Research Article |
Peter Ustjuzhanin‡§, Vasily N. Kovtunovich|, Sylvain Delabye¶#, Vincent Maicher¶¤, Szabolcs Sáfián«, Eric B. Fokam», Robert Tropek#¶
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Corresponding author: Robert Tropek ( robert.tropek@gmail.com ) Academic editor: Kevin Keegan
© 2025 Peter Ustjuzhanin, Vasily N. Kovtunovich, Sylvain Delabye, Vincent Maicher, Szabolcs Sáfián, Eric B. Fokam, Robert Tropek.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Ustjuzhanin P, Kovtunovich VN, Delabye S, Maicher V, Sáfián S, Fokam EB, Tropek R (2025) Plume moths (Lepidoptera, Pterophoridae) of a recently discovered lepidopteran diversity hotspot in the Mount Cameroon area, with descriptions of four new species. ZooKeys 1231: 145-168. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1231.139530
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Abstract
Moth diversity on Mount Cameroon, a critical biodiversity hotspot in the Afrotropics, remains understudied despite the region’s rich and unique ecosystems. In this study, 34 species of plume moths (Pterophoridae) were recorded from the Mount Cameroon region, including four species new to science: Titanoptilus bigoti Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Titanoptilus murkwe Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Hellinsia ekonjo Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., and Hellinsia mapanja Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. Images of the adult type specimen and male genitalia for Titanoptilus melanodonta Hampson, 1905 are published for the first time. In addition, 25 species are reported as new records for the Cameroonian fauna, raising the number of known Pterophoridae species in the country from 19 to 48. The results significantly expand our understanding of plume moth diversity in the region and extend the known distribution range of several species. These findings emphasise the importance of Mount Cameroon as a biodiversity hotspot within the Afrotropics. Enhanced conservation efforts are essential to preserve the unique biodiversity of Mount Cameroon, especially considering threats such as ongoing habitat degradation in some parts of the region and climate change.
Key words:
Afrotropics, biodiversity, Cameroon, microlepidoptera, new species, Pterophoridae, taxonomy, tropical rainforest
Introduction
Mount Cameroon (4,040 m a.s.l.), an active volcano in southwestern Cameroon, is recognised as one of the key centres of insect diversity within the Afrotropics, particularly for lepidopterans (
Several lepidopteran groups, including butterflies (e.g., Sáfián and Tropek 2016;
Pterophoridae, commonly referred to as plume moths, represent one such understudied family in the region. Characterised by their often deeply cleft wings, which give them their distinctive “plume-like” appearance, this group has a global distribution but remains insufficiently documented in the Afrotropics (
Materials and methods
We sampled plume moths on Mount Cameroon using standardised light trapping methods over multiple field seasons between 2014 and 2018, at localities spanning elevations from 30 to 2,400 m a.s.l. across the mountain’s southwestern, southern, and northern slopes. Light traps equipped with white and ultraviolet (UV) emitting bulbs were operated from dusk until dawn to attract moths. Specimens were collected manually from white sheets, euthanised using ammonium vapour, pinned, and preliminarily spread directly in the field for easier later processing, and stored dried with silica gel for transportation. The collected moths were identified based on external morphology and genitalia dissections; dissection and preparation of genitalia followed the standard lepidopteran taxonomic protocols described in
The sampling localities are listed below in an alphabetical order:
- Bamboo Camp, 350 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.0879°N, 9.0505°E; a lowland rainforest with historical disturbances from selective logging.
- Bimbia-Bonadikombo, 30 m a.s.l., Bimbia-Bonadikombo Community Forest, Mexico Camp, 3.9818°N, 9.2625°E; littoral forest in the part of the community forest that is officially disturbance-free, but with intensive ongoing illegal logging (
Ferenc et al. 2018 ). - Crater Lake, 1,500 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1443°N, 9.0717°E; submontane rainforest with a sparse canopy layer as a consequence of local disturbances by forest elephants (
Maicher et al 2020b ). - Drink Gari, 650 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), Drink Gari camp (also known as “Drinking Gari”), 4.1014°N, 9.0610°E; lowland rainforest with a dense canopy layer.
- Ekonjo, 1,500 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (S slope), 4.0881°N, 9.1168°E; upland closed-canopy rainforest belonging to the Ekonjo village.
- Ekonjo farmland, 800 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (S slope), 4.0687°N, 9.1311°E; farmlands and secondary growths surrounding the Ekonjo village.
- Elephant Camp, 1,850 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1170°N, 9.0729°E; montane rainforest with a sparse canopy layer as a consequence of local disturbances by forest elephants (
Maicher et al 2020b ). - Mann’s Spring, 2,200 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1428°N, 9.1225°E; montane forest at the natural timberline.
