Afrotropical Species Research Articles

A contribution to the knowledge of Namibian Atherigona Rondani (Diptera: Muscidae), with the descriptions of four new species and two new subspecies

This paper provides an account of all species of Atherigona Rondani known from Namibia, all of which are known from males. The study is based largely on material deposited in the National Museum of Namibia, Windhoek, supplemented by some material deposited in other museums. Fifty-three taxa are listed in total, 14 of which were previously recorded from the country and 33 representing new country records for Namibia. Four species are described and figured as new to science and a further two as subspecies. The new species are: A. (s. str.) australis Deeming, sp. nov., A. (s. str.) maraisi Deeming, sp. nov., A. (s. str.) mulleri Deeming, sp. nov. and A. (Acritochaeta) tsumeb Deeming, sp. nov. and the new subspecies: A. (s. str.) robertsi okavango Deeming, ssp. nov. and A. (Acritochaeta) yorki namibiensis Deeming, ssp. nov. Character states differentiating A. (Ac.) tsumeb, sp. nov. from its closest congener, A. (Ac.) gracilipalpis Deeming, 1971, are presented in a tabulated form and an identification key is provided to separate Afrotropical species with pale yellow vibrissae. The previously undescribed female tergite 8 is figured for the first time for four species, viz., A. (s. str.) angulata Deeming; A. (s. str.) corrugata Deeming; A. (s. str.) parvihumilata Muller; and A. (s. str.) pulla (Wiedemann). Additional new country records are indicated with voucher specimens as follows: A. (s. str.) falcata (Thomson): Bhutan and Thailand; A. (s. str.) humeralis (Wiedemann): Botswana; A. (s. str.) nigrapicalis Deeming: Senegal; A. (s. str.) occidentalis Deeming: Zambia; A. (s. str.) pulla (Wiedemann): Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Ethiopia, Israel and Tunisia; A. (s. str.) tomentigera Emden: Zambia; and A. (Acritochaeta) yorki ssp. yorki Deeming: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia and Ghana. Cereal crop production in Namibia is briefly discussed and a table provided of potential or suspected pest species associated (in the larval stages) with Namibia’s main cereal crops.

An illustrated key to the Afrotropical bark beetle species of Cladoctonus Strohmeyer (Curculionidae, Scolytinae)—a genus of rare cossonine look-alikes

The Afrotropical species of Cladoctonus Strohmeyer, 1911 is revised. A key to species is provided with all species illustrated with photos. Five species are currently recognized as valid. Variation between species is limited and samples are few, not yet allowing for assessment of potential intraspecific variation. One synonym is suggested for Cladoctonus affinis Strohmeyer, 1911 (=Cladoctonus eggersi Wichmann, 1911, syn. nov.)

Filling gaps in global myrmecology: ants of the Kingdom of Bahrain (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

ABSTRACT We present the first faunal analysis of the ants (Formicidae) of the Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain), an island nation in the Arabian Gulf. We document a total of 35 ant species based on published, unpublished and new specimen records, including 26 presumed native species and nine non-native tramp species. The native fauna was predominantly of Palaearctic origin, with a few Afrotropical species. A new species of the genus Lepisiota Santschi, 1926, L. bahrainensis sp. n., is described and illustrated based on the worker caste. Habitat suitability modelling of the ant fauna of Bahrain was generated using a total of 157 recorded points against the panel of 19 bioclimatic factors. We used Maxent software to generate the final map which indicates a significantly high and excellent habitat suitability of species on the northern part of the country and high suitability on the eastern coasts. Our results show that the mean temperature of the driest season is the most effective parameter in modelling the distribution, and we present interpretations of the very low habitat suitability in the extremely arid desert in the southern regions of the main island. Finally, we present ecological and biological remarks and distribution maps for each species. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:18D05DD2-4B64-4A87-8389-582D5714411C http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:DA93B16A-C23B-45F8-8C6A-867B8734D587

Systematics of the Rhinolophus landeri complex, with evidence for 3 additional Afrotropical bat species

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.

