DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.67.192912

Authors: Daniel Brhane, Ágnes Kukorellyné Szénási, Péter Kóbor

Abstract: The suborder Heteroptera, commonly known as “true bugs,” represents the largest group within hemi-metabolous insects, comprising over 45,000 species. Eritrea, characterised by a Hot Semi-Arid to Hot Desert Climate, is notable for its four regional centres of vegetation endemism and approximately 430 woody plant species. This study aims to review and update the list of Heteroptera fauna recorded in Eritrea, based on existing historical literature. A total of 136 published works, spanning from 1870 to 2025, were reviewed. In total, 384 species across 236 genera and 40 families have been documented. The family Pentatomidae is the most diverse, with 72 species, followed by Miridae with 59 species. The authors who reported the highest numbers of species records from Eritrea were Mancini, Linnavuori and Schouteden, with 183, 118 and 58 species records, respectively. The specimens were sampled from over 50 localities of the country in which Asmara is the most extensively sampled locality with 115 specimens. The localities are distributed in seven ecoregions of the country, the Ethiopian montane grasslands and woodlands being the most species-rish with 194 species, followed by Ethiopian montane forest with 147 species. Given the changes in climate, agricultural practices and deforestation over the past six decades, the current status of Heteroptera species in Eritrea remains largely unknown. To address this knowledge gap, efforts should be made to promote citizen science, train and deploy native professionals, collaborate with international experts, enrich local and regional natural history museum collections and strengthen research institutions in the country.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.67.194158

Authors: M. C. Fox, Veronica Tyts, Sarah Schroeder, Rochelle Hoey-Chamberlain, Nokuthula Mbanyana, Michael Forthman, Christiane Weirauch

Abstract: The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is the most plant-dense Mediterranean-type ecosystem on Earth, but the number of described plant bugs (Heteroptera, Miridae) is relatively small. While Miridae are often host-plant specific, an association with succulent plants is only found in ~20 plant bug species worldwide. A combination of recent fieldwork in South Africa’s Western Cape region and iNaturalist [http://www.inaturalist.org/] observations allows us to document and describe a new genus and species of dicyphine Bryocorinae, Fatumocoris flattirei gen. et sp. nov., associated with Cotyledon orbiculata L. (Crassulaceae). This new plant bug genus is unusual among dicyphines as it possesses prominent spines on the pronotum, a wider posterior margin of the pronotum, and distinctive dark, white, and reddish coloration. The placement is confirmed with morphological examination and inclusion of Sanger sequence data in a recently published molecular dataset of Miridae. Light microphotographs, SEM micrographs, and female and male genitalic images are provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.67.207705

Authors: Alfiery Laurel Djomnang Nkwala, Jeanne Agrippine Yetchom Fondjo, Alain Christel Wandji, Marcelle Mbajoun Nzike, Martin Husemann, Sévilor Kekeunou

Abstract: Gerista dimidiata Bolívar, 1905 is the only species in its monotypical Afrotropical genus. It occurs at swampy-forest edges, where it is typically found on broad-leaved forest grasses. Prior to this study, G. dimidiata was only recorded from Nigeria and Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea. Here, we report the first occurrence of G. dimidiata for Cameroon, specifically from the Littoral Region in Yansoki and Missole I, significantly expanding the known distribution range of the species. We also redescribe the species, based on material collected from Cameroon, including the first description of the male genitalia. This discovery highlights the incomplete state of knowledge regarding Afrotropical grasshopper diversity in general and specifically in Cameroon.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.67.191055

Authors: Ansie S. Dippenaar-Schoeman, T. Caswell Munyai, Tharina L. Bird, Stefan H. Foord

Abstract: The South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA) has conducted surveys in the Waterberg District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa, over more than 40 years. The first annotated checklist for the Waterberg District is provided here, along with the global distributions, endemicity and conservation assessments for each species, as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria. A total of 54 families, 292 genera and 600 species were recorded. The study highlights species of special conservation concern, as well as the nine species endemic to the Waterberg District. Salticidae (95 species), followed by Thomisidae (80 species), Araneidae (53 species) and Gnaphosidae (48 species), are the most species-rich families. In contrast, single species represent 14 families. Most species (546; 91.2%) are widely distributed, with no known threats and are classified as being of Least Concern, whereas 34 species (5.6%) are still listed as Data Deficient. Seven species (1.2%) are of special concern and 11 species were not evaluated due to unresolved taxonomy. The Waterberg District has a rich spider fauna, accounting for 66.3% of the known spider fauna of the Limpopo Province, 25.6% of the total spider fauna of South Africa and with nine species endemic to the District.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.67.195122

Authors: Alain Christel Wandji, Jeanne Agrippine Yetchom Fondjo, Martin Husemann, Marcelle Mbadjoun Nziké, Alfiery Laurel Djomnang Nkwala, Cédric William Kemtchouan, Sévilor Kekeunou

Abstract: Occidentosphena Kevan, 1956 is an Afrotropical grasshopper genus that currently comprises two described species, namely Occidentosphena ruandensis (Rehn, 1914) and Occidentosphena uvarovi (Rehn, 1942). This study reports the first occurrence of O. ruandensis in Cameroon based on specimens collected on Mt. Manengouba. The species was previously known only from the Eastern Afromontane region and Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This new finding significantly expands the known distribution of the genus Occidentosphena into West and Central Africa. We also provide re-descriptions of both species based on material collected in the Cameroon Volcanic Line, and present detailed descriptions of the male genitalia of both taxa for the first time. Additionally, we clarify the diagnostic traits for the two species based on external morphological characters and male genital structures. Overall, our results improve the biogeographical knowledge and taxonomic resolution of this poorly known genus.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.67.181280

Authors: Timotheüs Van der Niet, Steven D. Johnson

Abstract: Pollination by nocturnal hawkmoths is considered rare in the hyper-diverse fynbos vegetation, but it is also hard to detect. Here, we present evidence for hawkmoth pollination of an orchid in fynbos vegetation on the Cape Peninsula, where this pollination system has not yet been recorded. Both direct observations and motion-activated camera footage revealed hawkmoths, several of which were identified as Hyles livornica (Esper, 1780), foraging from the long nectar spurs of flowers of Satyrium candidum. Several individuals carried pollinaria, suggesting they are legitimate pollinators. These observations add to a growing number of studies that document interactions between flowers and nocturnal hawkmoths in fynbos, and the presence of a small guild of native sphingophilous plants in fynbos vegetation suggests that hawkmoths must have been present in the region over evolutionary time scales. Although fynbos supports fewer hawkmoth species involved as pollinators compared to other regions, and fewer plant species representing fewer lineages in this vegetation type are known to rely on hawkmoth pollination, further quantitative analyses and field studies are required to evaluate whether hawkmoths represent a less-favored pollination niche for fynbos plants.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.67.180461

Authors: Hervé Ambakina, Kiko Gómez, Jean-Claude Monzenga, Daniel Sánchez-García, Wouter Dekoninck

Abstract: Litter ant communities constitute an important component of biodiversity in tropical regions. They are currently used in several ecosystem management programmes to assess forest health. The aim of this study was to uncover the ant diversity across forest successional stages (fallow land, secondary forest and primary forest) in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These habitats were sampled at six localities using pitfall traps and Winkler extractions. In total, 190 ant species belonging to 50 genera and eight subfamilies were recorded in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve. Ant diversity increased significantly along the successional gradient, being lowest in fallow land, intermediate in secondary forest, and highest in primary forest. Sixty ant species were shared across all three habitats, while each habitat supported a distinct assemblage of species. Primary forests contained the greatest number of exclusive species, followed by secondary forests and fallow land. Winkler extractors captured substantially more ant species than pitfall traps, recording nearly 50% greater species richness. However, a significant portion of the ant fauna in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve likely remains unrecorded, and additional sampling methods (like arboreal traps, net sweeping and baiting) could provide a more complete picture of its biodiversity.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.67.181060

Authors: Kirstin A. Williams, Louwrens P. Snyman

Abstract: All primary (name-bearing) and secondary types (paratypes) of Aegophagamyia and Rhigioglossa within the tribe Bouvieromyiini and Tabanocella within the tribe Rhinomyzini, deposited in the KwaZulu-Natal Museum (KZNM) collection (NMSA) are documented: Aegophagamyia (Triclida) lata Oldroyd, 1963; Mesomyia (Perisilvius) marieps Usher, 1965 [now Rhigioglossa (Perisilvius) marieps (Usher, 1965)]; Mesomyia (Perisilvius) kiboriani Lamerton, 1964 [now Rhigioglossa (Perisilvius) kiboriani (Lamerton, 1964)]; Mesomyia (Perisilvius) tinleyi Usher, 1965 [now Rhigioglossa (Perisilvius) tinleyi (Usher, 1965)]; Rhigioglossa (Mesomyia) munroi Chainey, 1987; Rhigioglossa (Mesomyia) smaragdops Manning, 1991; Mesomyia (Perisilvius) argenteus Oldroyd, 1957 [now Rhigioglossa (Perisilvius) argentea (Oldroyd, 1957)]; Rhigioglossa (Perisilvius) lineacallosa Chainey, 1987; Rhigioglossa (Pseudoscaptia) flavibasalis Chainey, 1987; Rhigioglossa (Pseudoscaptia) milleri Chainey, 1987; Rhigioglossa (Rhigioglossa) capensis Chainey, 1987; Rhigioglossa (Rhigioglossa) namibiensis Chainey, 1987; Rhigioglossa (Rhigioglossa) nitens Chainey, 1987; Tabanocella micromera Oldroyd, 1963; Tabanocella schofieldi Usher, 1965; Tabanocella stuckenbergi Oldroyd ,1957. The reference to the original publication, including the original name, the type locality and the collector, is provided for each species. In addition, brief remarks and colour photographs are provided. This is the third in a series of publications on the primary types of the Tabanidae of the KZNM.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.67.183477

Authors: Brogan L. Pett, Katie I. Murray

Abstract: The Malagasy endemic salticid genus Tomocyrba Simon, 1900 has had only a single contribution to its taxonomy in the last 120 years. Here, we report on a small collection of Tomocyrba from rainforests in the north- east of Madagascar. We describe one new species from Mahimborondro, Tomocyrba ankihiberta sp. nov. (♂♀) and provide a supplementary redescription of the type species Tomocyrba decollata Simon, 1901 based on the first fresh specimens collected in over 120 years.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.67.177295