- Mapanja, Mapanja camp, 1,850 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (S slope), 4.1157°N, 9.1315°E; montane forest with a mostly closed canopy layer, supplemented by small openings after fallen trees on a steep slope.
- PlanteCam, 1,100 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), PlanteCam camp (also misspelled as “PlantiCamp” or “PlanteCamp”), 4.1175°N, 9.0709°E; upland rainforest in the transition between lowland and montane zones, with a sparse canopy layer as a consequence of local disturbances by forest elephants (
Maicher et al 2020b ). - P&T antenna station, an area surrounding an antenna station of the Ministry of Post and Communications (P&T; sometimes misspelled as “PNT” by foreigners), 2,400 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (N slope), 4.21556°N, 9.2725°E; transition between montane forests and subalpine grasslands.
Results
Altogether, we recorded 34 plume moth species in the Mount Cameroon area, four of which are described here as new to science. Additionally, we report 25 species (marked with *) as new records for Cameroon, as only five of the recorded species had been previously known from the country.
Descriptions of the new species
Titanoptilus bigoti , sp. nov.
Type material examined.
Holotype
• ♂ (
External characters.
The wingspan is 31 mm. The head and tegulae are pale brown. The thorax is interspersed with dark-brown filiform scales. The labial palpi are thin, straight, and equal in length to the eye diameter, basally brown, and noticeably paler apically. The antennae are thin and dark brown. The forewings are pale brown, with a small elongated brown discal spot at the base. There is a distinct brown spot at the cleft base. The fringe inside the cleft is yellowish brown. The hindwings are yellowish brown. The hindwing fringes are dark, with the third lobe interspersed with evenly distributed dark spatulate scales on the costal margin and forming three distinct patches on the anal margin, a small cluster at the tip, two triangular patches along the middle, and a cluster at the base. The abdomen is long and pale brown, with creamy scales at the base of the thorax extending to the first abdominal segment. The hind legs are long and pale brown with noticeable darkening at the bases of the spurs.
Description.
Male genitalia. The genitalia are symmetrical. The valves each comprise two lobes: the basal lobes arise beyond the sacculus are relatively wide and subquadrate, and narrow apically. The distal lobes are narrower, and longer, and ~ 2 × the length of the basal lobes. Narrow sclerotized processes extend from the distal lobes and are only slightly shorter than those lobes. The uncus is robust, equal in length to the distal lobes of the valves, basally wide, and apically narrow and rounded. The saccus is wide and triangular. Sternum VIII is forked, with sclerotised distal margins. The aedeagus is long and thin in its distal 2/3, bent at a right angle ~ 1/3 along its length. The basal part is noticeably thicker up to the bend.
Diagnosis.
In terms of size and wings colour, the new species is similar to Titanoptilus melanodonta Hampson, 1905 (Figs
Distribution.
Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Flight period.
On Mount Cameroon, the species was collected in February.
Etymology.
The species is named in honour of Louis Bigot, the first researcher who worked on African plume moths, as a token of gratitude for his significant contributions.
Note.
In
Titanoptilus murkwe , sp. nov.
Type material examined.
Holotype
• ♀ (
External characters.
The wingspan is 36 mm. The head and thorax are dark brown, while the tegulae are pale brown. The labial palpi are thin, straight, and apically acute, with a length equal to the eye diameter. The antennae are thin and dark brown. The forewings are brown, with a narrow oblique yellowish stripe across the base of the first lobe. The first lobe is distally lightened with white scales, while the second lobe is mottled with brown and pale scales. The fringe inside the cleft is dark brown. Along the outer margin of the second lobe, the fringe is narrow and brownish grey but it widens and becomes darker in its distal part. The hindwings are brown, slightly paler than the forewings (unfortunately, not clearly visible in the specimen picture; Fig.
Description. Female genitalia.
The papillae anales are elongated and oval. The antrum is narrow, tubular, and sclerotized, with the ostium slightly extended. The ductus is thin, long, and membranous. The bursa copulatrix is long and oval, 2 × as long as the ductus, and contains paired robust sclerotized signa in its distal portion, each ~0.24 × the length of the bursa.
Differential diagnosis.
In size and wing colour, the new species is similar to T. melanodonta, but it differs in the absence of the wide portion of dark spatulate scales along the fringe of the outer margin under the cleft on the second lobe and the narrow basal row of spatulate scales among the fringes of the third lobe. In T. melanodonta, a wide scale tooth within the fringe of the anal margin is present under the forewing cleft, and the basal fringe of the third lobe of the hindwing forms a wide triangular scale tooth. In the female genitalia, the presence of signa in the bursa copulatrix distinguishes T. murkwe from other large species of the genus.
