Latest Articles from ZooKeys Latest 95 Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:33:30 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zookeys.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ Systematic revision of the ant subfamily Leptanillinae (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/107506/ ZooKeys 1189: 83-184

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1189.107506

Authors: Zachary Griebenow

Abstract: The genus-level taxonomy of the ant subfamily Leptanillinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is here revised, with the aim of delimiting genus-level taxa that are reciprocally monophyletic and readily diagnosable based upon all adult forms. This new classification reflects molecular phylogenetics and is informed by joint consideration of both male and worker morphology. Three valid genera are recognized in the Leptanillinae: Opamyrma, Leptanilla (= Scyphodon syn. nov., Phaulomyrma, Leptomesites, Noonilla syn. nov., Yavnella syn. nov.), and Protanilla (= Anomalomyrma syn. nov., Furcotanilla). Leptanilla and Protanilla are further divided into informal, monophyletic species groups. Synoptic diagnoses are provided for all genera and informal supraspecific groupings. In addition, worker-based keys to all described species within the Leptanillinae for which the worker caste is known are provided; and male-based keys to all species for which males are known, plus undescribed male morphospecies for which molecular data are published. The following species are described as new: Protanilla wallacei sp. nov., Leptanilla acherontia sp. nov., Leptanilla belantan sp. nov., Leptanilla bethyloides sp. nov., and Leptanilla najaphalla sp. nov.

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Monograph Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:44:13 +0200
Morphological, acoustic and genetic identification of a reproducing population of the invasive African clawed frog Xenopus laevis (Anura, Pipidae) recently discovered in Belgium https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/103702/ ZooKeys 1184: 41-64

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1184.103702

Authors: Olivier S. G. Pauwels, Jonathan Brecko, Dimitri Baeghe, Jeroen Venderickx, Ann Vanderheyden, Thierry Backeljau

Abstract: Using external morphology of adults and tadpoles, osteology from high-resolution microcomputed tomography, vocalization analysis, and DNA sequence data, the identity of a reproducing Belgian population of invasive Xenopus at the current northernmost edge of the distribution of the genus in Europe was assessed. All data concur to an identification as Xenopus (Xenopus) laevis (Daudin, 1802). Genetically it is most closely related to populations of the Cape region in South Africa. No studies on the natural history of the Belgian Xenopus population and its impact on the local environment have been made to date.

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Research Article Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:10:11 +0200
Water beetles (Coleoptera) associated with Afrotemperate Forest patches in the Garden Route National Park, South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/102866/ ZooKeys 1182: 237-258

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1182.102866

Authors: Matthew S. Bird, David T. Bilton, Musa C. Mlambo, Renzo Perissinotto

Abstract: Southern Afrotemperate Forest is concentrated in the southern Cape region of South Africa and whilst it is relatively well known botanically, the fauna, specifically the aquatic invertebrate fauna, is poorly documented. The majority of remaining intact forest habitat is contained within the Garden Route National Park (GRNP), which straddles the provincial boundary between the Western and Eastern Cape. This study undertakes a survey of the water beetle fauna inhabiting the GRNP. The aquatic ecosystems within temperate forests of the region are poorly researched from an ecological and biodiversity perspective, despite being known to harbour endemic invertebrate elements. We collected water beetles and in situ physico-chemical data from a total of 31 waterbodies across the park over two seasons (summer and late winter) in 2017. The waterbodies sampled were mostly small freshwater perennial streams and isolated forest ponds. A total of 61 beetle taxa was recorded (29 Adephaga, 32 Polyphaga) from these waterbodies. The water beetle fauna of these forests appears to be diverse and contains many species endemic to the fynbos-dominated Cape Floristic Region, but very few of the species appear to be forest specialists. This is in contrast to the fynbos heathland habitat of the region, which harbours a high number of water beetle species endemic to this habitat, often with Gondwanan affinity. Our study is the first to document the water beetles of Afrotemperate Forests in the southern Cape region and provides an important baseline for future work on such habitats in the region and in other parts of southern Africa.

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Research Article Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:46:03 +0300
Description of the female of Atherimorpha latipennis Stuckenberg (Diptera, Rhagionidae): the first record of brachyptery in Rhagionidae https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/107357/ ZooKeys 1178: 265-277

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1178.107357

Authors: John M. Midgley, Burgert S. Muller

Abstract: The genus Atherimorpha White, 1915 is a Gondwanan relic, occurring in South America, Southern Africa and Australia. Females are rarely collected, and are not described for more than half of the known species. The female of Atherimorpha latipennis Stuckenberg, 1956 was collected for the first time in 2021 and is described here, along with a redescription of the male. We describe the differences from the male, with the reduced wings and poorly defined scutellum the most noteworthy. The female of A. latipennis represents the first recorded case of brachyptery in the family Rhagionidae. Possible drivers of brachyptery in Afrotropical Diptera are briefly discussed.

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Research Article Thu, 7 Sep 2023 12:49:08 +0300
Description of a new montane freshwater crab (Arthropoda, Malacostraca, Decapoda, Potamonautidae) from the Eastern Cape, South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/100844/ ZooKeys 1160: 89-108

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1160.100844

Authors: Nasreen Peer, Gavin Gouws, Lazola Maliwa, Nigel Barker, Paul Juby, Renzo Perissinotto

Abstract: A new species of freshwater crab, Potamonautes amathole sp. nov., is described from the Winterberg-Amathole mountain range in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Morphologically, P. amathole Peer & Gouws, sp. nov. most closely resembles P. tuerkayi but can be distinguished by key morphological characters including the variation in the shape of the subterminal segment of gonopod 2 between both species. Genetically, P. amathole Peer & Gouws, sp. nov. is placed within the clade of small-bodied, mountain-dwelling crabs including P. parvispina, P. parvicorpus, P. brincki, P. tuerkayi, P. baziya, and P. depressus. The new species is found in slow-moving mountain streams and pools at high altitudes. The continued discovery and description of new freshwater crab species reinforces the need for ongoing research, especially in under-sampled regions.

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Research Article Thu, 4 May 2023 18:39:51 +0300
Corrigendum: Filander ZN, Kitahara MV, Cairns SD, Sink KJ, Lombard AT (2021) Azooxanthellate Scleractinia (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) from South Africa. ZooKeys 1066: 1–198. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1066.69697 https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/95715/ ZooKeys 1129: 197-200

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1129.95715

Authors: Zoleka N. Filander, Marcelo V. Kitahara, Stephen D. Cairns, Kerry J. Sink, Amanda T. Lombard

Abstract: A revision of figure 3-4 is required, in response to the correspondence from Paris Alidoost Salima (PhD coral researcher: Islamic Azad University) notifying authors that the caption in monograph does not match published plates. Additionally, authors retract Paraconotrochus capensis (Gardiner, 1904) as a synonym of Monohedotrochus capensis comb. nov - as Cairns and Parker (1992) based this new combination on Duncania capensis Gardiner, 1904

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Corrigendum Wed, 16 Nov 2022 17:59:05 +0200
Mitogenome recovered from a 19 th Century holotype by shotgun sequencing supplies a generic name for an orphaned clade of African weakly electric fishes (Osteoglossomorpha, Mormyridae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/90287/ ZooKeys 1129: 163-196

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1129.90287

Authors: John P. Sullivan, Carl D. Hopkins, Stacy Pirro, Rose Peterson, Albert Chakona, Tadiwa I. Mutizwa, Christian Mukweze Mulelenu, Fahad H. Alqahtani, Emmanuel Vreven, Casey B. Dillman

Abstract: Heteromormyrus Steindachner, 1866, a genus of Mormyridae (Teleostei: Osteoglossomorpha), has been monotypic since the description of Heteromormyrus pauciradiatus (Steindacher, 1866) from a single specimen. No type locality other than “Angola” was given and almost no specimens have been subsequently identified to this species. In order to investigate the relationship of this taxon to fresh specimens collected in Angola and elsewhere, whole genome paired-end sequencing of DNA extracted from the holotype specimen of Heteromormyrus pauciradiatus was performed and a nearly complete mitogenome assembled from the sequences obtained. Comparison of cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome b sequences from this mitogenome to sequences from recently collected material reveal that Heteromormyrus pauciradiatus is closely related to specimens identified as Hippopotamyrus ansorgii (Boulenger, 1905), Hippopotamyrus szaboi Kramer, van der Bank & Wink, 2004, Hippopotamyrus longilateralis Kramer & Swartz, 2010, as well as to several undescribed forms from subequatorial Africa collectively referred to in the literature as the “Hippopotamyrus ansorgii species complex” and colloquially known as “slender stonebashers.” Previous molecular phylogenetic work has shown that these species are not close relatives of Hippopotamyrus castor Pappenheim, 1906, the type species of genus Hippopotamyrus Pappenheim, 1906 from Cameroon, and are thus misclassified. Hippopotamyrus ansorgii species complex taxa and another species shown to have been misclassified, Paramormyrops tavernei (Poll, 1972), are placed in genus Heteromormyrus and one genetic lineage from the Kwanza and Lucala rivers of Angola are identified as conspecific Heteromormyrus pauciradiatus. Three additional new combinations and a synonymy in Mormyridae are introduced. The morphological characteristics and geographical distribution of the genus Heteromormyrus are reviewed. The electric organ discharges (EODs) of Heteromormyrus species are to be treated in a separate study.

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Research Article Wed, 16 Nov 2022 17:16:40 +0200
 Gnathia pipinde sp. nov. (Crustacea, Isopoda, Gnathiidae), a temporary parasite of the pufferfish, Amblyrhynchotes honckenii, from temperate southern Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/90986/ ZooKeys 1129: 1-19

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1129.90986

Authors: Nico J. Smit, Kerry A. Hadfield

Abstract: A new species, Gnathia pipinde sp. nov., is described from specimens taken from pufferfish, Amblyrhynchotes honckenii, at Chintsa and De Hoop Nature Reserve on the southern Indian Ocean coast of South Africa. Gnathia pipinde sp. nov. is characterised by the straight frontal margin, presence of conical superior frontolateral process, a strong and bifid mediofrontal processes, pronounced and pointed supraocular lobes, mandible strongly curved with a dentate blade, and the claviform penes produced more than a third the length of the pereon. A summary and key to the males of all known species of the Gnathiidae from the Temperate Southern African marine realm is provided.

