamen back and front; F: ovary of flower bud in transverse section; G: ovary of flower bud seen from above; H: old infructescence with fruits partly decomposed; J: fruit; K: seeds.

– Origin: A from Burgt & al. 2274 (type gathering) and Burgt & al. 2323; B–G from Burgt & al. 2274; H–K from Burgt & Haba 2333.

 – Drawing by Xander van der Burgt.

Habitat and ecology — Benna alternifolia occurs on vertical sandstone rock, in deep shade in canyons 10–100 m deep (Fig. 3), and on vertical sandstone rock in deep shade of trees, at 300–800 m altitude. Plants occur only under overhanging rocks (Fig 3B), out of reach of falling rain drops, and only on vertical rock where water is seeping all year round, within reach of the several-meter-long roots. In this habitat, the perennial, evergreen, herbaceous plants, which do not have a rootstock, can continue to grow during the six-month dry season.

Benna alternifolia is often found together with Cincinnobotrys felicis (A. Chev.) Jacq.-Fél. (Melastomataceae), Impatiens bennae (Balsaminaceae) and Mesanthemum bennae (Eriocaulaceae). On the same vertical rocks, but higher up and in sunny, seasonally dry habitat, two plant species endemic to Guinea occur abundantly: Cailliella praerupticola (Melastomataceae) and Pitcairnia feliciana (Bromeliaceae), the only member of the family that is native outside America.

Etymology — The genus is named for the Benna Plateau or Benna Gadyah in the Susu language. The Benna Plateau holds the only known locations for the species. The specific epithet refers to the alternate leaf arrangement.

Vernacular name — In the Susu language, the name of Benna alternifolia is Labalaba Khamè or Labalaba Hamey, which means “male soft leaf”. The name Labalaba is given to Piper umbellatum L. (Burkill 1997, vol 4: p. 441), a herb with leaves similar in size and appearance. On the Benna Plateau, Piper umbellatum is named Labalaba Guinè, which means “female soft leaf”.

 

 

Xander M. van der Burgt, Pepe M. Haba, Sékou Magassouba and Marie Claire Veranso-Libalah. 2022. Benna alternifolia (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae), A New herbaceous Genus and Species from Guinea, West Africa. Willdenowia. 52(1); 25-37. DOI: 10.3372/wi.52.52102