Authors: Ally Samiji, Abdul Katakweba, Jahashi Nzalawahe, Ladslaus Mnyone

Abstract: Sandflies are dipterans of medical significance, well-known for transmitting Leishmania parasite. This study investigated the occurrence, composition and distribution of sandflies. Sandflies were collected for three consecutive nights each week at each sampling point using CDC miniature light traps, sticky traps and manual aspiration. Captured sandflies were morphologically identified, based on head structure and terminalia, following standard keys. A generalised linear model was used to determine the effects of explanatory variables on sandfly abundance. Shannon-wiener and Jaccard’s similarity indices were utilised to calculate species diversity and community similarity, respectively. A total of 586 Phlebotomine sandflies were collected, comprising eight species; Sergentomyia freetownensis (38.74%), Se. antennata (49.49%), Se. schwetzi (4.61%), Se. bedfordi (3.75%), Se. adleri (1.19%), Grassomyia squamipleuris (0.68%), Phlebotomus martini (0.85%) and Ph. vansomerenae (0.68%). Sandfly abundance was significantly influenced by habitat type (X2 = 71.6, df = 2, P < 0.001), altitudinal range (X2 = 46.85, df = 2, P < 0.001), average temperature (X2 = 39.16, df = 1, P < 0.001) and average relative humidity (X2 = 41.03, df = 1, P < 0.001). Sandfly diversity was higher in farmland (H’ = 1.149) and at mid-altitude areas (H’ = 1.079). The presence of competent and susceptible vectors species in the study villages underscores the necessity for surveillance, including vectorial capacity and bloodmeal sources as fundamental factors in incriminating the vector in areas considered non-endemic.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.67.162082

Authors: Ozren Polašek

Abstract: The male of Ropalidia chromis Polasek, 2024 is described herein, elucidating its distinctive phylogenetic and morphological characteristics. Supplementary distribution records and nesting data are provided for several African Ropalidia species, contributing to the understanding of their biogeography and ecology. Additionally, Ropalidia mutuntula nom. nov. is introduced as a replacement name for Ropalidia flavoscutellata Polasek, 2025, to resolve taxonomic ambiguities.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.66.153047

Authors: Tayler Blee, Allan Cabrero, Torsten Dikow

Abstract: The genus Acnephalomyia Londt, 2010 (Diptera, Asilidae, Willistonininae) is reviewed in the southern Namib Desert. Currently, seven species of Acnephalomyia are recognised from Namibia and South Africa. In the southern Namib Desert, there are four Acnephalomyia species recorded to date: Acnephalomyia andrenoides (Wiedemann, 1828), Acnephalomyia eremia Londt, 2010, Acnephalomyia iota Londt, 2010 and Acnephalomyia platygaster (Loew, 1858). One new species, Acnephalomyia metallicoindica sp. nov. from the northern parts of the southern Namib Desert, is described and the single paratype of Acnephalomyia iota known from Namibia is assigned to this species, restricting A. iota to the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Acnephalomyia eremia is recorded with several additional collecting events in the southern Namib Desert, extending its range significantly. Distribution, biology, occurrence in biodiversity hotspots sensu Conservation International and seasonal imago flight activity are discussed for each species. Diagnoses, photographs, specimen occurrence data and an identification key to species are provided with the new species described in detail. Online resources to the original descriptions or re-descriptions and an illustrated dichotomous identification key are provided and all specimen images are uploaded to a dedicated image repository. The southern Namib Desert is chiefly outlined by the Namib-Naukluft National Park and adjacent areas to the east using nature reserves and roads to delimit the study area more precisely. The knowledge of Diptera, Asiloidea species and important early collectors of specimens (including the museum depository), especially at the Gobabeb Namib Research Institute, is summarised. An updated key to the Asilidae genera of the Afrotropical Region, to include all species of Acnephalomyia, is provided. Both keys are made available online on the Lucid Keyserver.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.66.160860

Authors: Thierry Rostand Tebo-Nzesseu, Aimé Ngouateu Tateng, Omer Bebe Ngouateu, Juluis Visnel Foyet, Yannick Ngnindji-Youdje, Vincent Khan Payne, Blaise Dondji

Abstract: Leishmaniasis, an anthropozoonotic infection transmitted to humans and animals through female sandfly bite, is endemic in the far north region of Cameroon, which currently lacks a control programme. This study aimed to assess the occurrence and monthly distribution of sandflies in Kousseri County, a region with reported cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), to provide data needed for combatting the disease. Sandfly occurrence was evaluated by monthly deployment of six CDC light traps over a twelve-month period (from September 2020 to August 2021) in urban, peri-urban and rural ecotopes. Our survey collected 4,214 sandflies, including 51.02% females. The highest abundance of sandflies was recorded in the rural areas (43.43%, n = 1830) and in January during the dry season (16.22%, n = 679). Ten sand fly species from the Sergentomyia genus Franca and Parrot 1920 and one species of the Phlebotomus genus Rondani and Berté 1840 were identified. The monthly dynamics of the collected female sandflies varied markedly: Se. antennata Newstead, 1912, the most prevalent species and Se. squamipleuris Newstead, 1912 showed unimodal peaks in January and February, respectively; Se. schwetzi Adler, Theodor & Parrot, 1929 exhibited a trimodal pattern with a major peak in September; Se. distincta followed a bimodal trend with peaks in January and May. The aforementioned sandfly species were present throughout the study period, while other species displayed variable and intermittent presence. Ph. duboscqi, the sole known vector of leishmaniasis in this study, was absent in January and July, but peaked in September, representing only 1.07% of the total catch. The Shannon–Wiener index was high (H > 1) in all the collected ecotopes and months, indicating high evenness and Simpson indices. Overall, the findings suggest that sandflies are active year-round in Kousseri, with elevated abundance during the dry season, particularly in January and March. The presence of animal shelters surrounding houses, vegetation (primarily rice paddies) and building conditions with unplastered, fissured mud walls likely favour a high abundance of sandflies in rural areas in Kousseri. These findings highlight the need of optimising surveillance and intervention strategies, especially in rural settings and during months when sandflies are more active. Further studies on climatic and environmental factors affecting sandfly distribution, as well as investigations into their feeding habits and Leishmania infection rates, are crucial for enhancing disease control in the region.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.66.160212

Authors: Mokome M. J. Magoai, Burgert S. Muller, Terence A. Bellingan

Abstract: This study lists a total of 13 species of Atherigona Rondani, 1856 from Angola, 9 of which were previously recorded: Atherigona (Atherigona) bedfordi van Emden, 1940; Atherigona (Atherigona) campestris Deeming, 1971; Atherigona (Acritochaeta) cogani Deeming, 1981; Atherigona (Atherigona) laevigata (Loew, 1852); Atherigona (Atherigona) lineata ssp. lineata (Adams, 1905); Atherigona (Atherigona) lineata ssp. ugandae van Emden, 1940; Atherigona (Atherigona) matilei Deeming, 1977; Atherigona (Atherigona) mirabilis ssp. mirabilis Deeming, 1971; Atherigona (Acritochaeta) orientalis Schiner, 1868; and Atherigona (Atherigona) ruficornis Stein, 1913. One previously described species, Atherigona (Atherigona) albistyla Deeming, 1971, has now been added as a new record. Three species are newly described: Atherigona (Atherigona) adelinahae Magoai, sp. nov., Atherigona (Atherigona) angolaensis Magoai, sp. nov., and Atherigona (Atherigona) cuanavaleensis Magoai, sp. nov. A key to the males of Atherigona species is provided, along with brief generic diagnoses of the new species and illustrations of most Angolan species.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.66.155979

Authors: Charles R. Haddad

Abstract: Not applicable

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.66.138761

Authors: John M. Midgley, Genevieve L. Theron

Abstract: The Afrotropical spider fly genus Africaterphis Schlinger, 1968 (Acroceridae, Philopotinae) is revised, including the description of Africaterphis stefanfoordi sp. nov., bringing the total number of species in the genus to three.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.66.140593

Authors: Enrico Ricchiardi, Renzo Perissinotto, Werner Strümpher

Abstract: Stegopterus Burmeister & Schaum, 1840 is a Trichiini genus endemic to the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Until now, it has been regarded as comprising only four species, namely S. vittatus (Fabricius, 1775), S. suturalis (Gory & Percheron, 1833), S. septus Burmeister & Schaum, 1840 and S. obesus Burmeister, 1842. Our study of historical specimens housed in museums and private collections, along with new specimens collected recently, has revealed that there are at least 15 species in this genus of which 11 are new, with S. obesus relegated to incertae sedis (see updated species list below). What is most interesting is that the genus has radiated within a rather restricted region, between the South and West coasts and the Cape Fold Mountains (CFM). This reflects a typical Fynbos distribution, similar to that already described for other insect groups. On the basis of synapomorphy, Stegopterus has now been subdivided into two species groups, namely “vittatus” and “septus.” In this work, 11 new species are described, diagnosed and illustrated, and their geographic distributions are mapped: Stegopterus agulhas sp. nov., S. cochraneae sp. nov., S. endroedyi sp. nov., S. fuscus sp. nov., S. hexrivieri sp. nov., S. kromrivieri sp. nov., S. lamellus sp. nov., S. langebergicus sp. nov., S. pallidulus sp. nov., S. paardebergi sp. nov., S. rotundiceps sp. nov. A key for accurately identifying species of Stegopterus is provided. Lectotypes are designated for the following species: S. septus Burmeister & Schaum, 1840, Trichius suturalis Gory & Percheron, 1833 (now S. suturalis) and Cetonia vittata Fabricius, 1775 (now S. vittatus).

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.66.138414

Authors: Michael L. Draney, Mbumba Jean-Louis Juakaly, Petra Sierwald, Marc A. Milne

Abstract: A Rapid Assessment Protocol (RAP) for non-canopy spiders was used to collect replicate samples from four lowland rainforest sites for a proof-of-concept comparison of spider assemblages from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (hereafter, Congo) and Panama. Collecting was done at two 0.25 ha sites in Panama and two 0.25 ha sites in Congo. At each site, three 0.01 ha plots were randomly located, and within each we did 1 person-hour of aerial sampling (sweeping and beating/brushing) and two person-hours of ground sampling (field sieving of leaf litter). The samples yielded 350 adult spiders belonging to 29 spider families. The Panama samples yielded more adult spiders (235 vs. 115) and more spider families (24 vs. 14) than the Congo samples. Overall, the dominant five spider families in these non-canopy samples were Theridiidae (24%), Salticidae (15%), Linyphiidae (11%), Oonopidae (10%), and Pholcidae (7%), with the 20 remaining families each making up less than 5% of the total adults. The three most abundant families in Congo were Theridiidae, Oonopidae, and Thomisidae, while the top three in Panama were Salticidae, Theridiidae, and Linyphiidae. An NMDS ordination analysis of the four plots failed to show significant differences between any of the four assemblages, but when the plots were analyzed by region, there was a significant difference in the family-level assemblages between the continents. This paper shows proof-of-concept that this RAP can produce statistically valid data from brief sampling trips by teams with inexperienced collectors and simple, inexpensive sampling equipment.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.66.138569

Authors: Kirstin A. Williams, Louwrens P. Snyman

Abstract: All primary (name-bearing) and secondary types (paratypes) of Bartolomeudiasiella, Cydistomyia and Limata within the tribe Diachlorini and Hybomitra, Tabanus and Therioplectes within the tribe Tabanini, deposited in the KwaZulu-Natal Museum (NMSA) are documented: Cydistomyia (Amanella) cooksoni Usher, 1965; Cydistomyia (Amanella) grayi (Oldroyd, 1957), comb. nov.; Cydistomyia (Amanella) ignota Usher, 1965; Cydistomyia (Amanella) ingridina Usher, 1965; Cydistomyia (Amanella) shaka Usher, 1970; Cydistomyia (Amanella) zimbiti Usher, 1970; Limata kuhnelti Usher, 1967 [now Bartolomeudiasiella kuhnelti (Usher, 1967)]; Limata miranda Usher, 1968; Limata parafacialis Oldroyd, 1957; Tabanus crocodilinus Austen, 1912; Tabanus flavicoxa Usher, 1954; Tabanus nefas Usher, 1971; Tabanus postacutus Oldroyd, 1947; Tabanus saxicolus Usher, 1965 [now Hybomitra saxicolus (Usher, 1965)]; Therioplectes zumpti (Dias, 1956). The reference to the original publication, including the original name, the type locality and the collector, is provided for each species. In addition, brief remarks and colour photographs are provided. This is the second in a series of publications on the primary types of the Tabanidae of the KwaZulu-Natal Museum.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.66.129611