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Research Article Thu, 10 Nov 2022 09:53:21 +0200
A new species of feather-tailed leaf-toed gecko, Kolekanos Heinicke, Daza, Greenbaum, Jackman, Bauer, 2014 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from the poorly explored savannah of western Angola https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/84942/ ZooKeys 1127: 91-116

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1127.84942

Authors: Javier Lobón-Rovira, Werner Conradie, Ninda L. Baptista, Pedro Vaz Pinto

Abstract: We here describe a new species of feather-tailed leaf-toed gecko, Kolekanos, from southern Benguela Province, Angola, based on morphological and osteological evidence, supported by phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial data. The new species adds to the rapidly growing and newly-recognised endemic biodiversity of Angola, doubling the number of Kolekanos species, breaking the pattern observed within other closely-related African members of a clade of circum-Indian Ocean leaf-toed geckos – Ramigekko, Cryptactites and Afrogecko – all of which are presently monotypic. The new species is easily distinguished from K. plumicaudus, based on spine-like (as opposed to feather-like) scales on the margins of the original tail. Phylogenetic analyses also recovered the new taxon as monophyletic, with a well-supported sister relationship to K. plumicaudus, from which it differs by a substantial 24.1% NADH-dehydrogenase subunit 2 mitochondrial gene uncorrected p-distance.

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Research Article Wed, 2 Nov 2022 15:23:30 +0200
Taxonomical review of Prosymna angolensis Boulenger, 1915 (Elapoidea, Prosymnidae) with the description of two new species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/85693/ ZooKeys 1121: 97-143

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1121.85693

Authors: Werner Conradie, Chad Keates, Ninda L. Baptista, Javier Lobón-Rovira

Abstract: African Shovel-snout snakes (Prosymna Gray, 1849) are small, semi-fossorial snakes with a unique compressed and beak-like snout. Prosymna occur mainly in the savanna of sub-Saharan Africa. Of the 16 currently recognised species, four occur in Angola: Prosymna ambigua Bocage, 1873, P. angolensis Boulenger, 1915, P. frontalis (Peters, 1867), and P. visseri FitzSimons, 1959. The taxonomical status and evolutionary relationships of P. angolensis have never been assessed due to the lack of genetic material. This species is known to occur from western Angola southwards to Namibia, and eastwards to Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The species shows considerable variation in dorsal colouration across its range, and with the lower ventral scales count, an ‘eastern race’ was suggested. In recent years, Prosymna material from different parts of Angola has been collected, and with phylogenetic analysis and High Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography, the taxonomic status of these populations can be reviewed. Strong phylogenetic evidence was found to include the angolensis subgroup as part of the larger sundevalli group, and the existence of three phylogenetic lineages within the angolensis subgroup were identified, which each exhibit clear morphological and colouration differences. One of these lineages is assigned to the nominotypical P. angolensis and the other two described as new species, one of which corroborates the distinct eastern population previously detected. These results reinforce that a considerable part of Angolan herpetological diversity is still to be described and the need for further studies.

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Research Article Thu, 15 Sep 2022 16:22:56 +0300
Calotheca nigromaculata species-group from sub-Saharan Africa with descriptions of two new species from KwaZulu-Natal (Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/73175/ ZooKeys 1084: 119-137

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1084.73175

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

Abstract: Calotheca Heyden is a flea beetle genus with a largely sub-Saharan distribution and currently comprising 34 species. The examination of new material is revealing an increase in species richness and intraspecific variability. Calotheca carolineae sp. nov. and C. wanati sp. nov., both from KwaZulu-Natal in the Republic of South Africa, are here described and attributed to the C. nigromaculata (Jacoby) species group, mainly based on genitalic characters. Photographs of the main diagnostic characters are provided, including the habitus, median lobe of the aedeagus, and spermatheca. Information on the geographic distribution and host plants of these species is also provided.

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Research Article Fri, 28 Jan 2022 16:46:16 +0200
Two new Cypridopsinae Kaufmann, 1900 (Crustacea, Ostracoda) from southern Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/76123/ ZooKeys 1076: 83-107

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1076.76123

Authors: Agata Szwarc, Koen Martens, Tadeusz Namiotko

Abstract: Two new Cypridopsinae ostracods, Potamocypris meissneri sp. nov. and Sarscypridopsis harundineti sp. nov. are described. Both were found only as asexual (all-female) populations in temporary waters of southern Africa. Potamocypris meissneri was collected from a small pan in the North-West Province of South Africa. It is approximately 0.5 mm long and belongs to the species group with long swimming setae on the second antennae. However, the species has a somewhat isolated position in the genus owing to the conspicuously reticulated carapace, which is furthermore densely covered by prominent conuli with normal pores carrying long sensilla, as well as to the wide anterior and posterior flanges on the left valve. To allow identification of the new species in relation to its closest congeners, a key to the species of the genus Potamocypris Brady, 1870 from southern Africa is provided. The genus Sarscypridopsis McKenzie, 1977 mostly has an Afrotropical distribution with only few species occurring in other regions. Sarscypridopsis harundineti was collected from floodplains of the outskirts of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. It is approximately 0.4 mm long and can be distinguished from congeners mainly by the smaller and more oval-shaped valves. We conclude that southern African Cypridopsinae urgently need integrated taxonomic revision, by means of both morphological characters and DNA-sequence data.

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Research Article Thu, 9 Dec 2021 11:34:51 +0200
Taxonomy of the Proisotoma complex. VI. Rediscovery of the genus Bagnallella Salmon, 1951 and epitoky in Bagnallella davidi (Barra, 2001), comb. nov. from South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/71307/ ZooKeys 1072: 167-186

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1072.71307

Authors: Mikhail Potapov, Louis Deharveng, Charlene Janion-Scheepers

Abstract: The genus Bagnallella Salmon is restored and given a diagnosis. It takes an intermediate position between Proisotoma Börner and Cryptopygus Willem complexes and is characterized by the separation of the two last abdominal segments (like in Proisotoma) and 3 and 5 s-chaetae on the fourth and fifth abdominal segments (like in Cryptopygus and its allies). A list of and key to species belonging to Bagnallella is given. Bagnallella biseta comb. nov., B. dubia comb. nov., B. sedecimoculata comb. nov., and B. tenella comb. nov. are commented and redescribed. Morphology of Bagnallella davidi (Barra), comb. nov. is described from the specimens from South Africa. So far B. davidi appears to be a complex of forms differing in size of the furca and macrochaetae. Two types of strongly modified males were found and described. Antennae, ventral side of abdomen, posterior edge of abdominal tergites, and mandibles are affected with epitoky. The nature of the discovered strong polymorphism is unclear.

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Research Article Tue, 23 Nov 2021 16:04:11 +0200
Azooxanthellate Scleractinia (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) from South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/69697/ ZooKeys 1066: 1-198

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1066.69697

Authors: Zoleka N. Filander, Marcelo V. Kitahara, Stephen D. Cairns, Kerry J. Sink, Amanda T. Lombard

Abstract: Globally, South Africa ranks in the top five countries regarding marine species richness per unit area. Given the high diversity, it is not surprising that many invertebrate taxa in the region are poorly characterised. The South African azooxanthellate Scleractinia (Anthozoa) is one such taxonomic group, and was last reviewed by Boshoff in 1980. Although more recent regional publications have reported on some species, there has not been a faunistic review that accounts for the country’s species diversity since then. Moreover, numerous unidentified specimens representing more than three decades of sampling effort have accumulated. In this study the authors update the state of knowledge of South African azooxanthellate coral species. Specimens, particularly those within the extensive collections of the Iziko South African and Smithsonian museums, were morphologically examined and identified. Other data considered included historic data represented as imagery data, associated species data from recent research surveys, and the scientific literature. To date, the study has increased the total number of known species from 77 to 108 across eleven families, 28 new South African records, and three are new species with one new genus.

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Monograph Thu, 28 Oct 2021 18:55:44 +0300
Larval descriptions of three Dromica species with some bionomical remarks (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/61993/ ZooKeys 1044: 511-525

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1044.61993

Authors: Peter Schüle, Alexander Putchkov, Tetiana Markina

Abstract: Larvae of all instars of Dromica (s. str.) kolbei (W. Horn, 1897), D. (s. str.) alboclavata Dokhtouroff, 1883 and instar I of D. (s. str.) helleri (W. Horn, 1897) are described and figured in detail. The larvae of these species have several unique morphological characters. The shape of the pronotum, appendages of abdominal segment V and the peculiarities of chaetotaxy are of taxonomic importance. The main diagnostic characters to separate these species from each other and from other known Dromica larvae are given and discussed. Some bionomical peculiarities of D. (s. str.) kolbei are presented.

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Research Article Wed, 16 Jun 2021 19:00:15 +0300
Taxonomic complexity in the genus Merodon Meigen, 1803 (Diptera, Syrphidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/62125/ ZooKeys 1031: 85-124

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1031.62125

Authors: Ante Vujić, Snežana Radenković, Laura Likov, Sanja Veselić

Abstract: The genus Merodon Meigen, 1803 is distributed across the Palaearctic and Afrotropical Regions. The present work summarizes the knowledge from recent taxonomic and systematic revisions and includes an identification key for the five monophyletic lineages (namely albifrons, aureus, avidus-nigritarsis, desuturinus and natans), 24 species groups, two species subgroups and 10 unplaced species, along with diagnosis and illustrations. A list of 234 taxa, including 194 described and 40 undescribed species, is appended. Most of the species are distributed in the Palaearctic (209 taxa, 181 described), while 27 species (14 described) are known from the Afrotropical Region. Three lineages (aureus, desuturinus and natans) are present in the Afrotropical Region, as well as in the Palaearctic. The Afrotropical melanocerus species group of the desuturinus lineage and the bombiformis species group of the aureus lineage are endemic to the Afrotropical Region, and all other species groups belong to the Palaearctic fauna. The albifrons lineage contains six species groups (albifrons, constans, equestris, geniculatus, ruficornis and rufus) and two unplaced taxa. The aureus lineage includes five species groups (aureus, bombiformis, funestus, nanus and spinitarsis). The avidus-nigritarsis lineage is divided into 10 species groups (aberrans, aurifer, avidus, clavipes, fulcratus, italicus, nigritarsis, pruni, serrulatus and tarsatus) and eight unplaced taxa. The desuturinus lineage contains two species groups: the Afrotropical melanocerus group, with the melanocerus and planifacies subgroups plus the species M. cuthbertsoni Curran, 1939, and the Palaearctic murorum species group. The natans lineage consists of the natans species group plus the species M. segetum Fabricius, 1794.