Review of the Afrotropical members of the genus Eridachtha Meyrick, 1910 (Lepidoptera: Lecithoceridae: Lecithocerinae), with descriptions of 12 new species

The genus Eridachtha Meyrick, 1910 of the subfamily Lecithocerinae is revised for the Afrotropical region. Twelve new species are described within it: six from Kenya (Eridachtha campanella Park, sp. nov., E. cardialis Park, sp. nov., E. centriella Park, sp. nov., E. crococorypha Park, sp. nov. (which also occurs in Uganda), E. nairobiensis Park, sp. nov., and E. phiarella Park, sp. nov.), two from Tanzania (E. arumeruna Park, sp. nov. and E. kilimanjaroensis Park, sp. nov.), three from Uganda (E. pholexana Park, sp. nov., E. cupaformis Park, sp. nov., and E. atrihispida Park, sp. nov.), and one from South Africa (E. capensis Park, sp. nov.). Three of them (whose males remain unknown)—E. cupaformis, E. atrihispida and E. crococorypha—share with E. gymnopalpa (Janse, 1963), comb. nov., a yellowish-orange ground colour of the forewing, and are thus grouped in the E. gymnopalpa species-complex. Additionally, the genus Atrichozancla Janse, 1954, syn. nov. hitherto composed of three species (A. phaeocrossis (Meyrick, 1937), A. cosymbota (Meyrick, 1920), and A. gymnopalpa Janse, 1963), is synonymized with the genus Eridachtha on the basis of wing venation and genital characteristics. The adults and genitalia of the new Afrotropical species are illustrated, as well as those of E. calamopis Meyrick, 1920 and E. phaeochlora Meyrick, 1920.

Two new species of the genus Plectiscus Gravenhorst, 1829 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae: Orthocentrinae) from Kenya

Two new orthocentrine species of the genus Plectiscus Gravenhorst, 1829, P. oblongus sp. n. and P. taitaensis sp. n., from Kenya are described and illustrated. An identification key to Afrotropical species of the genus is provided.

First data on early instar Afrotropical Miltogramminae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) reveal unexpected morphological diversity

Abstract First instar larvae of the genera Hoplacephala Macquart, 1846 and Lamprometopia Macquart, 1846 are described for the first time, along with the first instar larva of an Afrotropical species of the genus Phylloteles Loew, 1844. Their morphology is analyzed using a combination of various microscopy techniques, confirming their close phylogenetic affinity with other members of the tribe Sarcotachinini. Substantial morphological differences are observed between the investigated genera, as well as in comparison to other known larvae of Miltogramminae. Noteworthy unique character states are identified in the shape of the cephaloskeleton, the sculpture of the integument, and the shape of the papilla of the thoracic and abdominal segments. The larva of Hoplacephala sp. stands out as the most peculiar, featuring a massive cephaloskeleton, integument armoured by cuticular scales, and modification of body papillae into fleshy processes. The first instar larva of Phylloteles picifrons Pape, 1985 possesses a large, bladder-like structure with unknown function dorsally on the first thoracic segment. All documented larvae are characterized by a maxillary palpus forming a distinct protuberance with elongated second sensillum basiconicum and the absence of a dorsal bridge of the cephaloskeleton. This last character state indicates a parasitic or parasitoid life history for all studied taxa.

New insights into the systematics of the afrotropical Amblyomma marmoreum complex (Acari: Ixodidae) and the genome of a novel Rickettsia africae strain using morphological and metagenomic approaches

The Amblyomma marmoreum complex includes afrotropical species, such as Amblyomma sparsum, a three-host tick that parasitizes reptiles, birds, and mammals, and is a recognized vector of Ehrlichia ruminantium. However, the lack of morphological, genetic and ecological data on A. sparsum has caused considerable confusion in its identification. In this study, we used microscopy and metagenomic approaches to analyze A. sparsum ticks collected from a puff adder snake (Bitis arietans) in southwest Senegal (an endemic rickettsioses area) in order to supplement previous morphological descriptions, provide novel genomic data for the A. marmoreum complex, and describe the genome of a novel spotted fever group Rickettsia strain. Based on stereoscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphological evaluations, we provide high-quality images and new insights about punctation and enameling in the adult male of A. sparsum to facilitate identification for future studies. The metagenomic approach allowed us assembly the complete mitochondrial genome of A. sparsum, as well as the nearly entire chromosome and complete plasmid sequences of a novel Rickettsia africae strain. Phylogenomic analyses demonstrated a close relationship between A. sparsum and Amblyomma nuttalli for the first time and confirmed the position of A. sparsum within the A. marmoreum complex. Our results provide new insights into the systematics of A. sparsum and A. marmoreum complex, as well as the genetic diversity of R. africae in the Afrotropical region. Future studies should consider the possibility that A. sparsum may be a vector for R. africae.

Bird diversity and Annotated Checklist of Afrotropical species in Timiaouine, Northern Part of Adrar Ifoghas (Algeria).