Distribution.
The species is only known from Cameroon.
Flight period.
The species was collected in April.
Etymology.
The species name is a noun in apposition, given in honour of the young and talented Cameroonian entomologist, Mercy Murkwe, who accompanied us during sampling of most specimens reported in this study.
Hellinsia ekonjo , sp. nov.
Type material examined.
Holotype
• ♂ (
External characters.
The wingspan ranges from 15 to 19 mm, with the holotype measuring 17 mm. The thorax and tegulae are yellow. The head is covered with clinging yellow scales between the antennae. The collar is brown. The labial palpi are straight, short, and half the length of the eye diameter. The antennae are yellowish grey. The forewings are greyish brown, with the costal margin distally darkened with brown scales. A distinct oblique brown stroke is present at the base of the cleft, not extending as far as the costa. The fringes inside the cleft include a mix of yellow and dark-grey sections. The second lobe has dark-brown filiform scales on the dorsum, with narrow white patches near the apex, and an apical part darkened with brown scales. The hindwings are grey, noticeably darker than the forewings, with a pale brown fringe. The hind legs are yellowish brown.
Description.
Male genitalia. The valves are oval and asymmetric. The sacculus on the left valve is relatively narrow and slightly wider apically, and barely extends beyond the middle of the valve. The harpe on the same valve is slightly shorter than the sacculus, slightly bent, and narrows apically. The right sacculus has a plate extending from a bifurcate sclerotised arm. The uncus is straight, acute, and bent slightly along its length. The saccus is slightly moderately rounded. The anellus arms are asymmetric, with the left arm being slightly shorter. Both arms are apically acute. The aedeagus is thin, apically slightly bent, and 2/3 the length of the right valve.
Female genitalia. The papillae anales are narrow and tapered. The posterior apophyses are thin. The distal margin of sternum VII is convex and rounded. The ostium is funnel-shaped, and the antrum is short, tubular, and shifted to the left. The ductus is as thick as the antrum, but membranous and relatively long. The bursa copulatrix is oval and lacks signa.
Differential diagnosis.
The male genitalia of the new species are similar to Hellinsia adumbratus (Walsingham, 1881), but the latter differs in the absence of the tapered harpe on the right valve, having a narrower uncus, and an apically curved aedeagus. In the female genitalia, the convex sternum VII and the left-shifted antrum resemble Hellinsia madecasseus (Bigot, 1964), but the new species differs by having a narrower ductus and lacking signa in the bursa copulatrix.
Distribution.
The species is only known from Cameroon.
Flight period.
The species was collected from February to May, and from October to December.
Etymology.
The species is named after Ekonjo, a village on the southern slope of Mount Cameroon, where it was collected. Several villagers contributed as field assistants and supported the project in various ways. This dedication aims to support the protection of Mount Cameroon unique biodiversity.
Hellinsia mapanja , sp. nov.
Type material examined.
Holotype
• ♂, (
External characters.
The wingspan ranges from 17 to 19 mm, with the holotype measuring 19 mm. The head is brown, while the thorax and tegulae are pale yellow. The labial palpi are brown, thin, and short, being half the length of the eye diameter. The antennae are yellow, interspersed with brown scales. The forewings are pale yellow, with an oblique elongated brown streak at the cleft base, reaching the costal margin of the first lobe. A more or less round brown discal spot is present near middle of the forewing. The costal margin of the forewing, up to the cleft, is mixed with tiny brown scales. A brown spot is situated medially along the costal margin on the first lobe. The fringe inside the cleft is yellow, with brown filiform scales distally. The second lobe is apically darkened with brown scales. The fringe along the outer edge of the forewing is pale yellow, except for a patch of pale brown filiform scales in its distal part under cleft. The hindwings are yellow and lack any pattern. The fringe on the hindwings is pale yellow, with alternating pale brown portions. The hind legs are pale yellow, interspersed with tiny brown scales.
Description.
Male genitalia. The valves are asymmetric, with the left valve narrower and longer than the right valve. The saccular process on the left valve is well-developed and strongly sclerotised, extending far beyond the middle of the valve, and is widened and curved distally. The harpe is shaped like a short, slightly curved spike. The right valve is wide and slightly shorter than the left valve. The sacculus in the distal portion has a well-expressed sclerotized plate with processes on the sides. The uncus is narrow, slightly curved, and apically acute. The saccus is slightly rounded. The anellus arms are short and wide, with the left arm slightly shorter than the right. Both arms are apically narrow and acute. The aedeagus is thin, straight, and less than half as long as the right valve.