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Research Article Wed, 14 Apr 2021 23:38:36 +0300
First record of the cimicomorphan family Plokiophilidae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera) from China, with description of a new species of Plokiophiloides https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/56599/ ZooKeys 1021: 145-157

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1021.56599

Authors: Jiuyang Luo, Yanqiong Peng, Qiang Xie

Abstract: Plokiophiloides bannaensis sp. nov., is described from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, representing the first record of the family Plokiophilidae from China. The new species also represents the first record of the genus Plokiophiloides in the Oriental Region, a second zoogeographical region besides the Afrotropical Region. Photographs of the live individuals inhabiting a spider web within natural habitats, male and female habitus, wings of adult, male genitalic structures, female abdomen structures and scanning electron micrographs of forewing, head, thorax and legs are provided. A key to all known species of Plokiophiloides is presented, with a distribution map.

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Research Article Fri, 5 Mar 2021 18:44:23 +0200
A reassessment of the genus Oligoneuriopsis Crass, 1947 (Ephemeroptera, Oligoneuriidae, Oligoneuriellini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/56649/ ZooKeys 985: 15-47

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.985.56649

Authors: Helen M. Barber-James, Sonia Zrelli, Zohar Yanai, Michel Sartori

Abstract: The distinction between the two closely related genera Oligoneuriella Ulmer, 1924 and Oligoneuriopsis Crass, 1947 has been much debated. First described from South Africa, Oligoneuriopsis seemed to be a clearly defined genus. However, as the known distribution of the genus widened and knowledge on it expanded, species delimitation based on morphology became less clear due to overlap in several apparently defining morphological characters, especially in the nymphs. This work attempts to reassess Oligoneuriopsis morphology in the context of all currently known species. The type species, Oligoneuriopsis lawrencei Crass, 1947 is redescribed at the imaginal and nymphal stages and a neotype is designated. The putative nymph of Oligoneuriopsis dobbsi (Eaton, 1912) is described based on material collected around Mt Elgon (Kenya). The adults of Oligoneuriella orontensis Koch, 1980 are described for the first time and the species is transferred to the genus Oligoneuriopsis (Oligoneuriopsis orontensis comb. nov.). Egg structure is also described for the first time for the species Oligoneuriopsis skhounate and O. orontensis. Some biogeographical considerations are also given. It is likely that more species will still be discovered, especially in Africa.

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Research Article Thu, 5 Nov 2020 16:12:36 +0200
A new species of Rain Frog (Brevicipitidae, Breviceps) endemic to Angola https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/56863/ ZooKeys 979: 133-160

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.979.56863

Authors: Stuart V. Nielsen, Werner Conradie, Luis M. P. Ceríaco, Aaron M. Bauer, Matthew P. Heinicke, Edward L. Stanley, David C. Blackburn

Abstract: Recent molecular phylogenetic work has found that Breviceps Merrem, 1820 comprises two major clades, one of which, the B. mossambicus group, is widely distributed across southern sub-Saharan Africa. This group is notable for harboring abundant cryptic diversity. Of the four most recently described Breviceps species, three are members of this group, and at least five additional lineages await formal description. Although Breviceps has long been known to occur in Angola, no contemporary material has been collected until recently. The three most widespread taxa, B. adspersus, B. mossambicus, and B. poweri, may all occur in Angola, but accurate species assignment remains challenging given the rampant morphological similarity between these taxa, and, until recently, the lack of genetic resources. Phylogenetic, morphological, and acoustic analyses of recently collected samples from disparate localities within Angola provide evidence for an undescribed species that is sister to B. poweri. The new species can be diagnosed from its sister taxon by lacking pale spots along the flanks, a pale patch above the vent, and a short, dark band below the nares (all present in B. poweri). Additionally, the male advertisement call differs from the three other Breviceps that might occur in Angola in having both a longer interval between consecutive calls and a higher average dominant frequency. We here describe this lineage as a distinct species, currently only known from Angola, and discuss the presence of other Breviceps taxa within Angola.

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Research Article Tue, 27 Oct 2020 09:03:09 +0200
A new species in the Tetramorium solidum-group (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae) from the Richtersveld National Park, South Africa, with an assessment of threats and conservation status https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/52735/ ZooKeys 965: 55-71

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.965.52735

Authors: Peter G. Hawkes

Abstract: Eight specimens of an undescribed species of Tetramorium in the T. solidum-group were collected by pitfall trapping during an environmental impact assessment survey of the Oena Diamond Mine in the Richtersveld National Park, South Africa. The new species is most closely related to T. grandinode Santschi, 1913 but can be distinguished from this species by the distinctly different patterns of costulate sculpture on the mesosomal dorsum and petiole node, as well as the different forms of the petiole and postpetiole nodes, both of which in the new species are relatively narrower and longer and with no (petiole) or reduced (postpetiole) lateral extensions. Tetramorium nama sp. nov. is described here and a modification to the key presented by Mbanyana et al. (2018) to accommodate the additional species is provided. The potential threats to the species posed by alluvial diamond mining, livestock farming and climate change are discussed. A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of Tetramorium nama sp. nov is presented and suggests that, dependant on determination of the range of the species, it is likely to be classified as Vulnerable (VU) or Endangered (EN) under IUCN Red List criterion B1ab(iii).

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Research Article Thu, 3 Sep 2020 16:20:59 +0300
Taxonomic revision of the Afrotropical Agabus raffrayi species group with the description of four new species (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/53470/ ZooKeys 963: 45-79

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.963.53470

Authors: William F. Englund, Laban Njoroge, Olof Biström, Kelly B. Miller, David T. Bilton, Johannes Bergsten

Abstract: We revise the Afrotropical Agabus raffrayi species group, motivated by the discovery of new diversity in Kenya and South Africa. Whilst Agabus is mainly a holarctic genus, the Agabus raffrayi group is restricted to high altitude regions of eastern Africa and temperate parts of South Africa, from where we describe the southernmost Agabus in the world. The following new species are introduced: Agabus anguluverpus sp. nov. from Mount Kenya in central Kenya, Agabus austellus sp. nov. a widespread species in South Africa, Agabus riberae sp. nov. from the Kamiesberg and northeastern Cederberg ranges in the Northern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa and Agabus agulhas sp. nov. from the Agulhas Plain, Western Cape Province, South Africa. We provide a distribution map, a determination key for males, quantitative measurements of diagnostic characters, habitus photos and detailed photos of male genitalia for all described species in the group, as well as images of diagnostic characters and habitats. The presence or absence of an elongated section between the subapical broadening and the base of the apical and subapical teeth of the male aedeagus is a useful novel character, first revealed by our study. In contrast with the most recent revision of Afrotropical Agabus, we show that Agabus ruwenzoricus Guignot, 1936 is restricted to eastern Africa; South African records of this species having been based on misidentifications, no species of the group being common to southern and eastern Africa. We speculate that the raffrayi group may display phylogenetic niche conservatism, being restricted, as an originally temperate taxon, to higher elevations in tropical eastern Africa, but occurring at lower altitudes in temperate South Africa.

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Research Article Mon, 24 Aug 2020 13:20:06 +0300
Taxonomy of the Cryptopygus complex. III. The revision of South African species of Cryptopygus and Isotominella (Collembola, Isotomidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/51860/ ZooKeys 945: 99-127

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.945.51860

Authors: Mikhail B. Potapov, Charlene Janion-Scheepers, Louis Deharveng

Abstract: Species of the genera of the Cryptopygus complex in South Africa are morphologically revised. Five new species of the genus Cryptopygus Willem, 1902 s. s. and one new species of the genus Isotominella Delamare Deboutteville, 1948 are described. Cryptopygus abulbus sp. nov. and C. bulbus sp. nov. have only one chaeta on the anterior side of dens and no chaetae on the anterior side of manubrium, the latter species being characterized by the presence of a bulb at apex of antennae; C. inflatus sp. nov. shows a rare combination of eight ocelli on each side of the head with a tridentate mucro; C. longisensillus sp. nov. has five long s-chaetae on the fifth abdominal segment; C. postantennalis sp. nov. is unique by having a very long and slender postantennal organ with strong inner denticles; Isotominella laterochaeta sp. nov. is the second member of the genus and differs from the type species by many more anterior chaetae on the manubrium and the presence of chaetae on ventral side of metathorax. The genera are discussed and a key to all species of the Cryptopygus complex recorded in South Africa is given. The focus is on the Western Cape Province where the complex is the most diverse and sampling more complete than in other provinces of South Africa.

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Research Article Fri, 3 Jul 2020 20:41:50 +0300
Habitat requirements affect genetic variation in three species of mayfly (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) from South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/38587/ ZooKeys 936: 1-24

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.936.38587

Authors: Chantal L. Taylor, Nigel P. Barker, Helen M. Barber-James, Martin H. Villet, Lyndall L. Pereira-da-Conceicoa

Abstract: This study investigates genetic diversity in three species of Ephemeroptera, one eurytopic and therefore widespread (Afroptilum sudafricanum) and two stenotopic and thus endemic (Demoreptus natalensis and Demoreptus capensis) species, all of which co-occur in the southern Great Escarpment, South Africa. Mitochondrial DNA was analysed to compare the genetic diversity between the habitat generalist and the two habitat specialists. Afroptilum sudafricanum showed no indication of population genetic structure due to geographic location, while both Demoreptus species revealed clear genetic differentiation between geographic localities and catchments, evident from phylogenetic analyses and high FST values from AMOVA. In addition, the phylogenetic analyses indicate some deeper haplotype divergences within A. sudafricanum and Demoreptus that merit taxonomic attention. These results give important insight into evolutionary processes occurring through habitat specialisation and population isolation. Further research and sampling across a wider geographic setting that includes both major mountain blocks of the Escarpment and lowland non-Escarpment sites will allow for refined understanding of biodiversity and associated habitat preferences, and illuminate comparative inferences into gene flow and cryptic speciation.