The effort to uncover avifauna in the extreme south of Algeria has been concentrated within the Timiaouine region. The region of Timiaouine is an understudied area in the extreme south of Algeria and northern part of Adrar of Ifoghas. 67 species were recorded, belonging to 32 families and 12 orders. The African Collared Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea) recorded for the first time in Algeria. Additionally, there is a noteworthy mention of eleven Afrotropical bird species (Clamator jacobinus, Pterocles exustus, Oena capensis, Urocolius macrourus, Merops albicollis, Dendropicos elachus, Eremopterix nigriceps, Eremalauda dunni, Spiloptila clamans, Lamprotornis pulcher, Cercotrichas podobe, Passer griseus and Corvus albus) that were either newly observed or rarely documented in the extreme southern region of Algeria.

Taxonomic patterns of host plants and its impact on honey properties by two sympatric Afrotropical stingless bee species in Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Taxonomic patterns of host plants and its impact on honey properties by two sympatric Afrotropical stingless bee species in Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Aspila pibooni (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae: Grapholitini), a peculiar new species from Thailand.

Aspila pibooni sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Thailand. The species is provisionally assigned to Aspila on the basis of morphological features of the male and female genitalia. Superficially, the new species resembles three Afrotropical species of Cydia (Grapholitini), all of which lack the distinctive coremata and a pair of short projections from the eight sternite that characterize the Grapholita group of genera to which Aspila belongs.

Species richness estimation of the Afrotropical Darwin wasps (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae).

Species richness is one of the fundamental metrics of biodiversity. Estimating species richness helps spotlight taxonomic groups that are particularly under-studied, such as the highly diverse Darwin wasps. The only available estimate of the number of Darwin wasps in the Afrotropics proposed almost 11,000 species, compared to the 2,322 recorded species. However, it relied exclusively on the ratio of morphospecies to described species in Henry Townes' personal collection. We provide an updated estimate of the Afrotropical Darwin wasp species, using empirical data from multiple sources, including the increase in species numbers following generic revisions, morphospecies sorting in natural history collections, and diversity patterns of better-studied insects (butterflies) for extrapolation. Our analyses suggest that our knowledge of Darwin wasps is highly incomplete, with only 13-22% of species known in the five most extensively studied countries in the Afrotropics. We estimate 9,206-15,577 species of Darwin wasps within the entire Afrotropics, with the highest concentration expected in the Equatorial Afrotropics and Madagascar. Due to data constraints, our approach tends to underestimate diversity at each step, rendering the upper estimate (15,577 species) more realistic. We highlight reasons contributing to the gap between recorded and estimated species richness, including logistical and financial factors, as well as post-colonial influences.

New species and records of Palaearctic, Afrotropical and Neotropical ichneumon wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Palaearctic, Afrotropical and Neotropical species of the subfamilies Campopleginae, Acaenitinae, Cryptinae, Ophioninae and Tryphoninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) are treated. Regarding Campopleginae, two new species are described, namely Hyposoter daeva sp. nov. from Iran and Nemeritis centurio sp. nov. from Argentina, and the first records of Bathyplectes incisus Horstmann, 1974 and B. quinqueangularis (Ratzeburg, 1852) from Ukraine, Campoletis yaga Vas, 2024 from Argentina, Casinaria pyreneator Aubert, 1960, Diadegma compunctellae Horstmann, 2013, D. longicaudatum Horstmann, 1969, D. nigrostigmaticum Horstmann, 1969 and D. semiclausum (Hellén, 1949) from Hungary, Hyposoter caedator (Gravenhorst, 1829) and H. didymator (Thunberg, 1822) from Malta, and H. orbator (Gravenhorst, 1829) from Iran are reported. Regarding Acaenitinae, Hieroceryx pseudoglomiger Benoit, 1951 is reported for the first time from Ghana. Regarding Cryptinae, Gabunia coerulea Kriechbaumer, 1895 is also reported for the first time from Ghana. Regarding Ophioninae, Enicospilus babaulti (Seyrig, 1935) and E. biimpressus (Brullé, 1846) are reported for the first time from Guinea, and Thyreodon boliviae Morley, 1912 is reported for the first time from French Guiana. Regarding Tryphoninae, Netelia caucasica (Kokujev, 1899) is reported for the first time from Hungary. With four figures.

Revision of the genus Dilophus Meigen, 1803 (Diptera, Bibionidae) from the Afrotropical Ecozone.