Authors: Lisa Rollinson, Allan Cabrero

Abstract: The Bombyliidae genera Enica Macquart, 1834 and Nomalonia Rondani, 1863, restricted to South Africa, are synonymized. Currently, one species of Enica is known from South Africa, Enica longirostris (Wiedemann, 1819), and six Nomalonia species are newly combined with Enica: Enica clavicornis (Hesse, 1956), comb. nov.; Enica eremophila, (Hesse, 1975), comb. nov.; Enica henicoides (Hesse, 1956), comb. nov.; Enica imitata (Hesse, 1956), comb. nov.; Enica sporanthera (Hesse, 1956), comb. nov.; and Enica syrticola (Hesse, 1956), comb. nov. A new species, Enica adelphe sp. nov. from the Richtersveld in the Northern Cape of South Africa, is described. All Enica species are redescribed and a dichotomous key with photographic references is provided for ease of identification. Specimen occurrence data and photographs are provided for each species. Each species of Enica occurs in at least one of three biodiversity hotspots in South Africa, i.e., Succulent Karoo, Cape Floristic Region, and Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany, with E. longirostris occurring in all three.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.66.138082

Authors: Silvia Mecenero, Stephen P. Kirkman

Abstract: Lepidoptera are known to alter their behaviour and phenology in response to climatic conditions. Understanding these responses is important for the conservation of Lepidoptera species, especially those that are not widely distributed. Individuals of Dira clytus clytus, a South African endemic butterfly with a distribution in the southern parts of the country, were reared in captivity from the egg phase to the adult phase, to observe behaviour and phenology in the various life stages. Life history stages concurred with previous observations made on this subspecies, but additional photographs are presented for the various phases. There are clearly two pupal, and thus adult emergence, phases in spring and early summer. Four batches of eggs resulted from these adults, and the larvae from these eggs were also reared although none of them survived to the pupation phase. The timing of the two pupal phases was compared to climatic variables (temperature and rainfall) and it was found that pupation followed soon after cold temperature. This is indicative that D. c. clytus can change its phenology and voltinism in response to climatic conditions, which may allow for plasticity in responding to climate change. However, more research is required to understand how climate change would impact this endemic species.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.66.139299

Authors: Charles R. Haddad

Abstract: As part of ongoing revisions of the Afrotropical Trachelidae, four new genera are described from southern Africa: Foordana gen. nov., with F. distincta sp. nov. from South Africa (Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape) as the type species, F. flavipoda sp. nov. from the Free State, F. kasouga sp. nov. from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, and a fourth undescribed species from Zimbabwe; the monotypic Mushimane gen. nov., with M. tswibilinki sp. nov. from KwaZulu-Natal as the type species; Namaquella gen. nov., with N. arida sp. nov. from the Northern Cape as the type species and N. samanthae sp. nov. from the Western Cape; and Rukuluk gen. nov. from South Africa, with R. gramineus sp. nov. from the Northern Cape as the type species and a second undescribed species from KwaZulu-Natal known only from juveniles.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.66.138662

Authors: Harriet Kinga, Frederick Gyasi Damptey, Danilo Harms, Rudy Jocqué, Arnaud Henrard, Klaus Birkhofer

Abstract: Forest restoration often involves monitoring programmes to determine whether biodiversity levels and ecosystem services have changed over time. This study investigated changes in ground-hunting spider communities (families Ctenidae, Lycosidae and Zodariidae) in an actively restored forest, an unrestored gravel mine, and two alternative land-use types (agroforestry system and an arable field) to assess whether a two-decade post-mine restoration programme has been successful in restoring biodiversity to levels of a reference natural forest. The overall activity density of ground-hunting spiders (based on both juveniles and adult specimens) was highest in the natural and the restored forest in the dry season and lowest in the arable field and agroforestry system in the wet season. The inverse Simpson index was highest at the gravel site in the wet season, followed by natural forest in both seasons and lower values in the restored forest. The community composition of spiders differed significantly between land-use types (open versus forest habitats) and the interaction between land use and season also differed significantly. The species Pardosa injucunda and Trochosa gentilis dominated the communities in the restored forest, but Africactenus monitor dominated the natural forest and Hogna gratiosa dominated communities in the gravel site. Surprisingly, active forest restoration promoted the activity density of ground-hunting spiders displaced by mining activities to levels even higher than in the reference natural forest after two decades. However, the community composition of the restored forest was more similar to the agroforestry system than to the natural forest. These results highlight the benefits of restoring former mining sites but also show the trade-offs in terms of restoration goals, as natural forest biodiversity of spiders was not achieved after 20 years.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.139404

Authors: Hannelene Badenhorst, Charles Richard Haddad, Charlene Janion-Scheepers

Abstract: The snouted harvester termite (Trinervitermes trinervoides (Sjöstedt, 1911)) is a widespread grass-eating termite species that constructs thermoregulated dome-shaped mounds. However, little is known about the influence of these mounds on the arthropod assemblage structure in the surrounding grassland matrix, and whether the mounds represent ecological islands. Spiders and springtails are two ecologically important arthropod groups often associated with termites or their mounds. We investigated their assemblage composition inside and around active and abandoned T. trinervoides mounds in a central South African grassland. In total, 838 spiders (59 spp., 22 families) and 217 857 springtails (24 spp., 9 families) were collected from 96 pitfall traps, placed at four microhabitats in and around each of 12 active and 12 abandoned mounds during March 2019. The most abundant and species-rich spider families include the Gnaphosidae (n = 270, 10 spp.), Zodariidae (n = 86, 7 spp.), Lycosidae (n = 86, 6 spp.) and Salticidae (n = 77, 5 spp.), whereas the springtail fauna was dominated by Brachystomellidae (n = 56 521, 1 species), Bourletiellidae (n = 49 573, 7 species), Sminthurididae (n = 44 491, 3 species), Isotomidae (n = 32 288, 1 species) and Entomobryidae (n = 26 216, 7 species). Indicator analysis showed that the spiders Zelotes sclateri Tucker, 1923, Heliocapensis termitophagus (Wesołowska & Haddad, 2002) and Scytodes elizabethae Purcell, 1904 are associated with abandoned mounds, but no springtails showed an association based on the IndVal analysis of the eight microhabitats (lumped data), even though the undescribed Cyphoderus sp. were mostly collected inside active mounds. The mounds thus had a negligible influence on the spatial distribution of springtails in the surrounding grassland. The different spider and springtail assemblages sampled indicate that both active and abandoned mounds function as ecological islands in grasslands, but that mound size does not affect their abundance or species richness in the different microhabitats sampled.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.138735

Authors: Yuri M. Marusik, Charles R. Haddad

Abstract: A new species of the genus Chumma Jocqué, 2001, C. foordi sp. nov., is described from the Western Cape, South Africa. New distribution records for C. bicolor Jocqué & Alderweireldt, 2018, C. foliata Jocqué & Alderweireldt, 2018 and C. gastroperforata Jocqué, 2001 are presented. The genus is recorded from the Northern Cape Province for the first time, extending its range extensively to the northwest by approximately 450 km. The distribution of all Chumma species is mapped.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.140524

Authors: Burgert S. Muller, Vaughn R. Swart, Louwrens P. Snyman

Abstract: Suragina Walker, 1859 of the Afrotropical Region are revised. Nineteen species are recognised and treated within. The species Suragina bilobata Muller, sp. nov., S. copelandi Muller, sp. nov., S. freidbergi Muller, sp. nov., S. liberiaensis Muller, sp. nov., S. malavaensis Muller, sp. nov., S. mulanjeensis Muller, sp. nov., S. semiobscura Muller, sp. nov. and S. zombaensis Muller, sp. nov. are described as new. A key to the known males and females of 17 Afrotropical species, excluding S. disciclara (Speiser, 1914) and S. pilitarsis (Lindner, 1925), is provided. Additionally, S. bivittata (Bezzi, 1926) is designated as junior synonym of S. binominata (Bequaert, 1921). Similarly, S. varicolor (Brunetti, 1929) is designated as junior synonym of Suragina bezzii (Curran, 1928). The distribution of Afrotropical Suragina is expanded with six new distribution records of three species: S. agramma (Bezzi, 1926): Kenya and Malawi; S. bezzii: Burundi, Kenya, and Uganda; S. binominata: Malawi.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.138881

Authors: Aileen C. van der Mescht, Charles R. Haddad, Stefan H. Foord, Ansie S. Dippenaar-Schoeman

Abstract: Species distribution datasets are fundamental for macroecological studies, although there is an overarching need to ensure that these datasets are representative of the entire community. Shortfalls, or knowledge gaps, within biodiversity datasets originate for a range of reasons, and can lead to incorrect conclusions or recommendations being drawn. Spatial scale influences the interpretations of diversity patterns and thus is an important aspect to consider. South Africa has a rich history of spider sampling and as such, it is possible to investigate the influence that scale, both spatial and taxonomic, has on the overall interpretations of how complete the spider knowledge base is in the country. To do this, we draw on curated natural history spider collections and determine how complete the spider assemblages are across twelve unique combinations of taxonomic and spatial scales. Overall, we received 121 605 usable records from seven collections, with spider records and diversity, being concentrated along the eastern and coastal regions of South Africa. We show that assemblage completeness increases with both increasing taxonomic and spatial scales, and as such, knowledge of the distribution of spider families at the biome level is largely complete. Moreover, we show that our fine-scale knowledge of spider assemblages in South Africa is relatively poor, yet we do identify, even at fine scales, assemblages in South Africa that can be considered complete. We identify under-sampled regions of the country, which in turn are congruent with the distribution of under-sampled regions found in other South African invertebrate groups. We show that the scaling of completeness can only be interpreted in one direction: as scale increases so does completeness. These findings will have important implications for spider research and conservation in South Africa, given that regions where completeness is highest correspond strongly to areas in South Africa with the highest threats to biodiversity.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.65.136267

Authors: Gillian M. Mapstone, Jannes Landschoff

Abstract: From June to September 2022, five colonies of the rare hydrozoan siphonophore Rhizophysa eysenhardtii were observed for the first time near the surface in False Bay, South Africa. The two colonies in June/July were small with all tentacles contracted, while the September colonies were larger, the largest up to 0.8 m long (in video), with most of its tentacles extended for feeding. In this species, tentacles are typically pink and each arises from the proximal end of a gastrozooid, which engulfs and digests the prey. Fish larvae were noted in the gastrozooids and counted and a chaetognath was observed stuck to one of the tentacles. The pneumatophore was prominent in all specimens and gonodendra bearing sexual gonophores were visible between the gastrozooids of the larger specimens.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.138398