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Research Article Thu, 28 May 2020 17:29:50 +0300
Hippocampus nalu, a new species of pygmy seahorse from South Africa, and the first record of a pygmy seahorse from the Indian Ocean (Teleostei, Syngnathidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/50924/ ZooKeys 934: 141-156

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.934.50924

Authors: Graham Short, Louw Claassens, Richard Smith, Maarten De Brauwer, Healy Hamilton, Michael Stat, David Harasti

Abstract: A new species and the first confirmed record of a true pygmy seahorse from Africa, Hippocampus nalu sp. nov., is herein described on the basis of two specimens, 18.9–22 mm SL, collected from flat sandy coral reef at 14–17 meters depth from Sodwana Bay, South Africa. The new taxon shares morphological synapomorphies with the previously described central Indo-Pacific pygmy seahorses, H. colemani, H. japapigu, H. pontohi, and H. satomiae, and H. waleananus, including diminutive size, twelve trunk rings, prominent cleithral ring and supracleithrum, spines on the fifth and twelfth superior and lateral trunk ridges, respectively, and prominent wing-like protrusions present on the first and/or second superior trunk rings posterior to the head. Hippocampus nalu sp. nov. is primarily distinguished from its pygmy seahorse congeners by highly distinct spine morphology along the anterior segments of the superior trunk ridge. Comparative molecular analysis reveals that the new species demonstrates significant genetic divergence in the mitochondrial COI gene from the morphologically similar H. japapigu and H. pontohi (estimated uncorrected p-distances of 16.3% and 15.2%, respectively). Hippocampus nalu sp. nov. represents the eighth member of the pygmy seahorse clade to be described from the Indo-Pacific, the first confirmed record from the African continent and the Indian Ocean, and an extension of more than 8000 km beyond the previously known range of pygmy seahorses from the Central and Western Indo-Pacific.

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Research Article Tue, 19 May 2020 16:52:03 +0300
Evolutionary relationships and population genetics of the Afrotropical leaf-nosed bats (Chiroptera, Hipposideridae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/50240/ ZooKeys 929: 117-161

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.929.50240

Authors: Bruce D. Patterson, Paul W. Webala, Tyrone H. Lavery, Bernard R. Agwanda, Steven M. Goodman, Julian C. Kerbis Peterhans, Terrence C. Demos

Abstract: The Old World leaf-nosed bats (Hipposideridae) are aerial and gleaning insectivores that occur throughout the Paleotropics. Both their taxonomic and phylogenetic histories are confused. Until recently, the family included genera now allocated to the Rhinonycteridae and was recognized as a subfamily of Rhinolophidae. Evidence that Hipposideridae diverged from both Rhinolophidae and Rhinonycteridae in the Eocene confirmed their family rank, but their intrafamilial relationships remain poorly resolved. We examined genetic variation in the Afrotropical hipposiderids Doryrhina, Hipposideros, and Macronycteris using relatively dense taxon-sampling throughout East Africa and neighboring regions. Variation in both mitochondrial (cyt-b) and four nuclear intron sequences (ACOX2, COPS, ROGDI, STAT5) were analyzed using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. We used intron sequences and the lineage delimitation method BPP—a multilocus, multi-species coalescent approach—on supported mitochondrial clades to identify those acting as independent evolutionary lineages. The program StarBEAST was used on the intron sequences to produce a species tree of the sampled Afrotropical hipposiderids. All genetic analyses strongly support generic monophyly, with Doryrhina and Macronycteris as Afrotropical sister genera distinct from a Paleotropical Hipposideros; mitochondrial analyses interpose the genera Aselliscus, Coelops, and Asellia between these clades. Mitochondrial analyses also suggest at least two separate colonizations of Africa by Asian groups of Hipposideros, but the actual number and direction of faunal interchanges will hinge on placement of the unsampled African-Arabian species H. megalotis. Mitochondrial sequences further identify a large number of geographically structured clades within species of all three genera. However, in sharp contrast to this pattern, the four nuclear introns fail to distinguish many of these groups and their geographic structuring disappears. Various distinctive mitochondrial clades are consolidated in the intron-based gene trees and delimitation analyses, calling into question their evolutionary independence or else indicating their very recent divergence. At the same time, there is now compelling genetic evidence in both mitochondrial and nuclear sequences for several additional unnamed species among the Afrotropical Hipposideros. Conflicting appraisals of differentiation among the Afrotropical hipposiderids based on mitochondrial and nuclear loci must be adjudicated by large-scale integrative analyses of echolocation calls, quantitative morphology, and geometric morphometrics. Integrative analyses will also help to resolve the challenging taxonomic issues posed by the diversification of the many lineages associated with H. caffer and H. ruber.

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Research Article Wed, 22 Apr 2020 03:11:15 +0300
Diversity of the southern Africa Lacustricola Myers, 1924 and redescription of Lacustricola johnstoni (Günther, 1894) and Lacustricola myaposae (Boulenger, 1908) (Cyprinodontiformes, Procatopodidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/48420/ ZooKeys 923: 91-113

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.923.48420

Authors: Pedro H. N. Bragança, Ryan M. van Zeeventer, Roger Bills, Denis Tweddle, Albert Chakona

Abstract: Through the analysis of a comprehensive database of COI sequences, with the sequencing of 48 specimens, a first insight into the genetic diversity, distribution and relationships between the southern Africa “Lacustricola” species is presented. Species from “Lacustricola” occur mainly in freshwater systems within the arid savanna, and are considered to be widely distributed in southern Africa, but most of them are data deficient taxa. Two species are redescribed, “Lacustricola” johnstoni (Günther, 1894) and “Lacustricola” myaposae (Boulenger, 1908), based on specimens collected at their respective type localities. Detailed osteological and life colouration information is presented for the first time. “Lacustricola” johnstoni was described from the Upper Shire River in Mangochi, Lake Malawi but is herein considered as widespread in the Okavango, Zambezi, southern Africa east coastal drainages and the Bangweulu in the Congo System. A sympatric similar species occurring in the Okavango is also identified. “Lacustricola” myaposae (Boulenger, 1908), was described from the Nseleni River in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa and is herein considered to be endemic to the small coastal river drainages within this region. Lectotypes for both “L.” johnstoni and “L.” myaposae are designated. A new species from the Lualaba River in the Congo System, sister to “L.” macrurus is identified, and the deep bodied “L.” jubbi is considered sister taxon to a clade including “L.” johnstoni and “L.” myaposae.

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Research Article Wed, 1 Apr 2020 19:10:12 +0300
Nomenclatural changes in Centroptella Braasch & Soldán, 1980 (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/46652/ ZooKeys 914: 81-125

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.914.46652

Authors: Nikita J. Kluge, Roman J. Godunko, Marek Svitok

Abstract: The genus Centroptella Braasch & Soldán, 1980 is accepted here in a wide sense, i.e., including Chopralla Waltz & McCafferty, 1987. This genus concept is similar to the concept of the genus Bungona Harker, 1957 proposed by Salles et al. (2016), but with the generic name Centroptella instead of Bungona. The type species of Bungona, B. narilla Harker, 1957, has an unknown systematic position; the neotype designation proposed by Suter and Pearson (2001) is invalid, being inconsistent with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature; the species name B. narilla and the generic name Bungona are nomina dubia, so the name Centroptella is the senior name for the genus under consideration. The generic names Chopralla and Crassolus Salles, Gattolliat & Sartori, 2016 both are junior synonyms of Centroptella (syn. nov.). The subgenera Bungona, Centroptella and Chopralla proposed by Salles et al. (2016) are unnatural. The following new combinations are proposed: Centroptella bintang (Marle, Salles & Gattolliat, 2016) comb. nov., Centroptella bifida (Shi & Tong, 2019) comb. nov., Centroptella fusina (Tong & Dudgeon, 2003) comb. nov., Centroptella fustipalpus (Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty, 1998) comb. nov., Centroptella illiesi (Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty, 1998) comb. nov., Centroptella inzingae (Crass, 1947) comb. nov., Centroptella papilionodes (Marle, Salles & Gattolliat, 2016) comb. nov., Centroptella pontica (Sroka, Godunko & Gattolliat, in Sroka et al. 2019) comb. nov., Centroptella ovata (Shi & Tong, 2019) comb. nov., Centroptella quadrata (Shi & Tong, 2019) comb. nov. and Centroptella saxophila (Agnew, 1961) comb. nov. The two Australian species, C. fustipalpus and C. illiesi, differ from each other in the shape of tergalii; corrections to the original description of C. fustipalpus are given based on re-examination of the holotype and paratypes; details of larval structures of C. illiesi are figured. Corrections to the former descriptions of the South African species C. inzingae and C. saxophila are given. Examination of type material led to the discovery that the original description of the Oriental species Centroptella liebenauae Soldán, Braasch & Muu, 1987 was based on two different species: the descriptions of imago and subimago belong to Centroptella longisetosa Braasch & Soldán, 1980 (the type species of Centroptella), and the description of larva belongs to a different species, which we describe here as Centroptella ingridae sp. nov. The holotype of C. liebenauae, a larva, should be considered lost; based on the date of collection, it belonged to C. longisetosa; a set of larval exuviae with the same collecting data as the holotype, is designated as the neotype of C. liebenauae, and a new synonymy is established: C. longisetosa = C. liebenauae syn. nov. The larvae originally assigned to C. liebenauae are placed to a new species Centroptella ingridae sp. nov. belonging to the inzingae-ingridae species group; all stages of development of this species are described based on male and female imagines reared from larvae in Thailand and on the misidentified paratypes of C. liebenauae from Vietnam. Centroptella longisetosa is redescribed based on the single paratype from China, the neotype and paratypes of C. liebenauae from Vietnam, and additional material from India. Additional data on the holotype of Centroptella colorata Soldán, Braasch & Muu, 1987 are given.

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Research Article Thu, 20 Feb 2020 22:28:34 +0200
A new species of Onitis Fabricius, 1798 from south-eastern Africa (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae, Onitini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/39284/ ZooKeys 900: 23-29

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.900.39284

Authors: François Génier, Philippe Moretto

Abstract: Onitis albertcollarti sp. nov. is described and illustrated. The new species is closely related to and occurs sympatrically with O. lycophron Klug, 1855.

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Research Article Tue, 31 Dec 2019 17:04:07 +0200
A new genus and species of fish parasitic cymothoid (Crustacea, Isopoda) from the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa, with a key to the externally attaching genera of Cymothoidae https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/38638/ ZooKeys 889: 1-15

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.889.38638

Authors: Niel L. Bruce, Rachel L. Welicky, Kerry A. Hadfield, Nico J. Smit

Abstract: Bambalocra intwala gen. et sp. nov. is described from Sodwana Bay, north-eastern South Africa. The monotypic genus is characterised by the broadly truncate anterior margin of the head with a ventral rostrum, coxae 2–5 being ventral in position not forming part of the body outline and not or barely visible in dorsal view, and the posterolateral margins of pereonites 6 and 7 are posteriorly produced and broadly rounded. The antennulae bases are widely separated, with both antennula and antenna slender. The species is known only from the type locality and the known hosts are species of Pomacanthidae (Angelfish). A revised key to the externally attaching genera of Cymothoidae is provided.