Female genitalia. The papillae anales are short and triangular. The posterior apophyses are thin and long. The distal margin of sternum VII is convex and rounded, with a notch on the inner edge. The ostium is funnel-shaped, and the antrum is short, tubular, and shifted to the left. The ductus is short and membranous, smoothly transitioning into the narrow, elongated bursa copulatrix. Small, narrow, elongated signa are present laterally on the bursa.
Differential diagnosis.
Externally and in the genital structure, the species is similar to Hellinsia ekonjo. The wings are characterised by a pale yellowish tint and an oblique elongated brown streak that reaches the costal edge of the forewing, whereas in H. ekonjo, the wings are greyish brown and the elongated streak does not reach the costal edge of the forewing. In the male genitalia, the new species is distinguished by the valves of unequal length and width, the shape and size of the sacculus on the left valve, the shorter harpe, and the shorter, apically straight aedeagus. In the female genitalia, it is characterised by the signa in the bursa copulatrix and the small triangular papillae anales.
Distribution.
The species is only known from Cameroon.
Flight period.
The species was collected from February to May, and from October to November.
Etymology.
The species is named after Mapanja, a village on the southern slope of Mount Cameroon, where it was collected. Several villagers contributed as field assistants and supported the project in various ways. We strongly believe this dedication will also help protect the unique biodiversity of the region.
Other species recorded on Mount Cameroon
*Agdistis clara Arenberger, 1986
Agdistis clara Arenberger, 1986: 189. (Type locality: Botswana).
Material examined. 2♂, 1♀ (CUK,
Distribution. Botswana, Namibia, Republic of South Africa, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Deuterocopus socotranus Rebel, 1907
Deuterocopus socotranus Rebel, 1907: 115. (Type locality: Yemen, Socotra).
Deuterocopus deltoptilus Meyrick, 1930: 565. (Type locality: Uganda).
Deuterocopus henrioti Bigot & Boireau, 2006: 16–17. (Type locality: Cote d’Ivoire).
Material examined. 1♀ (CUK), Cameroon, PlanteCam, 09–14.IV.2015, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.
Distribution. Widely distributed species, besides several Afrotropical countries, it occurs also in Australasian, Oriental, and Palaearctic regions.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Titanoptilus procerus Bigot, 1969
Titanoptilus procerus Bigot, 1969: 182. (Type locality: West Kasai, Sankuru, Dimbelenge, Democratic Republic of Congo).
Material examined. 1♀ (CUK), Cameroon, PlanteCam, 09–14.IV.2015, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.
Distribution. Congo and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Walsinghamiella prolai (Gibeaux, 1994)
Titanoptilus prolai Gibeaux, 1994: 82. (Type locality: Comoros).
Material examined. 2♂ (CUK,
Distribution. Comoros, Republic of South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
Platyptilia benitensis Strand, 1913
Platyptilia benitensis Strand, 1913: 64. (Type locality: Alén, Equatorial Guinea).
Material examined. 1♀, Cameroon, Crater Lake, 17–25.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, J. Mertens, Š. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.; 2♂, 1♀, 23–29.IV.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg. • 1♀, Cameroon, PlanteCam, 09–14.IV.2015, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg. • 1♀, Cameroon, Mapanja, 25.X.2017, V. Maicher, S. Delabye leg. (CUK, NECJUK).
Distribution. Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Republic of South Africa, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, and Uganda.
*Platyptilia daemonica Meyrick, 1932
Platyptilia daemonica Meyrick, 1932: 109. (Type locality: Jem-Jem Forest, Ethiopia).
Material examined. 1♂, Cameroon, Crater Lake, 24.XI.2016, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.; 2♂, 17–25.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg.; 1♂, 23–29.IV.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg. • 1♂, 1♀, Cameroon, Elephant Camp, 19–24.XI.2014; 3♂, 18–26.IV.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg.; 2♂, 17–22.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg. • 3♂, Cameroon, Mann’s spring, 07–09.XI.2016, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.; 1♂, 31.I.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg.; 1 ex., 13.VIII.2017, P. Potocký leg. • 2♂, Cameroon, Mapanja, 22.X.2017, V. Maicher, S. Delabye leg. (CUK,
Distribution. Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Platyptilia fletcheri Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2016
Platyptilia fletcheri Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2016: 2. (Type locality: Ruwenzori Range, Lake Mahoma, Uganda).
Material examined. 4♂, 1♀, Cameroon, Mann’s spring, 8–12.XI.2016, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.; 4♂, 1♀, 31.I–04.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg. (CUK,
Distribution. Uganda, Rwanda (
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Platyptilia gondarensis Gibeaux, 1994
Platyptilia gondarensis Gibeaux, 1994: 424. (Type locality: Gondar Province, Ethiopia).