Authors: Abel Pérez-González, Vanesa Mamani

Abstract: Despite being one of the most conspicuous African opilionids, the members of Lacurbsinae remain one of the least known groups of harvestmen species. All eight previously-known species of Lacurbsinae are inadequately described and poorly illustrated, leaving the morphological characteristics of this subfamily obscure. After more than half a century, we describe a new species of Lacurbsinae. Metalacurbs foordi sp. nov. is described, based on a male specimen collected in Ankasa National Park, Ghana, with a detailed description and illustration of its external and genital morphology. This marks the first modern taxonomic description of a species within Lacurbsinae, including an illustration and description of the male genital morphology, a crucial modern taxonomic characteristic for Opiliones and represents a starting point for the taxonomic revision of the subfamily.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.138029

Authors: Rudy Jocqué, Arnaud Henrard

Abstract: The Afrotropical representatives of the zodariid spider genus Asceua Thorell, 1889 are revised. Apart from the known species A. radiosa Jocqué, 1986 (Comoros, Mayotte) and A. lejeunei Jocqué, 1991 (DR Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Nigeria), six new species are recognized and described: A. arborivaga sp. nov. (♀, Guinea), A. foordi sp. nov., (♂♀, DR Congo, Guinea, South Africa), A. incensa sp. nov. (♂♀, DR Congo), A. luki sp. nov. (♂♀, DR Congo), A. palustris sp. nov. (♀, DR Congo) and A. ventrofigurata sp. nov. (♂♀, Tanzania). A key to the species is provided. Some of the species have a very large distribution, which is unusual in the Zodariidae. The phenomenon is probably linked to the canopy dwelling behaviour, which appears common in the genus but unique for this spider family.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.65.136083

Authors: Charles Richard Haddad, Wanda Wesołowska

Abstract: Following a rapid biodiversity assessment of spiders in the arid western interior of South Africa, we report on the occurrence of some poorly known and new species of chrysilline jumping spiders. Helafricanus patellaris (Simon, 1901), Heliocapensis capensis (Wesołowska, 1986), H. mirabilis (Wesołowska, 1986) and Menemerus lesserti Lawrence, 1927 are recorded from the Northern Cape Province for the first time, and Heliocapensis maluti (Wesołowska & Haddad, 2014) (Lesotho) and Heliophanus deformis Wesołowska, 1986 (Angola) are recorded from South Africa for the first time, both also from the Northern Cape. The hitherto unknown females of Heliocapensis mirabilis (Wesołowska, 1986) and Icius pulchellus Haddad & Wesołowska, 2011 and the male of M. lesserti are described for the first time. Three new species are described: Icius jacksoni sp. nov. (♂), Menemerus foordi sp. nov. (♂) and Natta triguttata sp. nov. (♂♀). One new combination, Afraflacilla matabelensis (Wesołowska, 2011), comb. nov. (ex Pseudicius Simon, 1885), is proposed. We present the first comprehensive molecular analysis of South Africa Chrysillini jumping spiders, based on the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene, which supports the monophyly of all but two genera (Helafricanus Wesołowska, 1986 and Heliophanus C.L. Koch, 1833), which we briefly discuss.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.137694

Authors: Jan Andries Neethling, Danilo Harms

Abstract: A new species of pseudoscorpion, Afrogarypus foordi sp. nov. (Pseudoscorpiones, Geogarypidae), is described in honour of South African arachnologist Stefan Hendrik Foord. The species is described from both sexes and known from near Fauresmith, Free State, South Africa. It is amongst the smallest species of Afrogarypus (chela length ca. 0.6–0.8 mm) and differs from its congeners by lacking trichobothrium isb on the fixed chelal finger, monotarsate legs I and II, and details of the galea and dentation of the chelal fingers.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.135136

Authors: Ansie S. Dippenaar-Schoeman, T. Caswell Munyai, Colin S. Schoeman, Norbert Hahn, Stefan H. Foord

Abstract: The Soutpansberg Mountain (SM) range in the northern part of the Limpopo Province within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, is a refuge for high diversity of organisms due to its geological history and location. As part of the South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA), the spider diversity of the Soutpansberg Mountain was determined over 27 years: 58 families, 293 genera, and 585 species were recorded. The Salticidae with 85 species, followed by Thomisidae (81 species), Araneidae, and Gnaphosidae, with 45 species each, are the most species-rich, while 11 families are represented by single species. Global distributions, endemicity, and conservation assessment are provided for each species using IUCN criteria. Most species (516, 88.1%) are widely distributed with no known threats and are of Least Concern, whereas eight species (1.4%) are of special concern. Of these, five species are Rare and one each is Critically Rare, Vulnerable, and Near Threatened. Twenty-five new species have been described from the SM since 1997, but 17 species (2.9%) are still Data Deficient, and 44 species were not evaluated due to unresolved taxonomy. The SM represents a spider biodiversity hotspot in the Limpopo Province, representing 25.4% of the total spider fauna of South Africa and 64.3% of the known spider fauna of the Limpopo Province.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.137760

Authors: Galina N. Azarkina

Abstract: A new monotypic genus Foordus gen. nov. with Foordus stefani sp. nov. as the type species is described. A short discussion on other Salticidae with disjunctive distributions is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.126810

Authors: Katie I. Murray, Jaime Escobar-Toledo, Brogan L. Pett

Abstract: Despite being the most diverse family of spiders, Salticidae (jumping spiders) are poorly studied in Madagascar with only 47 of the total 105 species recorded in the last 100 years. Here, we describe three new species of Plexippini Simon, 1901 from dry forests in North-western Madagascar as part of an ongoing biomonitoring programme. This paper increases the number of species in the genus Evarcha Simon, 1902 from 93 to 95 and Thyene Simon, 1885 from 55 to 56. Additionally, we publish specimen records of Plexippus petersi (Karsch, 1878) from Madagascar for the first time. All new species are diagnosed and illustrated through photographs and drawings.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.131744

Authors: Mokome M. J. Magoai, Burgert S. Muller

Abstract: Eight species of Atherigona Rondani, 1856 are recorded from Lesotho for the first time: Atherigona angulata Deeming, 1971, Atherigona chrysohypene Muller, 2015, Atherigona kirkspriggsi Muller, 2015, Atherigona laevigata (Loew, 1852), Atherigona lineata ugandae van Emden, 1940, Atherigona londti Muller, 2015, Atherigona rubricornis Stein, 1913 and a new species Atherigona jordaensi sp. nov. The new species is described and diagnoses for all known species from Lesotho are provided with a brief discussion on their distribution in the country.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.128284

Authors: Danniella Sherwood, Arnaud Henrard, Didier Van Den Spiegel

Abstract: A new spider species, Selenogyrus foordi sp. nov. (♂♀), is described from Mount Nimba, Guinea. Consequently, we provide the first in vivo photographs of a selenogyrine in the scientific literature and the first record of Selenogyrinae Smith, 1990 from Guinea. We also record S. aureus Pocock, 1897, described from Sierra Leone, from Massif du Ziama Biosphere Reserve, Guinea, representing the second known species for this country.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.111920

Authors: Viktor Baranov, Xiaolong Lin, Jeremy Hübner, Caroline Chimeno

Abstract: The first study results on the Chironomidae fauna of central Namibia (Khomas, Otjozondjupa and Hardap regions) are presented, based on morphology and DNA-barcoding. The preliminary investigation led to the discovery of a new species Paraphaenocladius namibiae sp. nov. (Chironomidae, Orthocladiinae) and 17 new country records for Namibia.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.103539

Authors: Ozren Polašek

Abstract: Ropalidia chromis sp. nov. is described from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is characterized by a mixture of morphological features present in two large species groups of that genus, suggesting a separate phylogenetic lineage.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.65.115507

Authors: Martin H. Villet

Abstract: A review of published evidence indicates that Bactricia nematodes Kirby, 1894 is a nomen nudum because it is an unavailable name. The specimen collected during the Lund University Swedish South African Expedition and reported by this name is a male of Bactricia bituberculata (Schaum, 1857).

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.113133

Authors: Burgert S. Muller, Vaughn R. Swart, Louwrens P. Snyman

Abstract: Atrichops Verrall, 1909 of the Afrotropical Region are revised, and Atherix adamastor Stuckenberg, 1960, previously unplaced, is transferred to Atrichops based on morphological characters and feeding ecology. A new South African species, A. intermedius sp. nov. is also described from Mpumalanga Province.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.113946

Authors: Danniella Sherwood, Yuri M. Marusik, Adam Sharp, Philip Ashmole

Abstract: An updated checklist of the gnaphosid spiders of Ascension Island – comprising five species, in five genera – is presented, based on examination of historical and new specimens from across Ascension, including its islet Boatswain Bird Island. The continued presence of the non-native Marinarozelotes jaxartensis (Kroneberg, 1875), Urozelotes rusticus (L. Koch, 1842), and Zelotes laetus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872), previously recorded by prior workers, is confirmed. Two species are newly recorded from the island: Synaphosus syntheticus (Chamberlin, 1924) from the mainland and Australoechemus vickyae sp. nov. (♂♀) from both Boatswain Bird Island and the mainland.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.64.111047

Authors: Ansie S. Dippenaar-Schoeman, Charles R. Haddad, Leon N. Lotz, Ruan Booysen, Rudolph C. Steenkamp, Stefan H. Foord

Abstract: A checklist of 2265 spider species and subspecies, 495 genera and 71 families is provided. Data were extracted from the South African National Survey of Arachnida database and over 200 taxonomic revisions, ending December 2022. Global distributions, endemicity and conservation assessment using IUCN Criteria are provided for each species. A total of 1325 spp. are endemic to South Africa (58.5%), 126 spp. (5.6%) are of special concern and 693 spp. (30.6%) are Data Deficient (DD), while 15 species were described without exact locality data. Most species (1444 spp., 63.8%) are widely distributed with no known threats and are of Least Concern. A total of 1316 spp. (57.6%) are known from both sexes and 23 spp. (1.0%) were described from juveniles. Salticidae is the most species-rich family (354 spp.), followed by Gnaphosidae (195 spp.), Thomisidae (143 spp.) and Araneidae (100 spp.) and ten families are represented by a single species.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.108525

Authors: John M. Midgley, Burgert S. Muller, Genevieve L. Theron, Mpho Phoofolo, Terence A. Bellingan, Kurt Jordaens

Abstract: The Kingdom of Lesotho in southern Africa is entirely bordered by South Africa, with which it shares many geological and vegetation types, but the vast extent of alpine vegetation and high altitudes suggests that differences in insect diversity should be expected. Globally, the Diptera are one of the most diverse orders of insects, though biodiversity estimates for the order are lacking for many regions. Here, we present a summary of the limited historical Diptera collections from Lesotho, summarise our collecting expeditions in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and provide photographs and descriptions of the collecting sites. This paper is the first of a series of papers in a Topical Collection of the Diptera of Lesotho in African Invertebrates. We hope to stimulate more research on Afrotropical Diptera and to improve their conservation in Lesotho in particular.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.104283