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Research Article Thu, 14 Nov 2019 19:06:14 +0200
A new genus of Pelecotominae from Mexico, with notes on the genera Clinops and Scotoscopus and the description of new species (Coleoptera, Ripiphoridae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/34938/ ZooKeys 857: 59-84

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.857.34938

Authors: Michael S. Engel, Zachary H. Falin, Jan Batelka

Abstract: Taxonomic notes are provided on species of the uncommonly encountered ripiphorid subfamily Pelecotominae. Zapotecotoma sumichrasti gen. et sp. nov., is described from southern Mexico based on a unique male likely collected in the later part of the mid-19th Century. The discovery of additional species of the South African genus Clinops Gerstaecker permit a revised diagnosis and distinction of the group from the eastern Mediterranean genus Scotoscopus Brenske and Reitter, resurrected status. Two new species of Clinops are established: Clinops inexpectatus sp. nov. (northeast of Durban near Swaziland) and C. perpessus sp. nov. (region of Durban), and Scotoscopus spectabilis (Schaufuss) is newly recorded for the Peloponnese in Greece.

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Research Article Tue, 25 Jun 2019 16:45:37 +0300
A new species of Pionothele from Gobabeb, Namibia (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Nemesiidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/31802/ ZooKeys 851: 17-25

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.851.31802

Authors: Jason E. Bond, Trip Lamb

Abstract: The mygalomorph spider genus Pionothele Purcell, 1902 comprises two nominal species known only from South Africa. We describe here a new species, Pionothele gobabeb sp. n., from Namibia. This new species is currently only known from a very restricted area in the Namib Desert of western Namibia.

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Research Article Mon, 3 Jun 2019 03:01:38 +0300
Four notable additions to the South African echinoid fauna (Echinodermata, Echinoidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/31381/ ZooKeys 831: 71-80

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.831.31381

Authors: Zoleka Filander, Yves Samyn, Charles Griffiths

Abstract: Although a comprehensive guide to the South African echinoid fauna was published as recently as 2017, four notable additions to the fauna have emerged since that time and are reported on here. The first South African records for Histocidaris purpurata (Thomson, 1872), Echinothrix diadema (Linnaeus, 1758), Microcyphus rousseaui L. Agassiz, in Agassiz and Desor 1846, and Pseudoboletia maculata Troschel, 1869 are presented. All four species have previously been recorded from the Atlantic and/or Indian Oceans and their ranges are thus extended southwards here. These additions increase the total number of echinoid species known from South Africa to 74.

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Research Article Mon, 18 Mar 2019 16:55:51 +0200
A new species of Boloponera from Sekhukhuneland, South Africa (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Ponerinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/28606/ ZooKeys 798: 23-44

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.798.28606

Authors: Peter G. Hawkes

Abstract: During an environmental impact assessment survey of a proposed tailings storage facility for a platinum mine in Sekhukhuneland, South Africa, five adult and five larval specimens of a new species of Boloponera were found while excavating soil to a depth of 10–15 cm at the base of a tree in riparian woodland. These specimens represent a 3400 km range extension and the first reported record of the genus since its description in 2006, which was based on a single specimen collected in the Central African Republic in 2001. A description of the worker and ergatoid queen of Boloponera ikemkha sp. n. is presented, with a description of the mature larva and a key to distinguish workers of the two currently known species of the genus. The taxonomic relationships of Boloponera are discussed with respect to several confirmed and newly identified autapomorphies that support its retention as a distinct genus, although closely related to Plectroctena and Loboponera. A preliminary assessment of the conservation status and discussion of potential threats to the survival of B. ikemkha is also provided. Evaluation of current data under the IUCN Red List criteria would result in B. ikemkha being assessed as Critically Endangered, but further investigation is required to test the validity of placing it in this category.

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Research Article Wed, 21 Nov 2018 14:44:34 +0200
A new earless species of Poyntonophrynus (Anura, Bufonidae) from the Serra da Neve Inselberg, Namibe Province, Angola https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/25859/ ZooKeys 780: 109-136

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.780.25859

Authors: Luis M. P. Ceríaco, Mariana P. Marques, Suzana Bandeira, Ishan Agarwal, Edward L. Stanley, Aaron M. Bauer, Mathew P. Heinicke, David C. Blackburn

Abstract: African pygmy toads of the genus Poyntonophrynus are some of the least known species of African toads. The genus comprises ten recognized species endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, five of which are restricted to southwestern Africa. Recent field research in Angola provided new material for three species of Poyntonophrynus, including a morphologically distinctive population from the Serra da Neve Inselberg. Based on a combination of external morphology, high-resolution computed tomography scanning, and molecular phylogenetic analysis, the Serra da Neve population is described as new species that is nested within the genus. The most striking character that differentiates the newly described species from its congeners is the lack of a tympanic middle ear, a condition common in the family Bufonidae, but so far not known for Poyntonophrynus. The description of this new species from southwestern Angola reinforces the biogeographic importance of the region and further suggests that southwestern Africa is the cradle of diversity for this genus.

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Research Article Wed, 8 Aug 2018 18:21:32 +0300
Mantophasmatodea from the Richtersveld in South Africa with description of two new genera and species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/14885/ ZooKeys 746: 137-160

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.746.14885

Authors: Benjamin Wipfler, Tobias Theska, Reinhard Predel

Abstract: Two new species and two new genera (Kuboesphasma, Minutophasma) of Mantophasmatodea that occur in the Richtersveld region of South Africa are described. Kuboesphasma compactum gen. n., sp. n. was found only in a small area near the village of Kuboes, while Minutophasma richtersveldense gen. n., sp. n. apparently inhabits a larger area in the Richtersveld. With these two new species, a total of four different mantophasmatodeans are known to live in this area. This is a remarkable exception to the remaining representatives of this order, where even a common occurrence of only two species is rare. We discuss this sympatry in the context of the phylogeny of the group. Additionally, we provide a map of the known distributions and a table with the most important taxonomic features of the mantophasmatodeans in the Richtersveld.

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Research Article Tue, 27 Mar 2018 17:39:47 +0300
Trematocranus pachychilus, a new endemic cichlid from Lake Malawi (Teleostei, Cichlidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/22814/ ZooKeys 743: 153-166

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.743.22814

Authors: Katrien Dierickx, Mark Hanssens, Bosco Rusuwa, Jos Snoeks

Abstract: A new species of Trematocranus, T. pachychilus sp. n., is described from Lake Malawi. So far, it has only been found at Jafua Bay, Mozambique. It can easily be distinguished from T. labifer by its molariform pharyngeal dentition. A morphometric study, including 24 measurements and 15 counts, was done to compare the new species with T. microstoma and T. placodon. Trematocranus pachychilus is characterised by its thick lips. This species further differs from T. microstoma by its bicuspid (vs. unicuspid) outer oral teeth, wide (vs. small) pharyngeal bone, and its head shape. It resembles T. placodon, from which it can be distinguished by its straight to concave head profile (vs. rounded), less-developed pharyngeal bones (vs. hypertrophied), and the presence of small to minute teeth on the lateral parts of the dentigerous area on the lower pharyngeal bone. A key to the species of Trematocranus is provided.

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Research Article Wed, 14 Mar 2018 10:48:13 +0200
The collection of birds from Mozambique at the Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical of the University of Lisbon (Portugal) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/13351/ ZooKeys 708: 139-152

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.708.13351

Authors: Miguel Monteiro, Rui Figueira, Martim Melo, Michael Stuart Lyne Mills, Pedro Beja, Cristiane Bastos-Silveira, Manuela Ramos, Diana Rodrigues, Isabel Queirós Neves, Susana Consciência, Luís Reino

Abstract: The Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical of the University of Lisbon, which resulted from the recent merger (in 2015) of the former state laboratory Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical in the University of Lisbon, holds an important collection of bird skins from the Portuguese-speaking African Countries (Angola, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde), gathered as a result of several scientific expeditions made during the colonial period. In this paper, the subset from Mozambique is described, which was taxonomically revised and georeferenced. It contains 1585 specimens belonging to 412 taxa, collected between 1932 and 1971, but mainly in 1948 (43% of specimens) and 1955 (30% of specimens). The collection covers all eleven provinces of the country, although areas south of the Zambezi River are better represented than those north of the river. The provinces with the highest number of specimens were Maputo, Sofala, and Gaza. Although it is a relatively small collection with a patchy coverage, it adds significantly to Global Biodiversity Information Facility, with 15% of all records available before and during the collecting period (1830–1971) being the second largest dataset for that period for Mozambique.

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Data Paper Mon, 16 Oct 2017 12:49:52 +0300
Three new species of Heteromysis (Mysida, Mysidae, Heteromysini) from the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, with first documentation of a mysid-cephalopod association https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/13890/ ZooKeys 685: 15-47

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.685.13890

Authors: Karl J. Wittmann, Charles L. Griffiths

Abstract: Faunistic studies in sublittoral and littoral marine habitats on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, have yielded three new species belonging to the genus Heteromysis, subgenus Heteromysis: H. cancelli sp. n. associated with the diogenid hermit crab Cancellus macrothrix Stebbing, 1924, and H. fosteri sp. n. extracted from ‘empty’ urchin and gastropod shells. The first documented mysid-cephalopod association is reported for H. octopodis sp. n. which was found in dens occupied by Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797, but was also captured from tide pools. The three new species differ from previously known E. Atlantic species, among other characters, by a single spine on the endopods of uropods in combination with large cornea and absence of median sternal processes on thoracic somites. They are also characterized by a white stripe along the dorso-lateral terminal margin of the eyestalks in living specimens. The new species appear quite similar to each other, but are distinguished by different depths of the telson cleft, different distributions of spines on the lateral margins of the telson, different numbers of segments on thoracic endopod 4, and by differently modified setae on the carpus of the third thoracic endopod, as well as on the carpopropodus of the fourth endopod. An updated key to the species of Heteromysis known from the E. Atlantic is given.