We revise the Afrotropical species of the genus Dilophus Meigen, redescribing each species. Previous Afrotropical records of the Palaearctic species Dilophus antipedalis Wiedemann and Dilophus femoratus Meigen are found to be erroneous, both these represent undescribed species, the former is distributed in the mountains along the southern Rift Valley and described as Dilophus riftensis sp.n., specimens recorded as the latter from Madagascar is described as Dilophus malagasicus sp.n.. Furthermore, one montane or alpine species apparently endemic to Ethiopia is described, Dilophus baleensis sp.n.. Philia splendens Hardy, 1951 is found to be a junior synonym of Dilophus bicolor Wiedemann, 1821. We summarise what is known about the distribution and phenology of these species in the Afrotropical ecozone.

DNA barcoding reveals cryptic diversification and taxonomic discordance among bats and birds within Sub-Saharan Africa

Cryptic species present a challenge for conservation, as species diversity may remain undetected. In zoological research, DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) has become a useful heuristic tool for aiding species resolution and informing species discovery. Despite concerted efforts to genetically barcode bats and birds, comprehensive assessments have yet to be undertaken across the Afrotropics. We retrieved available DNA barcodes of native breeding Afrotropical bat and bird species. Using Bayesian phylogenetic modelling, we assessed DNA barcode performance at species identification, and sought to detect notable intraspecific clade partitioning hinting at cryptic speciation. Available DNA barcodes represent only 42.3% and 23.6% of the relevant bat and bird species diversity, respectively, with only 18.7% of bat species and 7.2% of bird species having geographically spread records. DNA barcodes afforded greater taxonomic resolution of Afrotropical bird species than of bats (96.8% vs. 84.0%), with bats having a higher proportion of species non-monophyly (25.5% vs. 4.8%). Well-supported (≥ 95% posterior probability) clade partitioning was inferable from twenty-one bat species and fifteen bird species, and a further single under-sampled bat species and fifteen such bird species showed deep (> 2.0%) intraspecific divergences. These phylogenetic signatures allude to cryptic speciation within these volant taxa, and serve to prompt more comprehensive assessments of Afrotropical fauna. These findings also indirectly affirm the importance of paleoclimatic refugia to endemic vertebrate diversity. The current taxonomic status of birds is better supported by this molecular evidence than that of bats.

Phylogenetic relationships of the woodlouse flies (Diptera: Rhinophorinae) and the cluster flies (Diptera: Polleniidae).

Phylogenetic relationships within the oestroid subclades Rhinophorinae (Calliphoridae) and Polleniidae were reconstructed for the first time, applying a Sanger sequencing approach using the two protein-coding nuclear markers CAD (carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 2, aspartate transcarbamylase, and dihydroorotase; 1794 bp) and MCS (molybdenum cofactor sulfurase; 2078 bp). Three genera of Polleniidae and nineteen genera of Rhinophorinae were analyzed together with a selection of taxa representing the major lineages of Oestroidea (non-rhinophorine Calliphoridae, Oestridae, Sarcophagidae, Tachinidae). The selected markers provide good resolution and moderate to strong support of the distal branches, but weak support for several deeper nodes. Polleniidae (cluster flies) emerge as monophyletic and their sister-group relationship to Tachinidae is confirmed. Morinia Robineau-Desvoidy as currently circumscribed emerges as paraphyletic with regard to Melanodexia Williston, and Pollenia Robineau-Desvoidy is the sister taxon of the Morinia-Melanodexia clade. We propose a classification with two subfamilies, Moriniinae Townsend (including Morinia, Melanodexia, and Alvamaja Rognes), and Polleniinae Brauer & Bergenstamm (including Pollenia, Dexopollenia Townsend, and Xanthotryxus Aldrich). Anthracomyza Malloch and Nesodexia Villeneuve are considered as Oestroidea incertae sedis pending further study. Rhinophorinae (woodlouse flies) emerge as monophyletic and sister to a clade composed of (Ameniinae + (Ameniinae + Phumosiinae)), and a tribal classification is proposed with the subfamily divided into Rhinophorini Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863 and Phytonini Robineau-Desvoidy, 1863 (the Stevenia-group and the Phyto-group of authors, respectively). Oxytachina Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891, stat. rev. is resurrected to contain nine Afrotropical rhinophorine species currently assigned to genus Rhinomorinia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891: Oxytachina approximata (Crosskey, 1977) comb. nov., O. atra (Bischof, 1904) comb. nov., O. bisetosa (Crosskey, 1977) comb. nov., O. capensis (Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1893) comb. nov., O. scutellata (Crosskey, 1977) comb. nov., O. setitibia (Crosskey, 1977) comb. nov., O. verticalis (Crosskey, 1977) comb. nov., O. vittata Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891, and O. xanthocephala (Bezzi, 1908) comb. nov.