Authors: Torsten Dikow, Meliah Dubus

Abstract: The genus Anypodetus Hermann, 1907 (Diptera, Asilidae, Laphriinae) is reviewed. Currently, eight species are recognized from Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and southern-most Zambia, i.e., Anypodetus arachnoides Oldroyd, 1974 widespread, Anypodetus fasciatus Hermann, 1907 widespread, Anypodetus fascipennis Engel, 1924 widespread, Anypodetus leucothrix Londt, 2000 restricted to southern Namibia and south-western South Africa, Anypodetus macroceros Londt, 2000 restricted to west-central Namibia, Anypodetus nigrifacies Ricardo, 1925 restricted to eastern-most South Africa and southern Mozambique, Anypodetus phalaros Londt, 2000 Namibia and South Africa, and Anypodetus unicolor Oldroyd, 1974 Namibia, eastern South Africa, adjacent Mozambique, and southern Zimbabwe. One new species, Anypodetus londti sp. nov. from Mozambique and Zimbabwe, is described for a total of nine species in the genus. Study of the secondary type specimens of A. unicolor from Namibia revealed that these specimens do not represent this species, reducing the number of species recorded from Namibia to six. Anypodetus leucothrix is recorded with several additional collecting events in central and northern Namibia extending its range significantly. Distribution, biology, occurrence in biodiversity hotspots sensu Conservation International, and seasonal imago flight activity are discussed. Diagnoses, photographs, specimen occurrence data, and an identification key to species are provided with the new species described in detail. The sexual dimorphism in the development of the mystax and wing vein variation in regard to the alignment of M2 and M3 are discussed and illustrated.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.100481

Authors: John Midgley, Terence Bellingan, Kurt Jordaens

Abstract: Amphoterus Bezzi, 1915 is a genus of rarely collected Afrotropical hover flies (Diptera, Syrphidae). We present the first description of the female of A. braunsi van Doesburg, 1956, redescribe the males of A. braunsi van Doesburg, 1956 and A. cribratus Bezzi, 1915, and describe a new species, A. londti sp. nov. We also provide the first colour photographs of two of the species, the first DNA barcodes for the genus and a key to identify the species.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.91446

Authors: Bradley J. Sinclair

Abstract: Two new species of Afrotropical Wiedemannia Zetterstedt are described: W. kilimanjaro sp. nov. (Tanzania), W. londti sp. nov. (Malawi). Both species are illustrated and an updated key to Afrotropical species of Wiedemannia is provided. The distributions of all Afrotropical species of Wiedemannia are mapped and the disjunct distribution briefly discussed.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.96577

Authors: Shaun L. Winterton, Michael E. Irwin, Jonas Mortelmans

Abstract:

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.85542

Authors: John M. Midgley, Terence A. Bellingan

Abstract: A new species of Bittacus Latreille, 1805 is described based on two specimens from Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique. Bittacus londti sp. nov. is the second known Afrotropical Bittacus with a femoral bulla and brings the number of species known from Mozambique to four. A distribution map for these species is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.100851

Authors: Martin H. Villet

Abstract: Jason G.H. Londt contributed almost a quarter of the KwaZulu-Natal Museum’s specimens of Cicadidae, including a strong sample of females, and probably the best set to date of African records of predation on cicadas by robber flies. The collection provides evidence that robber flies catch more male cicadas; speculatively, because attacks on the heavier-bodied female fail more often. The metadata derived from these specimens also provide a small gazetteer of Londt’s collecting sites.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.98587

Authors: Kirstin A. Williams, Jacobus C. Steenkamp, Louwrens P. Snyman

Abstract:

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.103087

Authors: Erica McAlister, Peter Wing

Abstract: The primary and secondary types as well as some non-type material donated by Jason Londt (and various collaborators) to the Natural History Museum, London (NHMUK) have been examined and databased which comprises 35 holotypes, 293 paratypes, and 18 non-types (added for completeness), a total of 328 type specimens from 103 species (6% of the total Afro-tropical fauna). All specimen labels were imaged, both frontal and reverse sides, alongside the specimen. Notes were made of any dissections or damage to the specimens. Additional notes were made of any differences between the labels from the species descriptions and the actual specimens.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.105050

Authors: Torsten Dikow, John Midgley

Abstract: To celebrate the 80th birthday of Jason G.H. Londt, we present a collection of articles in his honour. This introduction includes a summary of Jason’s life and career, an overview of the articles in the Festschrift, lists of his scientific and popular publications and a list of species named in his honour. Jason’s contribution to Mecoptera and Asilidae research in the Afrotropics is discussed, highlighting the impressive contributions he has made to the taxonomy, biology and ecology in both groups.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.97018

Authors: Duniesky Ríos-Tamayo, Robin Lyle, Catherine L. Sole

Abstract: A new genus of mygalomorph spider Ekapa gen. nov., is described from South Africa. The new genus was formed to include the species Hermacha curvipes Purcell, 1902 and Hermacha nigra Tucker, 1917. These species are synonymized based on their somatic similarities, such as fovea shape, cheliceral teeth distribution, ocular pattern, presence of preening combs, and their close geographic distribution. The new genus proposed is distinguished by the presence of a projection in the retroventral side of the palpal tibia in males, together with a distinctive copulatory bulb shape; and in females by the shape of their spermathecae, with a high base and apical stalks that open into oval apical receptacles.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.63.94095

Authors: Gillian M. Mapstone, Craig N. Foster, Mark J. Gibbons

Abstract: A colony of the rare hydrozoan siphonophore Lilyopsis Chun, 1885, was observed for the first time in shallow water in False Bay, South Africa, swimming amongst kelp. A study of a high-quality image of this individual found it to share some characters with the prayine prayid L. fluoracantha Haddock, Dunn & Pugh, 2005, so far known only from Monterey Bay, California, in the eastern Pacific. No Lilyopsis species has previously been reliably identified from either the South Atlantic or the Indian Ocean, so this record represents an expansion of the known worldwide distribution for this genus.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.63.90530

Authors: Sergei Zonstein, Yuri M. Marusik

Abstract: The spider genus Ikuma Lawrence, 1938, endemic to Namibia, is rediagnosed and redescribed based on the characters both species originally included in the genus and of the newly described I. larseni sp. nov. A new synonymy is proposed: I. squamata Lawrence, 1938, described from a sole female is recognized a junior synonym of the type species I. spiculosa (Lawrence, 1927), based on a single juvenile. The currently described I. larseni sp. nov. differs from the generotype in the eye arrangement, structure of the abdominal scuta, and details of the colouration. The copulatory organs of both males and females belonging to Ikuma are studied, described and depicted for the first time. The previously known genus range confined to the far north of Namibia extends to the mid-western part of this country.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.63.86661

Authors: Olavi Kurina, Aleksander Pototski

Abstract: Two new Phronia Winnertz, 1864 species—P. hannarostiae sp. nov. and P. ristoi sp. nov.—are described from Taita Hills in Kenya, representing the first named species of this genus in the African continent. The new species are morphologically similar to each other as well as to P. flobertae Matile – a species described from the Comoro Islands. These three species can be distinguished by details of the male terminalia, in particular by comparing the structures of the gonostyli. The new species are photographed and hand-drawn figures provided, and their taxonomy is discussed.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.63.81092

Authors: Tarombera Mwabvu, Adekunle Adebowale

Abstract: Male gonopods are useful in taxonomic diagnoses and descriptions of millipedes, although they may vary intraspecifically in shape and size. To assess this intraspecific variation, we used geometric morphometric analysis to compare gonopod morphology among eight isolated populations of the colour-polymorphic southern African millipede Bicoxidens flavicollis. Our results showed that gonopod shapes vary significantly across the examined populations, and elucidated subtle variations. CVA cross-validation test indicates an average classification rate of 75% for the five populations for which we had more than one specimen. Although we had a small number of replicates for three populations, our results still illustrate the importance of applying quantitative approaches to what would otherwise be qualitative and subjective gonopod shape categories in millipedes. As such, the taxonomic assignment of the populations of B. flavicollis may require further investigation, and further revisions would be required with an integrative approach, including molecular data, in order to re-evaluate the taxonomic diversity and distribution data of this species. Finally, we highlight the conservation potential of divergent populations as evolutionary insurance against a dynamic and unpredictable climate, whether or not they undergo full speciation.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.63.76309

Authors: Claire Boschert, Torsten Dikow

Abstract: The genera Eremohaplomydas Bequaert, 1959, Haplomydas Bezzi, 1924, and Lachnocorynus Hesse, 1969 (Diptera: Mydidae: Syllegomydinae) are revised. Currently, four species are known from southern Africa, i.e., Eremohaplomydas desertorum Bequaert, 1959 from north-western Namibia, Haplomydas crassipes Bezzi, 1924 widespread in southern Africa, Lachnocorynus chobeensis Hesse, 1969 from northern Botswana, and Lachnocorynus kochi Hesse, 1969 from northern Namibia. Four new species, Eremohaplomydas gobabebensis sp. nov. and Eremohaplomydas whartoni sp. nov. from the central Namib desert of Namibia, Eremohaplomydas stomachoris sp. nov. from the northern Namib desert in Namibia, and Lachnocorynus stenocephalus sp. nov. from north-eastern Zimbabwe are described. Lachnocorynus kochi is synonymized with Lachnocorynus chobeensis. Distribution, biology, occurrence in biodiversity hotspots sensu Conservation International and seasonal imago flight activity are discussed. Descriptions/redescriptions, photographs, specimen occurrence data, and identification keys (both dichotomous and matrix-based) to species are provided and made openly accessible in data repositories to support and accelerate future studies of the included taxa. An updated identification key to the Mydidae genera of the Afrotropical Region is provided. The placement of the three genera in the subfamily taxon Syllegomydinae is discussed and several morphological features, such as an extremely reduced proboscis in some species, a unique wing venation in Eremohaplomydas gobabebensis sp. nov., and the unique metathoracic coxa, are discussed.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.63.76934

Authors: Silas Bossert, Simon van Noort

Abstract: Scrapter is a genus of colletid bees with a primary distribution centered in Southern Africa. The genus currently comprises 68 recognized species, which are divided into nine species groups, ranging from one to 29 included species. The Scrapter heterodoxus group is presently considered to be the only monotypic group, because of synonymization of Scrapter heterodoxus with Scrapter peringueyi in a previous revision of the genus. A comparative examination of these two species using both morphological assessment and molecular sequence data from the COI barcode region supported the recognition of S. peringueyi as a valid species, which we accordingly resurrect as the second species of the Scrapter heterodoxus species group. We provide high resolution images of the type specimens for both species and updated diagnoses to enable their separation from all other species of Scrapter.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.62.74103