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Research Article Thu, 13 Jul 2017 02:34:21 +0300
Differentiation of three common deep-water hermit crabs (Crustacea, Decapoda, Anomura, Parapaguridae) from the South African demersal abundance surveys, including the description of a new species of Paragiopagurus Lemaitre, 1996 https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/12987/ ZooKeys 676: 21-45

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.676.12987

Authors: Jannes Landschoff, Rafael Lemaitre

Abstract: Deep-water hermit crabs of the family Parapaguridae can be abundant (up to 20 kg or 1000 hermit crab individuals per haul) in the trawl bycatch collected during South African demersal abundance research surveys. Until recently, only two parapagurid species had been recognized in the bycatch; Parapagurus bouvieri Stebbing, 1910, and Sympagurus dimorphus (Studer, 1883). Detailed examination of numerous samples of parapagurid specimens from research surveys revealed the existence of a third, undescribed species previously confounded with S. dimorphus, but in fact belonging to a different genus. This new species, Paragiopagurus atkinsonae sp. n. is the 25th in the genus Paragiopagurus Lemaitre, 1996, and has been found only in a small region on the West Coast shelf of South Africa, at depths of 199–277 m. The species is herein fully described and illustrated, including colour images, µCT scans of selected body parts, and CO1 barcode data. The new species is morphologically most similar to P. ventilatus Lemaitre, 2004, a species associated with hydrothermal vents, but differs in armature of the fourth antennal segment (armed with a spine on the dorsolateral distal angle vs. unarmed in P. ventilatus); setation of the antennal flagella (nearly naked vs. with dense setae in P. ventilatus); plumose setation on the third maxillipeds and basal segments of chelipeds (absent vs. present in P. ventilatus); number of rows of scales on the propodal rasp of pereopod 4 (two or three rows vs. one row in P. ventilatus); and degree of telson asymmetry (weakly asymmetrical vs. strongly asymmetrical in P. ventilatus). Paragiopagurus atkinsonae sp. n. is superficially similar to S. dimorphus, with males of the two species showing the same extreme degree of sexual dimorphism on the right cheliped, general light orange colouration, and frequent use of colonial zoanthid carcinoecia for pleonal protection. To aid in future identifications and to facilitate data gathering during surveys, a comparison of P. atkinsonae sp. n. with S. dimorphus is provided, along with descriptions of colouration and photographs of live specimens of all three parapagurid species. Information on taxonomy of the species is summarized, as well as knowledge of their distribution in the demersal research survey regions of South Africa.

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Research Article Tue, 23 May 2017 20:21:52 +0300
A review of the Pseudobarbus afer (Peters, 1864) species complex (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) in the eastern Cape Fold Ecoregion of South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/11076/ ZooKeys 657: 109-140

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.657.11076

Authors: Albert Chakona, Paul H. Skelton

Abstract: The Eastern Cape redfin, Pseudobarbus afer, has long been considered to be a single widespread and variable species occurring in multiple isolated river systems in the Cape Fold Ecoregion (CFE) at the southern tip of Africa. Mitochondrial cytochrome b and control region sequence data of individuals from populations currently assigned to P. afer across the species’ distribution range revealed existence of four deeply divergent taxonomic units: (i) the Mandela lineage confined to the Sundays, Swartkops and Baakens river systems, (ii) the Krom lineage endemic to the Krom River system, (iii) the St Francis lineage occurring in the Gamtoos and adjacent river systems, and (iv) the Forest lineage occurring in several coastal river systems from the Tsitsikamma to the Klein Brak River system. The Forest lineage is closely related to P. phlegethon from the Olifants River system on the west coast of South Africa, suggesting that it does not belong to P. afer s.l. Herein we focus on the three lineages within the P. afer s.l. complex and provide new diagnosis for P. afer s.s (Mandela lineage), revalidate P. senticeps (Krom lineage) as a distinct species, and describe a new species P. swartzi (St Francis lineage). The three species exhibit subtle differences, which explains why they were previously considered to represent a single variable and widespread species. Pseudobarbus senticeps differs from both P. afer and P. swartzi by having fewer (i.e. larger) scales (25–33, mode 29 lateral line scale series; 10–12, mode 11 circumpeduncular scales) and presence of a lateral stripe which terminates in a conspicuous triangular blotch at the base of the caudal fin. Long barbels which reach or surpass the vertical through the posterior edge of the eye further separate P. senticeps from P. afer s.s. which possesses simple short barbels which do not reach the vertical through the posterior margin of the eye. Pseudobarbus afer s.s differs from P. swartzi sp. n. by possession of fewer scale rows along the lateral line (29–35, mode 32 vs 34–37, mode 36 in P. swartzi), fewer scales around the caudal peduncle (12–16, mode 12 vs 13–17, mode 16 in P. swartzi) and a distinct mesh or net-like pigmentation pattern on latero-ventral scales.

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Research Article Mon, 20 Feb 2017 03:09:44 +0200
Redescription of Potamonautes sidneyi (Rathbun, 1904) (Decapoda, Potamonautidae) and description of a new congeneric species from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/11623/ ZooKeys 657: 1-28

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.657.11623

Authors: Nasreen Peer, Gavin Gouws, Eric Lazo-Wasem, Renzo Perissinotto, Nelson A.F. Miranda

Abstract: A new species of freshwater crab, Potamonautes danielsi sp. n., is described from the southern region of the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Potamonautes danielsi most closely resembles P. sidneyi which is re-described here, but can be distinguished by a suite of key morphological characters including carapace shape and width, slim pereopods, inflated propodi of the chelipeds, and the shape and terminal segment length:subterminal segment length ratio of the 1st gonopod. In a previous study (Gouws et al. 2015), a 9.2–11.8 % divergence was found in the mitochondrial COI and 16S genes of the P. sidneyi clade, allowing for the delineation of a new species. Despite the clear molecular distinction between the two species, it is difficult to separate them based on individual morphological characters, as there is a great deal of overlap even among key features. The new species is found in slow-moving mountain streams and pools at high altitudes between Umhlanga and Mtamvuna, in KwaZulu-Natal.

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Research Article Fri, 17 Feb 2017 19:25:19 +0200
Diversity and distribution of polyphagan water beetles (Coleoptera) in the Lake St Lucia system, South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/11622/ ZooKeys 656: 51-84

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.656.11622

Authors: Matthew S. Bird, David T. Bilton, Renzo Perissinotto

Abstract: Water beetles belonging to the suborder Polyphaga vary greatly in larval and adult ecologies, and fulfil important functional roles in shallow-water ecosystems by processing plant material, scavenging and through predation. This study investigates the species richness and composition of aquatic polyphagan assemblages in and around the St Lucia estuarine lake (South Africa), within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A total of 32 sites were sampled over three consecutive collection trips between 2013 and 2015. The sites encompassed a broad range of aquatic habitats, being representative of the variety of freshwater and estuarine environments present on the St Lucia coastal plain. Thirty-seven polyphagan taxa were recorded during the dedicated surveys of this study, in addition to seven species-level records from historical collections. Most beetles recorded are relatively widespread Afrotropical species and only three are endemic to South Africa. Samples were dominated by members of the Hydrophilidae (27 taxa), one of which was new to science (Hydrobiomorpha perissinottoi Bilton, 2016). Despite the fauna being dominated by relatively widespread taxa, five represent new records for South Africa, highlighting the poor state of knowledge on water beetle distribution patterns in the region. Wetlands within the dense woodland characterising the False Bay region of St Lucia supported a distinct assemblage of polyphagan beetles, whilst sites occurring on the Eastern and Western Shores of Lake St Lucia were very similar in their beetle composition. In line with the Afrotropical region as a whole, the aquatic Polyphaga of St Lucia appear to be less diverse than the Hydradephaga, for which 68 species were recorded during the same period. However, the results of the present study, in conjunction with those for Hydradephaga, show that the iSimangaliso Wetland Park contains a high beetle diversity. The ongoing and future ecological protection of not only the estuarine lake itself, but also surrounding freshwater wetlands, is imperative and should be taken into consideration during future management planning for the park.

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Research Article Tue, 14 Feb 2017 00:39:44 +0200
Immature stages of giants: morphology and growth characteristics of Goliathus Lamarck, 1801 larvae indicate a predatory way of life (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/8145/ ZooKeys 619: 25-44

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.619.8145

Authors: Tomáš Vendl, Petr Šípek

Abstract: The third larval instar of Goliathus goliatus (Drury, 1770), G. orientalis Moser, 1909 and G. albosignatus Boheman, 1857 are described and illustrated for the first time and compared with the immature stages of other Cetoniinae. Larval development of G. goliatus is investigated under laboratory conditions, with particular emphasis on food requirements. These results support the obligatory requirement of proteins in the larval diet. The association between larval morphological traits (e. g., the shape of the mandibles and pretarsus, presence of well-developed stemmata) and larval biology is discussed. Based on observations and the data from captive breeds it is concluded that a possible shift from pure saprophagy to an obligatory predaceous way of larval life occurred within the larvae of this genus, which may explain why these beetles achieve such an enormous size.

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Research Article Tue, 27 Sep 2016 23:27:12 +0300
Predaceous water beetles (Coleoptera, Hydradephaga) of the Lake St Lucia system, South Africa: biodiversity, community ecology and conservation implications https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/8614/ ZooKeys 595: 85-135

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.595.8614

Authors: Renzo Perissinotto, Matthew Bird, David Bilton

Abstract: Water beetles are one of the dominant macroinvertebrate groups in inland waters and are excellent ecological indicators, reflecting both the diversity and composition of the wider aquatic community. The predaceous water beetles (Hydradephaga) make up around one-third of known aquatic Coleoptera and, as predators, are a key group in the functioning of many aquatic habitats. Despite being relatively well-known taxonomically, ecological studies of these insects in tropical and subtropical systems remain rare. A dedicated survey of the hydradephagan beetles of the Lake St Lucia wetlands (South Africa) was undertaken between 2013 and 2015, providing the first biodiversity census for this important aquatic group in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Maputaland biodiversity hotspot. A total of 32 sites covering the entire spectrum of waterbody types were sampled over the course of three collecting trips. The Lake St Lucia wetlands support at least 68 species of Hydradephaga, a very high level of diversity comparing favourably with other hotspots on the African continent and elsewhere in the world and a number of taxa are reported for South Africa for the first time. This beetle assemblage is dominated by relatively widespread Afrotropical taxa, with few locally endemic species, supporting earlier observations that hotspots of species richness and centres of endemism are not always coincident. Although there was no significant difference in the number of species supported by the various waterbody types sampled, sites with the highest species richness were mostly temporary depression wetlands. This contrasts markedly with the distribution of other taxa in the same system, such as molluscs and dragonflies, which are most diverse in permanent waters. Our study is the first to highlight the importance of temporary depression wetlands and emphasises the need to maintain a variety of wetland habitats for aquatic conservation in this biodiverse region.