Material examined. 1♀ (CUK), Cameroon, P&T antenna station, 28.III.2015, Sz. Sáfián leg.
Distribution. Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Platyptilia morophaea Meyrick, 1920
Platyptilia morophaea Meyrick, 1920: 38. (Type locality: station 39, Kenya).
Material examined. 3♂, Cameroon, Mann’s spring, 08–11.XI.2016, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.; 35 ex., 28.I–04.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg.; 3 ex., 16–21.IV.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg. • 4 ex., Cameroon, Mapanja, 22–23.X.2017, V. Maicher, S. Delabye leg. (CUK,
Distribution. Kenya, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Platyptilia mugesse Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, 2014
Platyptilia mugesse Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, 2014: 459. (Type locality: Mugesse Forest, Malawi).
Material examined. 2♀, Cameroon, Crater Lake, 17–25.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg. • 1♀, Cameroon, Mann’s spring, 31.I.2017 • 1♀, Cameroon, Mapanja, 23.X.2017, V. Maicher, S. Delabye leg. (CUK,
Distribution. The species was found in Malawi (
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Platyptilia sciophaea Meyrick, 1920
Platyptilia sciophaea Meyrick, 1920: 40. (Type locality: Kenya).
Material examined. 1♀, Cameroon, Mann’s spring, 31.I.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg. (CUK, NEJCU).
Distribution. Kenya, Uganda, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Platyptiliodes albisignatula Strand, 1913
Platyptiliodes albisignatula Strand, 1913: 65. (Type locality: Alén, Equatorial Guinea).
Material examined. 2♂, Cameroon, Bimbia-Bonadikombo, 27–28.XII.2014, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, S. Janecek, leg. • 1♂, Cameroon, Crater Lake, 17–25.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg. (CUK,
Distribution. Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Amblyptilia direptalis (Walker, 1864)
Oxyptilus direptalis Walker, 1864: 934. (Type locality: Cape Province, Republic of South Africa).
Platyptilia amblydectis Meyrick, 1932: 108. (Type locality: Jem-Jem Forest, Ethiopia).
Material examined. 1♂, Cameroon, Crater Lake, 23–29.IV.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg. 1♂, Cameroon, Elephant camp, 17–22.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg. • 2♂, Cameroon, Mann’s spring, 30.I.2017 • (CUK,
Distribution. Republic of South Africa, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia; India, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, and China (
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Stenoptilia natalensis Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2010
Stenoptilia natalensis Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2010: 695. (Type locality: Howick, KwaZulu Natal, Republic of South Africa).
Material examined. 1♂, Cameroon, Crater Lake, 02–17.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg. • 1♂, Cameroon, Mann’s spring, 12.XI.2016, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.; 9 ex., 28–31.I.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg.; 1♂, 02.IV.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg. • 1♂,1♀, Cameroon, 22–23.X.2017, V. Maicher, S. Delabye leg. • 1♂, 2♀, Cameroon, P&T antenna station, 28.III.2015, Sz. Sáfián leg. (CUK,
Distribution. Republic of South Africa, Lesotho, Malawi, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Vietteilus borbonica (Viette, 1957)
Platyptilia borbonica Viette, 1957: 170. (Type locality: Reunion Island).
Material examined. 1♂,1♀, Cameroon, Crater Lake, 23–29.IV.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg. • 1♂,1♀, Cameroon, Mann’s spring, 13–16.VIII. 2017, P. Potocký leg.; 2♀, Cameroon, Mapanja, 23–29.X.2017. V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg.; 1♂, 11.XI.2016, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg. • 1♀, Cameroon, Mapanja, 14.V.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg.; (CUK,
Distribution. Reunion Island, Tanzania, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Bipunctiphorus dimorpha (Fletcher, 1910)
Platyptilia dimorpha Fletcher, 1910: 401. (Type locality: Morne Blanc, Mahé, Seychelles).
Platyptilia patriarcha Meyrick, 1912: 54. (Type locality: Mfongosi, Zululand, Republic of South Africa).
Bipunctiphorus etiennei Gibeaux, 1994: 57. (Type locality: above Cialos, Piton Bleu Forest, Réunion).
Material examined. 1♀, Cameroon, Crater Lake, 23–29.IV.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg. • 1♂, 1♀, Cameroon, Mapanja, 11–12.V.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg. (CUK,
Distribution. Seychelles, Republic of South Africa, Reunion Island, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Stenoptilodes taprobanes (Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875)
Amblyptilia taprobanes Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875: plate 140, fig. 54. (Type locality: Ceylon [Sri Lanka]).