Authors: Simon van Noort, Sergey A. Belokobylskij, Agnièle Touret-Alby

Abstract: The endemic, monotypic Afrotropical genus Spathioplites Fischer, 1962 is rediscovered based on new specimens collected in South Africa and Senegal. Spathioplites phreneticus Fischer, 1962 was previously known from the holotype (male) and 12 paratypes (11 males and a female) collected in Chad in 1959. As part of an ongoing long-term insect inventory survey program in Africa new specimens were recently collected in Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve in South Africa, extending the distribution range southwards by 4900 km. An additional historical specimen from Senegal was discovered in the collections of the Natural History Museum in Paris, extending the range westwards by 4000 km. Possible reasons for the disjunct distribution exhibited by current locality records for this species are discussed. The holotype male and a paratype female, as well as one of the two newly collected South African females were imaged. These photographs, as well as genus and species re-descriptions, are provided. An identification key to the Old World genera in the doryctine tribe Spathiini s. str. is also presented. All images and interactive identification keys are available on www.waspweb.org.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.62.76103

Authors: Kirstin A. Williams, Louwrens Pieter Snyman

Abstract: All primary (name-bearing) types of Haematopota Meigen, 1803, deposited in the KwaZulu-Natal Museum (NMSA) are documented - Haematopota anomala Travassos Dias, 1956 (Mpumalanga, South Africa); Haematopota diasi Travassos Dias, 1956 (Gauteng, South Africa); Haematopota megaera Usher, 1965 (Eastern Cape, South Africa); Haematopota mephista Usher, 1965 (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa); Haematopota montisdraconis Usher, 1965 (Eastern Cape, South Africa); Haematopota ovazzai Travassos Dias, 1956 (Eastern Cape, South Africa); Haematopota quathlambia Usher, 1965 (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa); Haematopota spectabilis Oldroyd, 1952 (Northern Cape, South Africa); Haematopota tropai Travassos Dias, 1956 (Reunion). The reference to the original publication, including the original name, the type locality and the collector, is provided for each species. In addition, brief remarks and colour photographs are provided. This is the first in a series of publications on the primary types of the Tabanidae of the KwaZulu-Natal Museum.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.62.73911

Authors: Thomas Kaltenbach, Jean-Luc Gattolliat

Abstract: A new genus of Baetidae, Megalabiops gen. nov., and a new species, M. madagasikara sp. nov., are described from Madagascar based on nymphs. The new genus is characterized by having a strongly enlarged mentum; pedicelli with many long, stout, pointed setae; a brush of dense, short setae between prostheca and mola of both mandibles; an apically pointed maxillary palp with a stout seta at the tip; and a labium with many long, simple setae ventrally on glossae. The patellotibial suture is absent on the fore tibia and present on middle and hind tibiae. The claw is strongly elongated with two rows of denticles. The imago remains unknown and the relationships with other African genera of Baetidae are tentative. Despite being easily identifiable, only two nymphs were found in two highly sampled localities in Madagascar.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.62.70632

Authors: Thomas Kaltenbach, Nathalie Mary, Jean-Luc Gattolliat

Abstract: Material collected in 1974 during the Austrian Hydrobiological Mission of F. Starmühlner to the Comoros and during recent years by one of the authors (NM) in the course of an ongoing freshwater monitoring program in Mayotte is the basis of this first larger study of the mayfly family Baetidae in the Comoros Archipelago (Comoros, Mayotte). We identified eight different species using morphological characters, four species on both the Comoros and Mayotte, three species on the Comoros only and one species on Mayotte only. Two species, Dabulamanzia mayottensis sp. nov. and Nigrobaetis richardi sp. nov., are new to science; they are described and illustrated based on their nymphs. The nymph of Afroptilum bicorne (Ulmer, 1909) is described for the first time and its assignment to this species is discussed. The description of the previously endemic Malagasy species Potamocloeon (Aquaediva) freitagae (Gattolliat, 2001), is complemented based on the additional material from the Comoros and re-examination of the type material. A key to the nymphs of all species of Baetidae in the Comoros and Mayotte is provided and the biogeography of the family in this region is discussed.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.62.67875

Authors: Thembeka C. Nxele, Tarombera Mwabvu, Inam Yekwayo

Abstract: Little is known about the species composition of earthworms in agroecosystems in South Africa even though earthworms provide soil ecosystem services and are useful biological indicators of changes in the habitats. Given the land use and management impact biodiversity, the aim of this study was to document earthworm species that occur under cultivated land in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. A survey of nine farms that practise conservation agriculture was carried out between 2018 and 2020. Twelve earthworm species belonging to four introduced families: Acanthodrilidae (Dichogaster bolaui), Rhinodrilidae (Pontoscolex corenthrurus), Lumbricidae (Aporrectodea caliginosa, Aporrectodea rosea, Aporrectodea trapezoides, Lumbricus rubellus, Octolasion cyaneum, Octolasion lacteum), Megascolecidae (Amynthas aeruginosus, Amynthas corticis, Amynthas gracilis, Amynthas rodericensis) and juveniles from an indigenous family Tritogeniidae were recorded from cultivated fields. The type of crop (habitat) affected both species richness and abundance of earthworms significantly. However, post hoc results showed differences in species richness between the soya and the maize only, with greater species richness in the maize. Our results demonstrate that habitat type has a major influence on communities of earthworms in agroecosystems.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.62.66891

Authors: Martin H. Villet, Shelley Edwards

Abstract: The cicada genus Tugelana Distant, 1912 is monotypic and endemic to south-eastern Africa. Material was not available for a recent molecular phylogeny of its tribe, so its precise phylogenetic placement is unestablished. Consequently, a 627 bp sequence of the cytochrome oxidase gene was obtained and its candidate relatives identified as several species of Platypleura Amyot & Audinet-Serville, 1843 using the BOLD Identification System and NCBI Genbank’s BLAST. Bayesian inference analyses indicated that the type species, the Maputaland Orangewing Cicada Tugelana butleri Distant, 1912, is closely related to the Dune Koko Orangewing Cicada Platypleura zuluensis Villet, 1989, which has a geographical distribution that is parapatric with T. butleri and which has aberrant genitalia for a member of Platypleura. This pair of species is placed fairly deep within the African clade of Platypleura. We therefore formally recognized Platypleura Amyot & Audinet-Serville, 1843 as a senior synonym of Tugelana Distant, 1912, syn. nov., and assign T. butleri Distant, 1912 to Platypleura as Platypleura butleri (Distant 1912), comb. nov. The species occurs on the wooded grasslands of the Maputaland coastal plateau east of Lebombo Mountains and south of Maputo Bay. Its Extent of Occurrence is about 6360 km2, which would qualify it as Vulnerable under the IUCN’s classification criteria for conservation status.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.62.68360

Authors: Terence Bellingan, John Midgley, Georg Goergen, Kurt Jordaens

Abstract: The African endemic hover fly Meromacroides meromacriformis (Bezzi, 1915) (Syrphidae, Eristalinae) was described more than a century ago and its monotypic status established in 1927, but subsequent collections and publications are rare. Only the male has been described and nothing is known about its biology. We re-describe the male, including geographic variation, describe the female for the first time and provide the first DNA barcodes for the species. Despite the large range and observed variations, there is insufficient evidence to describe additional taxa in the genus. Biological observations are presented, which may shed some insight into this rare and enigmatic hover fly, whose known distribution now spans the Afrotropical Region.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.62.64885

Authors: Thomas Kaltenbach, Jean-Luc Gattolliat

Abstract: Material collected between 1984 and 1988 in Guinea and Mali and between 2003 and 2008 in the Ivory Coast substantially increased our knowledge of Labiobaetis Novikova & Kluge in West Africa. We identified eight different species using morphological characters. One species, L. ediai sp. nov., is new to science; it is described and illustrated, based on its nymphs. The status of L. boussoulius (Gillies, 1993) is discussed and the divergent morphology of L. elouardi (Gillies, 1993) is compared to other species of Labiobaetis. A key to the nymphs of all West African species is provided and the distribution of Labiobaetis species in the Afrotropical realm is discussed.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.62.61504

Authors: Axel Ssymank, Kurt Jordaens

Abstract: The taxonomy of Syrphidae is far from being complete in the Afrotropical Region and many species have been described from a single sex only. One of these is the enigmatic monotypic genus Syrittosyrphus Hull, 1944, of which, so far, only the male of Syrittosyrphus opacea Hull, 1944 was described from the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. Here, we re-describe the male and describe the female. We summarise all known distribution records from South Africa (Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo Provinces) and Zimbabwe (Vumba), of which several are new. We also provide notes on the species’ ecology.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.62.62426

Authors: Paola D’Alessandro, Mattia Iannella, Elizabeth Grobbelaar, Maurizio Biondi

Abstract: Calotheca Heyden, 1887 is a flea beetle genus that occurs predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa, comprising 29 species. The examination of new material is revealing a significantly higher species richness and high intraspecific variability. A group of five species, occurring in the southernmost portion of the distribution range for the genus, is here attributed to the C. parvula species group: C. parvula (Weise, 1908), C. pallida (Bryant, 1945), C. danielssoni sp. nov., C. oberprieleri sp. nov., and C. prinslooi sp. nov. Species in the C. parvula group have strong similarities in body shape and sculpture on the integument, spermathecal shape, and for most species the morphology of the median lobe of the aedeagus. A key to species of the Calotheca parvula group is provided along with photographs of the habitus, main diagnostic characters, median lobe of the aedeagus and spermatheca. In addition to the geographic distribution, the available information on the habitat, host plants, and phenology are provided for the five species analysed.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.62.62842

Authors: Simon van Noort, Rosali Smith, Julie A. Coetzee

Abstract: The Brazilian waterweed, Egeria densa Planchon, 1849 (Hydrocharitaceae), is an invasive species in South Africa where it is a host plant for the aquatic leaf-miner Hydrellia egeriae Rodrigues-Júnior, 2015 (Ephydridae, Diptera). Efficacy of the biocontrol agent can potentially be affected by parasitoids. Three species of braconid parasitoid wasps were reared from puparia of Hydrellia egeriae. By comparison with the type specimens, these species have been determined to be Ademon lagarosiphonae van Achterberg, 2012 (Braconidae: Opiinae), Chaenusa anervata van Achterberg, 2012 and Chaenusa seminervata van Achterberg, 2012 (Braconidae: Alysiinae: Dacnusini), all previously recorded as parasitoids of an ephydrid dipterous aquatic leaf-miner, Hydrellia lagarosiphon Deeming, 2012, on Lagarosiphon major (Ridley, 1886) Moss ex Wager (Hydrocharitaceae) in South Africa. The chalcidoid, Janicharis africanus Gumovsky & Delvare, 2006 (Eulophidae), was also reared from Hydrellia egeriae and is possibly a hyperparasitoid of the braconids. South Africa is a new country record for J. africanus. We provide comprehensive images of all species including the braconid types and illustrated identification keys to the Afrotropical species of the two braconid genera are also provided. All images and online keys are available on WaspWeb (http://www.waspweb.org).