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Research Article Thu, 2 Jun 2016 23:59:00 +0300
Chordodes ferox, a new record of horsehair worms (Nematomorpha, Gordiida) from South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6810/ ZooKeys 566: 1-11

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.566.6810

Authors: Andreas Schmidt-Rhaesa, Renzo Perissinotto

Abstract: Three females and one male specimen of a previously unconfirmed species of horsehair worms (Nematomorpha) from South Africa are described using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The females correspond to the description of Chordodes ferox Camerano, 1897, a species previously described from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa) and an adjacent, not further specified region of the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville). Characteristic is the presence of enlarged and elevated simple areoles around the base of a thorn areole, in combination with further cuticular characters. This is the latest of a total of six species of horsehair worms reported from South Africa so far. Two species of praying mantids, Polyspilota aeruginosa (Goeze, 1778) and Sphodromantis gastrica Stål, 1858, have been identified as hosts of C. ferox, while its distribution range in the region and the period of adult emergence from the host remain largely unknown.

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Research Article Thu, 18 Feb 2016 03:42:17 +0200
Description of the female of Haematonotus jenisi Krajcik, 2006 and placement of the species within the genus Atrichiana Distant, 1911 (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6136/ ZooKeys 561: 39-49

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.561.6136

Authors: Renzo Perissinotto

Abstract: The male of Haematonotus jenisi Krajcik, 2006 was described on the basis of a sole holotype specimen. A number of new specimens have recently been collected from the False Bay area of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, including a number of females, thereby allowing the description of this sex for the first time. The new series also reveals that most morphological characters are actually typical for the genus Atrichiana Distant, 1911, rather than Haematonotus Kraatz, 1880. For this reason, it is here proposed that this species be placed within Atrichiana, thus becoming the second species of a genus that was previously regarded as monospecific, represented by the southern African endemic A. placida (Boheman, 1857). Like A. placida, A. jenisi exhibits a remarkable polymorphism, but also sexual dimorphism, particularly expressed at the level of the antennal clubs, which in the male are twice as long as in the female. Unfortunately, all specimens of the recent series were collected dead or drowning on the lake shores and therefore no further information on their life cycle and biology in general could be obtained. It seems that the species may represent a micro-endemism restricted to the Western Shores of Lake St Lucia, with habitat associated to Sand Forest and possibly also Northern Coastal Forest vegetation types.

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Research Article Mon, 8 Feb 2016 18:43:52 +0200
Beetle and plant arrow poisons of the Ju|’hoan and Hai||om San peoples of Namibia (Insecta, Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae; Plantae, Anacardiaceae, Apocynaceae, Burseraceae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5957/ ZooKeys 558: 9-54

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.558.5957

Authors: Caroline Chaboo, Megan Biesele, Robert K. Hitchcock, Andrea Weeks

Abstract: The use of archery to hunt appears relatively late in human history. It is poorly understood but the application of poisons to arrows to increase lethality must have occurred shortly after developing bow hunting methods; these early multi-stage transitions represent cognitive shifts in human evolution. This paper is a synthesis of widely-scattered literature in anthropology, entomology, and chemistry, dealing with San (“Bushmen”) arrow poisons. The term San (or Khoisan) covers many indigenous groups using so-called ‘click languages’ in southern Africa. Beetles are used for arrow poison by at least eight San groups and one non-San group. Fieldwork and interviews with Ju|’hoan and Hai||om hunters in Namibia revealed major differences in the nature and preparation of arrow poisons, bow and arrow construction, and poison antidote. Ju|’hoan hunters use leaf-beetle larvae of Diamphidia Gerstaecker and Polyclada Chevrolat (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) collected from soil around the host plants Commiphora africana (A. Rich.) Engl. and Commiphora angolensis Engl. (Burseracaeae). In the Nyae Nyae area of Namibia, Ju|’hoan hunters use larvae of Diamphidia nigroornata Ståhl. Larvae and adults live above-ground on the plants and eat leaves, but the San collect the underground cocoons to extract the mature larvae. Larval hemolymph is mixed with saliva and applied to arrows. Hai||om hunters boil the milky plant sap of Adenium bohemianum Schinz (Apocynaceae) to reduce it to a thick paste that is applied to their arrows. The socio-cultural, historical, and ecological contexts of the various San groups may determine differences in the sources and preparation of poisons, bow and arrow technology, hunting behaviors, poison potency, and perhaps antidotes.

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Research Article Mon, 1 Feb 2016 03:25:22 +0200
Comparative analysis of development and survival of two Natal fruit fly Ceratitis rosa Karsch (Diptera, Tephritidae) populations from Kenya and South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6230/ ZooKeys 540: 467-487

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.540.9906

Authors: Chrysantus M. Tanga, Aruna Manrakhan, John-Henry Daneel, Samira A. Mohamed, Khamis Fathiya, Sunday Ekesi

Abstract: Comparative analysis of development and survivorship of two geographically divergent populations of the Natal fruit fly Ceratitis rosa Karsch designated as C. rosa R1 and C. rosa R2 from Kenya and South Africa were studied at seven constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 33, 35 °C). Temperature range for development and survival of both populations was 15–35 °C. The developmental duration was found to significantly decrease with increasing temperature for C. rosa R1 and C. rosa R2 from both countries. Survivorship of all the immature stages of C. rosa R1 and C. rosa R2 from Kenya was highest over the range of 20–30 °C (87–95%) and lowest at 15 and 35 °C (61–76%). Survivorship of larvae of C. rosa R1 and C. rosa R2 from South Africa was lowest at 35 °C (22%) and 33 °C (0.33%), respectively. Results from temperature summation models showed that C. rosa R2 (egg, larva and pupa) from both countries were better adapted to low temperatures than R1, based on lower developmental threshold. Minimum larval temperature threshold for Kenyan populations were 11.27 °C and 6.34 °C (R1 and R2, respectively) compared to 8.99 °C and 7.74 °C (R1 and R2, respectively) for the South African populations. Total degree-day (DD) accumulation for the Kenyan populations were estimated at 302.75 (C. rosa R1) and 413.53 (C. rosa R2) compared to 287.35 (C. rosa R1) and 344.3 (C. rosa R2) for the South African populations. These results demonstrate that C. rosa R1 and C. rosa R2 from both countries were physiologically distinct in their response to different temperature regimes and support the existence of two genetically distinct populations of C. rosa. It also suggests the need for taxonomic revision of C. rosa, however, additional information on morphological characterization of C. rosa R1 and C. rosa R2 is needed.

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Research Article Thu, 26 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0200
A new polystomatid (Monogenea, Polystomatidae) from the mouth of the North American freshwater turtle Pseudemys nelsoni https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6108/ ZooKeys 539: 1-9

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.539.6108

Authors: Louis Du Preez, Michelle Van Rooyen

Abstract: Based on material collected from Pseudemys nelsoni (Reptilia: Chelonia: Emydidae) during a parasite survey of the herpetofauna around Gainesville, Florida, USA, Polystomoides nelsoni sp. n. is described as a new polystome species. This parasite was found in the oral and pharyngeal region of the host. In a sample of nine Pseudemys nelsoni, three specimens were found to release polystome eggs. One turtle was euthanized and dissected and found to be infected in the oral region with 19 specimens belonging to an as-yet-unknown Polystomoides. This is only the fifth Polystomoides recorded from the Nearctic realm. This species is distinguished from known species by a combination of characteristics including marginal hooklet morphology, body length and haptor dimensions.

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Research Article Mon, 23 Nov 2015 02:43:02 +0200
A catalogue of the scaleworm genus Lepidonotus (Polynoidae, Polychaeta) from South America, with two new records for Brazilian waters https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6184/ ZooKeys 533: 63-98

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.533.6184

Authors: José Eriberto De Assis, Rafael Justino de Brito, Martin Lindsey Christoffersen, José Roberto Botelho de Souza

Abstract: The genus Lepidonotus is the largest in number of species within the Polynoidae, with more than 70 described species and subspecies. A catalogue of 18 nominal species and subspecies of Lepidonotus from South America is provided, with valid names, synonyms and original citations. Redescriptions and illustrations of two species based on new specimens collected along the littoral of the State of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil are included. Lepidonotus carinulatus and Lepidonotus natalensis are reported for the first time for Brazilian waters. A comparative table of characters for all reported species and subspecies of Lepidonotus from South America is provided.

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Catalogue Mon, 9 Nov 2015 00:26:16 +0200
New species without dead bodies: a case for photo-based descriptions, illustrated by a striking new species of Marleyimyia Hesse (Diptera, Bombyliidae) from South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6143/ ZooKeys 525: 117-127

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.525.6143

Authors: Stephen A. Marshall, Neal L. Evenhuis

Abstract: A new bombyliid species Marleyimyia xylocopae Marshall & Evenhuis, sp. n., an apparent mimic of the carpenter bee Xylocopa flavicollis (De Geer), is described from South Africa on the basis of photographs only. The pros and cons of species descriptions in the absence of preserved type specimens are discussed.