Platyptilia legrandi Bigot, 1962b: 86. (Type locality: Beau Vallon, Mahé, Seychelles).
Stenoptilodes vittata Service, 1966: 11. (Type locality: Nigeria).
Material examined. 1♂, Cameroon, Bamboo Camp, 17–23.IV.2015, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg. • 2♀, Cameroon, PlanteCam, 11–20.XII.2014, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.; 4 ex., 29.I.–07.II.2016, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, V. Maicher leg. (CUK,
Distribution. Widespread throughout tropical and subtropical regions.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
Sphenarches anisodactylus (Walker, 1864)
Sphenarches anisodactylus Walker, 1864: 934. (Type locality: Ceylon [Sri Lanka]).
Platyptilia pygmaeana Strand, 1913: 64. (Type locality: Cameroon).
Material examined. 1♂, Cameroon, Crater Lake, 25.XI.2016, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg. • 1♀, Cameroon, Ekonjo, 21.X.2017, V. Maicher, S. Delabye leg. • 1♂, 2♀, Cameroon, PlanteCam, 11–18.XII.2014, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.; 2 ex., 29.I.–07.II.2016, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, V. Maicher leg. (CUK,
Distribution. Widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions.
*Procapperia insomnis (Townsend, 1956)
Capperia insomnis Townsend, 1956: 93. (Type locality: Nakuru, Kenya).
Procapperia hackeri Arenberger, 2002: 74. (Type locality: Yemen).
Material examined. 1♀ (CUK), Cameroon, PlanteCam, 11–18.XII.2014, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.
Distribution. Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yemen, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Republic of South Africa, Malawi, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
Megalorhipida leucodactylus (Fabricius, 1794)
Pretophorus leucodactylus Fabricius, 1794: 346. (Type locality: Virgin Islands).
Pterophorus defectalis Walker, 1864: 943. (Type locality: Sierra Leone).
Material examined. 1♂ (CUK), Cameroon, Bamboo Camp, 14–23. II.2016, Sz. Sáfián leg.
Distribution. Widespread throughout tropical and subtropical regions.
*Inferuncus strictiformis (Meyrick, 1932)
Platyptilia strictiformis Meyrick, 1932: 251. (Type locality: Kampala, Uganda).
Platyptilia spiculivalva Gielis, 1990: 120. (Type locality: E Usambara Mts, Amani, Tanzania).
Material examined. 1♂ (CUK), Cameroon, PlanteCam, 09–14.IV.2015, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.
Distribution. Uganda, Tanzania, Congo, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Inferuncus toxochorda (Meyrick, 1934)
Platyptilia toxochorda Meyrick, 1934: 402. (Type locality: Sao Tome).
Platyptilia pentheres Bigot, 1969: 191. (Type locality: Equateur, Bokuma, Democratic Republic of Congo).
Material examined. 1♀ (CUK), Cameroon, Mann’s spring, 12.VIII.2017, P. Potocký, S. Janeček leg.
Distribution. Sao Tome and Principe, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Ghana, Liberia, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Exelastis pumilio (Zeller, 1873)
Mimeseoptilus pumilio Zeller, 1873 (Type locality: Texas, Dallas, U.S.A.).
Mimaeseoptilus gilvidorsis Hedemann, 1896 (Type locality: Saint Croix, American Virgin Islands).
Exelastis gilvidorsis (Hedemann, 1896).
Marasmarcha liophanes Meyrick, 1886 (Type locality: Saint-Denis, Réunion).
Exelastis liophanes (Meyrick, 1886).
Marasmarcha tenax Meyrick, 1913 (Type locality: Barberton, Mpumalanga, Republic of South Africa).
Exelastis tenax (Meyrick, 1913).
Exelastis bergeri Bigot, 1969: 176. (Type locality: Democratic Republic of Congo).
Material examined. 1♂ (CUK), Cameroon, PlanteCam, 11–18.XII. 2014, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.
Distribution. Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of South Africa, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Hellinsia ambo Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2011
Hellinsia ambo Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2011: 356. (Type locality: West Shewa, Ethiopia).
Hellinsia ruhuruinia Gielis, 2011: 51. (Type locality: Aberdare N.P., Ruhuruini Gates, Kenya).
Material examined. 1♂, Cameroon, Crater Lake, 17.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg. • 1♀, Cameroon, Ekonjo, 21.X.2017. V. Maicher, S. Delabye leg. • 1♂, Cameroon, Elephant Camp, 19–24.XI.2014, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.; 1♂, 18–26.IV. 2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg.; 1 ex., 17–22.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg. • 1♂, Cameroon, Mann’s spring, 13.VIII.2017, P. Potocký leg.; 1♂, 30.I.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek, leg.; 1♂, 15.VIII.2017, P. Potocký leg. • 1♂, 1♀, Cameroon, Mapanja, 22–23.X.2017, V. Maicher, S. Delabye leg. (CUK,
Distribution. Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Picardia eparches (Meyrick, 1931)
Pterophorus eparches Meyrick, 1931: 176. (Type locality: Butandiga, Uganda).