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.62.62963

Authors: Dancun A. Oketch, Esther N. Kioko, Shuqiang Li

Abstract: Three new species of the genus Toxoniella Warui & Jocqué, 2002 of the family Liocranidae Simon, 1897 are described from Kenya: T. tharaka Oketch & Li, sp. nov., T. waruii Oketch & Li, sp. nov., and T. nyeri Oketch & Li, sp. nov. Types are deposited in the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), Nairobi, Kenya.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.62.58842

Authors: Kirstin A. Williams, Crystal-Leigh Clitheroe, Martin H. Villet, John M. Midgley

Abstract: Sap beetles of the genus Omosita Erichson are stored-product pests that are also associated with carrion, potentially making them biosecurity risks and forensic tools. The discovery of a specimen of the Nearctic species Omosita nearctica Kirejtshuk in South Africa prompted an investigation a decade later to determine if this species had established itself in the country, which was confirmed by the collection of further breeding specimens that also facilitated the first description of mature larvae of O. nearctica. A new key to adults of all Omosita species is presented.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.62.62029

Authors: Thomas Kaltenbach, Jean-Luc Gattolliat

Abstract: Material collected between 2017 and 2019 in Ethiopia in the Awash River catchment substantially increased our knowledge of Labiobaetis Novikova & Kluge in this country. Four species were previously reported based on ecological investigations of Ethiopian rivers: L. glaucus (Agnew, 1961), L. latus (Agnew, 1961), L. vinosus (Barnard, 1932) and L. bellus (Barnard, 1932). We have identified six different species using a combination of morphology and genetic distance (COI, Kimura 2-parameter). Two of them, L. alahmadii Gattolliat & Al Dhafer, 2018 and L. potamoticus Gattolliat & Al Dhafer, 2018 were previously assumed to be endemic to the Arabian Peninsula. The status of L. bellus is discussed and remains unresolved. One species is new to science; it is described and illustrated based on its nymphs. A key to the nymphs of all Ethiopian species is provided. The interspecific K2P distances in Ethiopia are between 17% and 23%, the intraspecific distances are usually between 0% and 1%. The total number of Labiobaetis species worldwide is augmented to 145. The Afrotropical species of Labiobaetis are discussed in comparison to the species of other realms.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.62.58776

Authors: Grace M. Kioko, Yuri M. Marusik, Shuqiang Li, Esther N. Kioko, Liqiang Ji

Abstract: A checklist of 805 spider species and subspecies belonging to 57 families described and/or reported from Kenya up to 31 December 2018 is provided. Species distribution within Kenya is given according to counties and specific localities. A historical survey is provided and each record is presented in its original combination. The list is dominated by members of the families Salticidae and Linyphiidae (160 and 110 species, respectively). Eighteen families are represented by a single species. About 300 species are known exclusively from Kenya and 158 species are sub-endemics. Two hundred and forty two species are described from a single sex (159 females and 83 males) and 24 from juveniles. Nairobi County has the greatest number of records, five counties had a frequency of one, while nine counties had no collection records. There are two fossil spiders known from Kenya belonging to the family Oonopidae. One new combination is proposed: Hypsosinga holzapfelae (Lessert, 1936), comb. nov. (ex. Araneus Clerck, 1757).

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.62.54721

Authors: Michael Stiller

Abstract: Two new genera of macropterous leafhoppers, tentatively included in the tribe Bonaspeiini Zahniser and Dietrich (2013) from the Fynbos biome of south-western parts of South Africa, are described. These are Retevolatus gen. nov. with type species R. flexiverpus sp. nov., R. semicurviverpus sp. nov. and R. subspiniverpus sp. nov. and Flavorubivolatus gen. nov. with type species F. glabriverpus sp. nov. and F. tensiverpus sp. nov. and F. curtiverpus sp. nov. Collection records and distribution modelling confirmed that species of both genera occur within a confined region of south-western parts of South Africa.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.61.59354

Authors: Thomas Kaltenbach, Jean-Luc Gattolliat

Abstract: A new genus of Baetidae, Pedicelliops gen. nov., and a new species, P. capillifer sp. nov., are described from Guinea (West Africa) based on larvae. The new genus is characterized by having strongly enlarged pedicelli and very short flagella, a brush of dense, short setae between prostheca and mola of both mandibles, a small rectangular labrum, an apicolaterally pointed maxillary palp, a labial palp with a small distolateral protuberance and long setae ventrally on glossae and paraglossae. The femora of all legs are covered with numerous long, fine setae. The patellotibial suture is absent on the fore tibia and present on middle and hind tibiae. The claw is pointed with two rows of denticles. No spines are present on the posterior margins of the abdominal tergites. The imago remains unknown and the relationships with other African genera of Baetidae remains tentative. Despite being easily identifiable and of a fairly large size (body length ca. 5 mm), only two larvae were found in two highly sampled localities in West Africa.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.61.58085

Authors: Rodrigo B. Salvador, Jonathan D. Ablett

Abstract: A small collection containing thirty-nine lots of South African Streptaxidae land snails is housed in the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (NMNZ). This material previously belonged to British/South African malacologist Henry C. Burnup, who either donated it to, or exchanged it with New Zealand-based Swiss malacologist Henry Suter, whose land snail collection was eventually acquired by the NMNZ. The lots contain type specimens of eight taxa (species and subspecies) and are presented herein in the form of an annotated and illustrated catalogue.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.61.54004

Authors: Ambata D. Oketch, Sergei Zonstein, Esther N. Kioko, Shuqiang Li

Abstract: A new genus and three new species of the spider family Palpimanidae Thorell, 1870 from Kenya are described. Sceliscelis Oketch & Li, gen. nov. is close to Sarascelis Simon, 1887 and Scelidocteus Simon, 1907 but differs in the structure of the male palp. The new species reported are Sceliscelis marshi Oketch & Li, sp. nov., Scelidocteus taitave Oketch & Li, sp. nov., and Hybosida machondogo Oketch & Li, sp. nov. Sceliscelis marshi sp. nov. is described from males and females collected from Tsavo in south Kenya. Scelidocteus taitave sp. nov. can be distinguished from other congeners, as well as from the morphologically similar Scelidomachus socotranus Pocock, 1899, by the shape of the palpal “conductor”. Hybosida machondogo sp. nov. differs from other six-eyed Hybosida spp. by possessing rudimentary posterior median eyes.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.61.53380

Authors: Thembeka Clara Nxele, Jadwiga Danuta Plisko, Tarombera Mwabvu, Oliver Tendayi Zishiri

Abstract: Species identification of earthworms using morphology can be challenging and inconclusive as homoplasy in many characters is high. The use of molecular DNA technology, such as the use of conserved regions in mtDNA and nuclear DNA has unravelled the phylogenetic background of several earthworm species. The current study utilised the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial marker to reconstruct the phylogeny of Kazimierzus Plisko, 2006 species from the Western and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa. Phylogenetic reconstructions were implemented using Bayesian Inference, as well as Maximum Likelihood. Both tree building methods adhered to the monophyly of the majority of the taxa. Results showed that species fell into two clades and validated eleven currently known Kazimierzus species (K. circulatus (Plisko, 1998), K. franciscus (Pickford, 1975), K. guntheri (Pickford, 1975), K. hamerae (Plisko, 1998), K. kleinoodi Nxele & Plisko, 2017, K. nietvoorbiji Nxele & Plisko, 2017, K. nieuwoudtvillensis Nxele & Plisko, 2017, K. occidualis (Plisko, 1998), K. pearsonianus (Pickford, 1975), K. phumlani Nxele & Plisko, 2017, K. sophieae (Plisko, 2002)). Cryptic diversity is evident in K. occidualis with genetic divergence greater than 12% amongst populations. Kazimierzus franciscus and K. ljungstroemi (Pickford, 1975) have a low genetic variability suggesting close relatedness or probably conspecificity. A group of specimens from Clanwilliam are morphologically identical to K. sophieae, but are genetically distinct and may belong to undescribed species. This study demonstrates the importance of integrative taxonomy in earthworms in order to present reliable taxonomic and biogeographic data.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.61.51989

Authors: Igor V. Muratov, Elodie Heyns-Veale

Abstract: All primary (name-bearing) types of Patelloidea, Lottioidea, Fissurelloidea and Scissurelloidea deposited in the KwaZulu-Natal Museum are presented. The reference to the original publication, including the original generic position, the type locality, the collector and the cited dimensions of the type specimen(s), is provided for each species, followed by information from the label for each type in the NMSA collection (type locality, collector and catalogue number), size of the type specimen, brief remarks and colour photographs.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.61.50895

Authors: Jason G. H. Londt

Abstract: A year-long survey of grassland Asilidae was undertaken at Jacana Eco Estate, Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The following 18 species of Asilidae, in alphabetical order, were encountered: Caenoura annulitarsis (Loew, 1858), Damalis monochaetes Londt, 1989, Dasophrys androclea (Walker, 1849), Dasophrys fortis Londt, 1981, Dasophrys tarsalis (Ricardo, 1920), Dasophrys umbripennis Londt, 1981, Dysclytus firmatus (Walker, 1857), Euscelidia vallis Dikow, 2003, Ischiolobos mesotopos Londt, 2005, Leptogaster sp., Melouromyia natalensis (Ricardo, 1919), Microstylum sp., Neolophonotus hirsutus (Ricardo, 1920), Neolophonotus variabilis Londt, 1986, Neolophonotus wroughtoni (Ricardo, 1920), Pegesimallus bicolor (Loew, 1858), Pegesimallus pedunculatus (Loew, 1858), Rhipidocephala obscurata Oldroyd, 1966. Their flight periods were recorded and tabulated. The variety and numbers encountered suggest that the grassland invertebrate community is healthy and that the grassland is worthy of its conservation status.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.61.48320

Authors: Rafał Bernard, Marek Bąkowski

Abstract: Thirty dragonfly species were collected at 11 localities, mostly situated in central provinces of Mozambique, in the Gorongosa National Park, adjacent areas and the Chimanimani National Reserve buffer zone. These data include a new country record of Phyllogomphus selysi and records of several other species that have rarely been recorded so far in relatively poorly-explored Mozambique, such as Atoconeura biordinata, Hadrothemis scabrifrons, Gynacantha manderica, Gomphidia quarrei and Olpogastra lugubris. Faunistic considerations are given with some remarks on morphological traits.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.61.47048

Authors: Sergei L. Zonstein, Yuri M. Marusik

Abstract: Two new species of the palpimanid genus Diaphorocellus Simon, 1893, D. isalo sp. nov. (♂♀), and D. jocquei sp. nov. (♂♀), are described from central and eastern parts of Madagascar, respectively. Along with D. rufus (Tullgren, 1910), these new species can be distinguished from other congeners by possessing a finely and densely spotted colouration of the abdomen. They differ from one another, as well from D. rufus, by the eye group configuration and by the structure of the male and female copulatory organs. Diagnoses and illustrations presenting the diagnostic characters of D. isalo sp. nov. and D. jocquei sp. nov. are provided. The genus now includes six African species.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.60.37752

Authors: Willem Coetzer, Connal Eardley

Abstract: We analysed country-scale distribution records of solitary bees (i.e. excluding Apis mellifera) in countries in the Afrotropical Region, excluding the southern Arabian Peninsula and Socotra. Although different country estimates of bee species numbers can be explained by differences in climate, vegetation or topography, we concluded that the observed differences are mainly due to differences in sampling effort or taxonomic research intensity in different countries. We characterised three eras of bee taxonomy. The highest rate of species description per annum occurred during the first half of the 20th Century, before generic revisions were prevalent, and when the focus was on consolidating knowledge and developing identification keys. We also researched the locations of type specimens, which included all primary types and syntypes. Most types are housed in western Europe. We describe the Catalogue of Afrotropical Bees (CAB), a biodiversity information system and related GBIF checklist that is the system’s standardised, published output. In the revised CAB, all Afrotropical bee genera have been given common names, many of which are new.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.60.39146

Authors: Yanfeng Tong, Shijia Liu, Esther N. Kioko, Grace M. Kioko, Shuqiang Li

Abstract: Seven species of the genus Opopaea Simon, 1892 from Kenya are recognized, including five new species: O. berlandi (Simon & Fage, 1922), O. kulczynskii (Berland, 1914), O. makadara Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♀♂), O. ngangao Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♀♂), O. ngulia Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♂), O. sheldrick Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♀♂), and O. wundanyi Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♀♂). Morphological descriptions and illustrations of all the species are given. All types are preserved in the National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi, Kenya (NMK).