Two new species of the genus Cryptopimpla Taschenberg (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Banchinae) with an updated key to African species

A revised illustrated key to Afrotropical species of the genus Cryptopimpla Taschenberg is provided, with the inclusion of two new South African species, C. orenji Reynolds & van Noort, sp. nov. and C. hoerikwagga Reynolds & van Noort, sp. nov., which are described and illustrated. The recovery of the first female specimens of Cryptopimpla goci Reynolds & van Noort in samples from Fernkloof and Grootbos nature reserves, and subsequent morphological reassessment of generic affinity based on female characters, no longer supports the placement of this species in Cryptopimpla. The transfer of C. goci to Lissonota Gravenhorst is proposed here: Lissonota goci (Reynolds & van Noort), comb. nov., and the female is described. New Afrotropical distributional records for the previously described Cryptopimpla species are presented and notes on the distribution and diversification of the species are also provided. Online interactive Lucid keys to the 11 Afrotropical Cryptopimpla species are available at: http://www.waspweb.org.

Insights into the systematics of Afrotropical Laelius (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae): combining molecular and morphological data to associate dimorphic species

The epyrine genus Laelius Ashmead, consists of a total of 63 valid species recorded from all zoogeographic regions. Two of them, namely L. firmipennis (Cameron) and L. glossinae (Turner & Waterston), have been recorded from the Afrotropical region. In the present study, we revise all species of Laelius from the Afrotropical region by newly collected specimens, based on an integrative taxonomy approach, combining morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. We recognize seven species, one previously described, Laelius firmipennis, and six as new species, which are described and illustrated: Laelius pumbaaisp. nov., Laelius sarabiaesp. nov., Laelius scarisp. nov., Laelius simbaisp. nov., Laelius timonisp. nov. and Laelius ziraesp. nov. Additionally, we propose Laelius glossinae as a junior synonym of Laelius firmipennis based on the morphological characters. Male–female associations of L. firmipennis and L. pumbaai are supported by molecular data, while L. scari by morphological data. We also provide a synopsis of how male–female associations were established in the other species of Laelius. Finally, we present a taxonomic key for all Afrotropical species of Laelius.

A new Afrotropical species of Ectopioglossa Perkins (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae).

A new Afrotropical species of the Old World genus Ectopioglossa Perkins, 1912, namely Ectopioglossa sudanensis Selis, sp. nov., is described from Sudan. A key to the Afrotropical species is provided.

A review of the Afrotropical Thinophilus Wahlberg, 1844 (Diptera: Dolichopodidae), with the descriptions of ten new species

Ten new species of Thinophilus Wahlberg, 1844 from the Afrotropical region are described and illustrated: T. saegeri sp. nov. from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, T. medvedevi sp. nov., T. longicercus sp. nov., T. cataractae sp. nov. and T. manambato sp. nov. from Madagascar, T. gallagheri sp. nov. and T. deemingi sp. nov. from Oman, T. sigwalti sp. nov. from Senegal, T. subpalpatus sp. nov. from South Africa, and T. fluvialis sp. nov. from Tanzania. Type material for 13 previously described Afrotropical species is examined. The genus Paralleloneurum Becker, 1902 is newly synonymized with Thinophilus (syn. nov.). As a result, the following new combinations are here established: Thinophilus cilifemoratus (Becker, 1902) comb. nov. and T. pygmaeus (De Meijere, 1916), comb. nov. The following new synonyms are proposed: Thinophilus annulitarsis Parent, 1936 with T. calopus Loew 1852; T. bipunctatus Curran, 1926 and T. maculatus Parent, 1929 with T. indigenus Becker, 1902. New records are given for some known species. Thinophilus argyropalpis Becker, 1910 and T. spinitarsis Becker, 1907 are reported from the Afrotropical Region for the first time. The number of species of the genus, known from continental Africa, Oman, Yemen and Madagascar, has increased to 30. An identification key to 29 Afrotropical species is compiled. Thinophilus versutus Haliday, 1851 and T. cilifemoratus (Becker, 1902), type species of the former genera Schoenophilus Mik, 1878 and Paralleloneurum Becker, 1902, are subsequently also included into the key, because the two species inhabit northern Africa.