Material examined. 5 ex., Cameroon, Crater Lake, 17.II.2017, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.; 10 ex., 23–29.IV.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg. • 3 ex., Cameroon, Elephant camp, 18–26.IV.2017 • 3 ex., Cameroon, Mann’s spring, 16–21.IV.2016, leg.; 1 ex., 04.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg.; 1♀, 15.VIII.2017. P. Potocký leg. • 7 ex., Cameroon, Mapanja, 10–15.V.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg.; 1♂, 23.X.2017, V. Maicher, S. Delabye leg. • 1♂, Cameroon, PlanteCam, 09–14.IV.2015, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg. (CUK,
Distribution. Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania (
Note. New species for Cameroon.
Picardia tropeki Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2022
Material examined. 1♂ (
Distribution. Cameroon.
Note. This species was previously described from the same material sampled on Mount Cameroon in a separate global overview of the genus Picardia (
*Pselnophorus busoroensis Gielis, 2011
Pselnophorus busoroensis Gielis, 2011: 51. (Type locality: Nyungwe NP, Busoro, Rwanda).
Material examined. 1♂, 1♀, Cameroon, Crater Lake, 23–29. IV. 2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg. • 1♂, 1♀, Cameroon, Elephant camp, 17–22.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg. • 1♀, Cameroon, Mann’s spring, 28.I.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg. (CUK,
Distribution. Rwanda and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Adaina microdactyla (Hübner, [1813])
Alucita microdactyla Hübner, [1813]: pl. 5, figs 26, 27. (Type locality: Europe).
Oidaematophorus madecasseus Gibeaux, 1994: 130. (Type locality: Madagascar).
Material examined. 1♀ (CUK), Cameroon, Mapanja, 12.V.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg.
Distribution. Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, and Cameroon, together with parts of Palaearctic and Palaeotropical regions, and New Guinea.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
*Pterophorus cleronoma (Meyrick, 1920)
Alucita cleronoma Meyrick, 1920: 41. (Type locality: Mt Kenya, Kenya).
Material examined. 1♀, Cameroon, Crater Lake, 24.XI.2016, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg.; 8 ex., 17–25.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg.; 1♂, 23–29.IV.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg. • 2♂, Cameroon, Elephant camp, 17–22.II.2017, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek, J. Mertens, S. Janeček leg.; 1♂, 18–26.IV.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocký, S. Delabye leg. • 2♂, Cameroon, Mann’s spring, 8–12.XI.2016, P. Potocký, Sz. Sáfián, S. Janeček, R. Tropek leg. • 2♂, Cameroon, Mapanja, 22.X.2017, V. Maicher, S. Delabye leg. (CUK,
Distribution. Kenya and Cameroon.
Note. New species for Cameroon.
Cosmoclostis schouteni Gielis, 1990
Cosmoclostis schouteni Gielis, 1990: 123. (Type locality: Daloa, Cote d’Ivoire).
Pterophorus ashanti Arenberger, 1995: 250. (Type locality: Kumasi, Ghana).
Material examined. 1♂, 1♀ (CUK), Cameroon, Drink Gari, 06–15.II.2016, V. Maicher, Sz. Sáfián, R. Tropek leg.
Distribution. Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana.