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.60.39538

Authors: Burgert S. Muller

Abstract: A new species of Coenosia Meigen, 1826 is described, C. flagelliseta sp. nov., belonging to a new aberrant group with apically globular orbital setae, previously only known from male specimens in two species. A female from this unique group is also described for the first time, having tergite 6 of the ovipositor atypical for the Coenosiini. The affinities of the group and the species within are discussed.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.60.38432

Authors: Jason G. H. Londt

Abstract: Afrotropical Astochia Becker, 1913 are taxonomically reviewed. Three new species are described (A. lumarius sp. nov. (Malawi), A. silva sp. nov. (Kenya, Burundi), A. similis sp. nov. (Nigeria)) and added to those already known (A. africana (Ricardo, 1919), A. armata (Becker, 1909), A. neavensis (Ricardo, 1919), A. sodalis (Wulp, 1899), A. strachani Oldroyd, 1970). A key to aid in species identification is provided in addition to notes on their distribution, phenology and biology.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.60.35262

Authors: Milan Zúbrik, Sandrine Picq, Philippe Oremans, Audrey Nisole, Sophie Tremblay, Michel Cusson, Ľubomír Panigaj, Barbora Mikitová, Maurizio Bollino

Abstract: A total of 385 Euphaedra eberti Aurivillius, 1898, adults collected between 2012 and 2018 in the vicinity of Bangui, Central African Republic, were examined for intraspecific morphological variability, genetic diversity and genitalia structure. The species shows significant wing pattern variability. Two main morphotypes were identified in the set: the nominate form eberti, and the one comprising specimens with a red patch, form rubromaculata. However, both forms had similar genitalic structures and shared some specific wing marks, in addition to displaying the same COI (i.e., barcode region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene) haplotype, strongly suggesting that the two morphologically distinct forms belong to the same species, E. eberti. The causes of this variability remain unclear.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.60.35130

Authors: Adrian John Armstrong, Martin H. Villet

Abstract: Public understanding of the goals of applied biology and conservation is promoted by showcasing charismatic or significant organisms using vernacular names. Conservation activities in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, are prioritising taxa that have high rates of provincial endemism, such as snails, earthworms, millipedes and cicadas. To assist wider public engagement in these activities, an assessment of endemism of the cicadas of KwaZulu-Natal is presented along with a dichotomous, 37-couplet key for the identification of males, based mainly on externally visible morphology and colouration. Standardised English vernacular names coined following a simple naming convention are proposed. Forty-two percent (16 out of 38) of the cicada species known from KwaZulu-Natal are endemic to the province. Photographs of some of the species are included to facilitate their identification. Photographs can be used for identification of various species providing that the diagnostic characters are visible in the photographs. For this purpose, photographs may have to be taken of hand-held individuals. Some of the endemic species are of particular concern for conservation because they are not known to occur in statutory protected areas or are only known from relatively small protected areas. The latter may not be able to ensure the long-term survival of the species. The rate and extent of loss of habitat outside protected areas is likely to be a grave threat to species that are not protected or that are inadequately conserved in statutory protected areas. The standardised vernacular names proposed here provide a tool for communicating provincial conservation plans and concerns with stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal and for stimulating interest in cicadas amongst land users, environmental impact assessment practitioners, biologists, naturalists and citizen scientists.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.60.35269

Authors: Thembile T. Khoza, Robin Lyle

Abstract: The genus Planochelas Lyle & Haddad, 2009 is endemic to the Afrotropical region. Members of the genus are very small, arboreal sac spiders. They are mainly collected by canopy fogging in tropical forest and savanna. In this study, four new species of Planochelas are described: P. brevis sp. nov., P. jocquei sp. nov. (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and P. haddadi sp. nov., P. neethlingi sp. nov. (South Africa). An updated key to the genus is provided, and the new species are illustrated by photographs and drawings. A distribution map for the genus is provided. This paper increases the number of species in the genus to seven.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.60.35556

Authors: Bradley J. Sinclair

Abstract: The genus Stuckenbergomyia Smith is revised with the description of a new species from Namibia (S. namibiensis sp. nov.) and an undescribed species based on females from Western Cape Province of South Africa. The genus is fully illustrated and its phylogenetic relationships within the Hybotidae are discussed with the proposal of a new subfamily, Stuckenbergomyiinae subfam. nov.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.60.34359

Authors: Grace M. Kioko, Peter Jäger, Esther N. Kioko, Li-Qiang Ji, Shuqiang Li

Abstract: Eleven species of the spider family Agelenidae Koch, 1837 are reviewed based on the type material and transferred from the genus Agelena Walckenaer, 1805 to Mistaria Lehtinen 1967. These species occur in various African countries as indicated and include: M. jaundea (Roewer, 1955), comb. nov. (♂, Cameroon), M. jumbo (Strand, 1913), comb. nov. (♂♀, Central & East Africa), M. kiboschensis (Lessert, 1915), comb. nov. (♂♀, Central & East Africa), M. keniana (Roewer, 1955), comb. nov. (♀, Kenya), M. lawrencei (Roewer, 1955), comb. nov. (♀, Zimbabwe), M. longimamillata (Roewer, 1955), comb. nov. (♀, Mozambique), M. moschiensis (Roewer, 1955), comb. nov. (♀, Tanzania), M. mossambica (Roewer, 1955), comb. nov. (♀, Mozambique), M. nyassana (Roewer, 1955), comb. nov. (♀, Malawi), M. teteana (Roewer, 1955), comb. nov. (♂, Mozambique) and M. zuluana (Roewer, 1955), comb. nov. (♀, South Africa).

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.60.32652

Authors: Zhi-Shun Song, Ji-Jun Yin, Jürgen Deckert

Abstract: A new dictyopharid genus Neonersia Song & Deckert, gen. nov. is described here based on Dictyophora [sic] fugax Melichar, 1912 (previously also placed in the genus Nersia Stål, 1862) from Cameroon. The new genus is placed in the tribe Orthopagini. It may be easily distinguished from all other Orthopagini genera by carinate tegulae.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.60.34229

Authors: Sergei L. Zonstein, Yuri M. Marusik

Abstract: Based on the types deposited in the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (Germany), the following African species of Palpimanus Dufour, 1820 are re-examined and redescribed in details: P. namaquensis Simon, 1910 (South Africa, Namibia), P. nubilus Simon, 1910 (Namibia), P. paroculus Simon, 1910 (South Africa, Namibia) and P. processiger Strand, 1913 (Rwanda). The distribution of the considered species is specified and the erroneously interpreted geographical data, previously presented in the World Spider Catalog (2019), are corrected.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.60.33075

Authors: Jason G.H. Londt

Abstract: The genus Empodiodes Oldroyd, 1972, a Southern African endemic, is revised. Six species are recognised, four previously described (E. greatheadi Oldroyd, 1972, E. melanoscopaeus Londt, 1992, E. namibiensis Londt, 2012, E. whittingtoni Londt, 1992) and two new species (E. pusillipes sp. nov., E. torridus sp. nov.). A key for their separation is provided and their distributions mapped and discussed.

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DOI: 10.3897/AfrInvertebr.60.30943

Authors: Jason G. H. Londt, Torsten Dikow

Abstract: Southern African Choerades Walker, 1851 are reviewed. Six species are recognised (C. analogos sp. n. described from South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal, C. bella (Loew, 1858), C. flavipes (Wiedemann, 1821), C. multipunctata (Oldroyd, 1974), C. nigrapex (Bigot, 1878), C. nigrescens (Ricardo, 1925)) and a key for their separation is provided. Distributional information demonstrates that species are found primarily in moderate to higher rainfall regions. The little that is known of their biology is discussed. Species are usually associated with indigenous forest habitats where larval development takes place in decomposing wood.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.60.31521

Authors: Andrea Aracil, Celeste Pérez-Bañón, Ximo Mengual, Snežana Radenković, Gunilla Ståhls, Ante Vujić, Santos Rojo

Abstract: Pre-imaginal morphology of the flower fly species Graptomyza signata (Walker) is described and figured in detail based on specimens collected on a decomposed Aloe-like plant in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Third-instar larva is described for the first time and the puparium morphology is re-described using both light (optical) and electron microscopy. The present work represents the second larval description for a species of the genus Graptomyza, after the description of the larva of G. alabeta Séguy. The immatures of these two Graptomyza species were examined and compared to the pre-imaginal stages of the other members of the tribe Volucellini, pointing out the possible diagnostic characters of the genus Graptomyza. Moreover, new DNA barcodes are provided for G. signata and deposited in the NCBI GenBank.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.60.32141

Authors: John M. Midgley, Ian Engelbrecht

Abstract: During 2015 and 2016 several baboon spider specimens (Araneae: Theraphosidae) were collected in central Angola during surveys undertaken for the Okavango Wilderness Project. These collections represent range and habitat extensions for Pterinochilus Pocock, 1897, Ceratogyrus Pocock, 1897 and Phoneyusa Karsch, 1884. The new species Ceratogyrus attonitifer sp. n. is described from female specimens and the distribution of genera mapped. Central and eastern Angola is severely under sampled for theraphosid spiders, with every species collected during the survey either being potentially new to science or representing a significant range extension for the genus.

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DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.59.30684

Authors: Amanda Markee, Torsten Dikow

Abstract: The genus Microphontes Londt, 1994 (Diptera: Asilidae: Brachyrhopalinae) is revised. Currently, three species are known from Namibia and western South Africa, i.e. Microphontes megoura Londt, 1994 from north-western South Africa, Microphontes safra Londt, 1994 from Namibia and Microphontes whittingtoni Londt, 1994 from western South Africa. Four new species, Microphontes ericfisheri sp. n. from the Little Karoo of South Africa, Microphontes gaiophanes sp. n. from the Namib desert of Namibia and Microphontes jasonlondti sp. n. and Microphontes kryphios sp. n. from western South Africa, are described. Distribution, occurrence in biodiversity hotspots sensu Conservation International and seasonal incidence are discussed. Descriptions/redescriptions, photographs and identification keys are provided and made openly accessible in data repositories to support future studies of the included taxa. An unusual flight pattern of male Microphontes gaiophanes sp. n. is discussed. A unique morphological feature on tergite 8 of Microphontes females, termed postero-paramedian T8 pores, is described, illustrated and discussed.

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