Discussion
In this study, we report 34 species of Pterophoridae from Mount Cameroon, including four species new to science, and 25 species recorded in the country for the first time. These species also represent 14 genera not recorded in Cameroon previously: Adaina, Agditis, Amblyptilia, Bipunctiphorus, Deuterocopus, Inferuncus, Platyptiloides, Procapperia, Pselnophorus, Stenoptilia, Stenoptilodes, Titanoptilus, Vietteilus, and Walsinghamiella. These records highlight Mount Cameroon as a significant locality for plume moth diversity. Beyond the newly described species, the addition of numerous new records for Cameroon confirms the importance of Mount Cameroon as a previously overlooked site for studying Afrotropical moths (
This study substantially increased the documented diversity of plume moths in this underexplored region, raising the number of Pterophoridae species known from Cameroon from 19 (
In addition to the new species descriptions, this study significantly expands the known distribution of several plume moth species. While some of the recorded species also occur in neighbouring countries, nine species (P. daemonica, P. fletcheri, P. gondarensis, P. mugesse, P. sciophaea, V. borbonica, P. eparches, P. busoroensis, and P. cleronoma) were previously known only from East Africa, A. clara was known only from South Africa, and two species (W. prolai and S. natalensis) were previously recorded from both of these distant regions. Although such scattered distributional patterns are documented in other moth groups (
Mount Cameroon continues to demonstrate its status as a critical biodiversity hotspot within the Afrotropics. Although the diversity at the site is not as exceptional for Pterophoridae as for Alucitidae (
Our findings confirm the critical need to protect the ecosystems of Mount Cameroon. While parts of the region remain relatively well-preserved inside Mount Cameroon National Park, ongoing threats from habitat degradation and deforestation persist, particularly in lowland areas (
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Francis E. Luma, Štěpán Janeček, Pavel Potocký jr., Jan E.J. Mertens, Jennifer T. Kimbeng, Mercy Murkwe, Ishmeal N. Kobe, Congo S. Kulu, and several other assistants for their help in the field, and to the MCNP staff for all their assistance. We used the ChatGTP 4o language model for English proofreading. This study was performed under several authorisations from the Ministries of the Republic of Cameroon for Forestry and Wildlife, and for Research and Innovations.
Additional information
Conflict of interest
The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
Ethical statement
No ethical statement was reported.
Funding
R. Tropek and S. Delabye were funded by the Czech Science Foundation (project no. 20-16499S).
Author contributions
RT conceived the study ideas and supervised the project; RT, SD, VM, SzS, and EBF sampled the material; PU and VK identified and compared the material, and prepared the species descriptions; RT, PU, and SD wrote the first draft; all authors contributed to writing and approved the final text.
Author ORCIDs
Peter Ustjuzhanin https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5222-2241
Vasily N. Kovtunovich https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5091-4263
Sylvain Delabye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0911-9721
Vincent Maicher https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9147-3529
Szabolcs Sáfián https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0614-4203
Eric B. Fokam https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4531-3580
Robert Tropek https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7499-6259
Data availability
All of the data that support the findings of this study are available in the main text.
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Appendix 1
List of all species of Pterophoridae recorded in Cameroon
The list follows the AfroMoths online database (
*Adaina microdactyla (Hübner, [1813])
*Agdistis clara Arenberger, 1986
*Amblyptilia direptalis (Walker, 1864)
Antarches tessmanni (Strand, 1913)
*Bipunctiphorus dimorpha (Fletcher, 1910)
Cosmoclostis schouteni Gielis, 1990
*Deuterocopus socotranus Rebel, 1907
Exelastis crudipennis (Meyrick, 1932)
*Exelastis pumilio (Meyrick, 1913)
Fletcherella niphadarcha (Meyrick, 1930)
*Hellinsia ambo Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2011
*Hellinsia ekonjo Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov.
Hellinsia lienigianus (Zeller, 1852)
*Hellinsia mapanja Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich sp. nov.
*Inferuncus strictiformis (Meyrick, 1932)
*Inferuncus toxochorda (Meyrick, 1934)
Marasmarcha sisyrodes Meyrick, 1921
Megalorhipida leucodactylus (Fabricius, 1794)
*Picardia eparches (Meyrick, 1931)
Picardia tropeki Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2022
Platyptilia benitensis Strand, 1913
*Platyptilia daemonica Meyrick, 1932
Platyptilia farfarellus (Zeller, 1867)
*Platyptilia fletcheri Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2016
*Platyptilia gondarensis Gibeaux, 1994
*Platyptilia morophaea Meyrick, 1920
*Platyptilia mugesse Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, 2014
*Platyptilia sciophaea Meyrick, 1920
*Platyptiliodes albisignatula Strand, 1913
*Procapperia insomnis (Townsend, 1956)
*Pselnophorus busoroensis Gielis, 2011
Pterophorus albidus (Zeller, 1852)
Pterophorus candidalis (Walker, 1864)
*Pterophorus cleronoma (Meyrick, 1920)
Pterophorus ceraunia (Bigot, 1969)
Pterophorus lampra (Bigot, 1969)
Pterophorus rhyparias (Meyrick, 1908)
Pterophorus spissa (Bigot, 1969)
Pterophorus virgo (Strand, 1913)
Sphenarches anisodactylus (Walker, 1864)
Stenodacma wahlbergi (Zeller, 1852)
*Stenoptilia natalensis Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2010
*Stenoptilodes taprobanes (Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875)
*Titanoptilus bigoti Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov.
*Titanoptilus murkwe Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov.
*Titanoptilus procerus Bigot, 1969
*Vietteilus borbonica (Viette, 1957)
*Walsinghamiella prolai (Gibeaux, 1994)