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Research Article Mon, 5 Oct 2015 01:16:39 +0300
A new leafminer on grapevine and Rhoicissus (Vitaceae) in South Africa within an expanded generic concept of Holocacista (Insecta, Lepidoptera, Heliozelidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5418/ ZooKeys 507: 41-97

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.507.9536

Authors: Erik J. van Nieukerken, Henk Geertsema

Abstract: A grapevine leafminer found recently in table grape orchards and vineyards in the Paarl region (Western Cape, South Africa) is described as Holocacista capensis sp. n. It has also been found on native Rhoicissus digitata and bred on that species in the laboratory. It is closely related to Holocacista salutans (Meyrick, 1921), comb. n. (from Antispila), described from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, but widespread in southern Africa and a native leafminer of various Vitaceae: Rhoicissus tomentosa, R. digitata, R. tridentata and Cissus cornifolia. Holocacista capensis has been found on Vitis vinifera both in Gauteng and Western Cape, the earliest record being from 1950 in Pretoria. The initial host shift from native Vitaceae to Vitis must have occurred much earlier. The species is sometimes present in high densities, but hitherto no sizeable damage to the crops has been noted. The genus Holocacista Walsingham & Durrant, 1909, previously known from the single European grapevine leafminer H. rivillei (Stainton, 1855), is expanded and redescribed and for the first time reported from Africa, East and South-East Asia and Australia. It comprises seven named species and at least 15 unnamed species. The following species are also recombined with Holocacista: transferred from Antispilina: South-African H. varii (Mey, 2011), comb. n., feeding on Pelargonium, transferred from Antispila: the Indian species H. micrarcha (Meyrick, 1926), comb. n. and H. pariodelta (Meyrick, 1929), comb. n., both feeding on Lannea coromandelica, and H. selastis (Meyrick, 1926), comb. n. on Psychotria dalzelii. We also remove the following from Antispila: Heliozela anna (Fletcher, 1920), comb. n. and H. argyrozona (Meyrick, 1918), comb. n., whereas the following Indian Vitaceae feeding species are confirmed to belong in Antispila s. str.: Antispila argostoma Meyrick, 1916 and A. aristarcha Meyrick, 1916. Holocacista salutans and H. varii are redescribed and diagnosed against H. capensis and other South African Heliozelidae. DNA barcodes are provided for 13 species of Holocacista.

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Research Article Mon, 8 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Updated list of Collembola species currently recorded from South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5258/ ZooKeys 503: 55-88

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.503.8966

Authors: Charlene Janion–Scheepers, Louis Deharveng, Anne Bedos, Steven Chown

Abstract: Understanding the abundance and richness of species is one of the most fundamental steps in effecting their conservation. Despite global recognition of the significance of the below-ground component of diversity for ecosystem functioning, the soil remains a poorly studied terrestrial ecosystem. In South Africa, knowledge is increasing for a variety of soil faunal groups, but many still remain poorly understood. We have started to address this gap in the knowledge of South African soil biodiversity by focusing on the Collembola in an integrated project that encompasses systematics, barcoding and ecological assessments. Here we provide an updated list of the Collembola species from South Africa. A total of 124 species from 61 genera and 17 families has been recorded, of which 75 are considered endemic, 24 widespread, and 25 introduced. This total number of species excludes the 36 species we consider to be dubious. From the published data, Collembola species richness is high compared to other African countries, but low compared to European countries. This is largely a consequence of poor sampling in the African region, as our discovery of many new species in South Africa demonstrates. Our analyses also show that much ongoing work will be required before a reasonably comprehensive and spatially explicit picture of South Africa’s springtail fauna can be provided, which may well exceed 1000 species. Such work will be necessary to help South Africa meet its commitments to biodiversity conservation, especially in the context of the 2020 Aichi targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

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Checklist Mon, 11 May 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Description of a new species of Potamonautes MacLeay, 1838, from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5253/ ZooKeys 503: 23-43

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.503.9532

Authors: Nasreen Peer, Renzo Perissinotto, Gavin Gouws, Nelson A.F. Miranda

Abstract: A new species of freshwater crab, Potamonautes isimangaliso sp. n., is described from the western shores of False Bay, Hluhluwe, within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa. While bearing a superficial resemblance to P. lividus, the new species has been found to be genetically distinct, diverging from the former by 7.4–7.8% in mtDNA. Potamonautes isimangaliso most closely resembles P. lividus, but is distinguished by a unique suite of carapace characters, colouration, and size. The new species also lives in close association with oxygen-poor, fresh ephemeral pans, while the habitat of P. lividus is well above the surface water line of the closest water body. An updated identification key for the Potamonautes species of South Africa is provided.

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Research Article Mon, 11 May 2015 00:00:00 +0300
Description of a new species of Apterotoxitiades Adlbauer, 2008 (Cerambycidae, Dorcasominae, Apatophyseini) and the female of A. vivesi Adlbauer, 2008, with notes on the biology of the genus https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4705/ ZooKeys 482: 9-19

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.482.8901

Authors: Karl Adlbauer, Anders Bjørnstad, Renzo Perissinotto

Abstract: Following the description of the Apatophyseini genus Apterotoxitiades Adlbauer, 2008 (Cerambycidae: Dorcasominae) from South Africa, a new species has now been discovered in the eastern Drakensberg range of the country. The holotype female is here described as A. aspinosus Björnstad, sp. n. Also, a new small series collected at Hogsback, in the Amathole range, has allowed the description of the previously unknown female of the type species, A. vivesi Adlbauer, 2008. Both species are high altitude dwellers, occurring above 1300 m asl and their habitat consists mainly of mountain grassland interspersed with mistbelt forest pockets. All specimens were recorded in the austral winter to early spring, when these mountain ranges are occasionally covered in snow and night temperature plummet below 0 °C. They appear to be nocturnal and their complete lack of wings indicates a remarkable adaptation to cold conditions at high altitude.

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Research Article Wed, 11 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0200
Relative growth and morphological sexual maturity size of the freshwater crab Trichodactylus borellianus (Crustacea, Decapoda, Trichodactylidae) in the Middle Paraná River, Argentina https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4257/ ZooKeys 457: 159-170

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.457.6821

Authors: Verónica Williner, María Victoria Torres, Debora Azevedo Carvalho, Natalia König

Abstract: The relative growth of a number of morphological dimensions of the South American freshwater crab Trichodactylus borellianus (Trichodactylidae) were compared and related to sexual dimorphism. Crabs were collected from ponds in the Middle Paraná River in Argentina. A regression model with segmented relationship was used to test for relative growth between these measurements where breakpoints infer the body size at which crabs reach sexual maturity. In both sexes the carapace width and the length, height, and thickness of the right and left chelae were measured, as well as the male pleopod length and the female abdomen width. All of these measurements were found to show positive allometry with the exception of the male pleopod length and the left chelae, which did not show a breakpoint. In females the breakpoint for the abdomen width inferred a morphological sexual maturity at carapace width 6.9 mm. In males the break point for the pleopod length was at carapace width 6.6 mm, with that for the chelae measurements was between carapace widths 6.4 and 6.9 mm. The relative growth pattern in T. borellianus was found to be similar to that recorded for other species of the family Trichodactylidae.

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Research Article Tue, 25 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0200
A new species of redfin (Teleostei, Cyprinidae, Pseudobarbus) from the Verlorenvlei River system, South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4230/ ZooKeys 453: 121-137

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.453.8072

Authors: Albert Chakona, Ernst R Swartz, Paul H. Skelton

Abstract: Pseudobarbus verloreni, a new species, is described from material collected in the Verlorenvlei River system on the west coast of South Africa. It differs from its congeners (except P. skeltoni, P. burchelli, and P. burgi) by the presence of two pairs of oral barbels. Pseudobarbus verloreni sp. n. can be distinguished from the three currently described double barbeled Pseudobarbus species by the following combination of characters: pigment pattern, generally deeper body relative to standard length, a longer intestine associated with the deeper body form, shorter snout relative to head length, and much shorter anterior barbels relative to head length. The new species is distinguished from P. burgi in the neighbouring Berg River system by its longer head and longer pre-dorsal length. It seems as if Pseudobarbus verloreni sp. n. has been extirpated from the Langvlei River system and face several threats to its survival in the Verlorenvlei River system.

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Research Article Tue, 11 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0200
Biodiversity census of Lake St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa): Gastropod molluscs https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4075/ ZooKeys 440: 1-43

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.440.7803

Authors: Renzo Perissinotto, Nelson Miranda, Jacqueline Raw, Nasreen Peer

Abstract: The recent dry phase experienced by the St Lucia estuarine system has led to unprecedented desiccation and hypersaline conditions through most of its surface area. This has changed only recently, at the end of 2011, with the onset of a new wet phase that has already caused a major shift to oligo- and mesohaline conditions. The estuary mouth, however, remains closed to the ocean, making the weak connection recently established between the St Lucia and the Mfolozi estuaries the only conveyance for marine recruitment. As a result, only 10 indigenous and two alien aquatic gastropod species are currently found living in the St Lucia estuarine lake. This is out of a total of 37 species recorded within the system since the earliest survey undertaken in 1924, half of which have not been reported in the literature before. The tick shell, Nassarius kraussianus, which was consistently found in large abundance prior to the recent dry phase, appears to have temporarily disappeared from the system, probably as a result of the extinction of Zostera marine grasses inside the lake. Population explosions of the bubble shell Haminoea natalensis, with its distinct egg masses, were recorded seasonally until 2009, but the species has subsequently not been observed again. A molecular DNA analysis of the various populations previously reported as belonging to the same assimineid species, variably referred to as Assiminea capensis, A. ovata, or A. bifasciata, has revealed that the St Lucia assemblage actually comprises two very distinct taxa, A. cf. capensis and a species provisionally referred to here as “A.” aff. capensis or simply Assimineidae sp. In the mangroves, the climbing whelk Cerithidea decollata is still found in numbers, while ellobiids such as Cassidula labrella, Melampus semiaratus and M. parvulus are present in low abundances and all previously recorded littorinids have disappeared. A number of alien freshwater species have colonized areas of the system that have remained under low salinity. These include the invasive thiarid Tarebia granifera, which can be found in concentrations exceeding 5000 ind.m-2, the lymnaeid Pseudosuccinea columella and the physid Aplexa marmorata.

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Research Article Mon, 15 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0300
A new species of Trichieurina (Diptera, Chloropidae) with a key to the world species of the genus https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3980/ ZooKeys 433: 89-96

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.433.7847

Authors: Stepan Kubik, Miroslav Bartak

Abstract: Trichieurina haladai sp. n. (Diptera, Chloropidae), is described from Zambia. All known Trichieurina species are keyed and main differential characters are illustrated.

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Research Article Wed, 13 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0300
Description of adult and third instar larva of Trichostetha curlei sp. n. (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae) from the Cape region of South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4086/ ZooKeys 428: 41-56

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.428.7855

Authors: Renzo Perissinotto, Petr Šípek, Jonathan Ball

Abstract: A new high altitude montane species of Trichostetha Burmeister, 1842 is described from the Elandsberg range of the Western Cape interior. This represents the 14th species of the genus and the first to be reported with a description of its larva. It is a significant addition to the growing number of species that exhibit no adult feeding behaviour and a short period of activity restricted to the onset of summer. Larvae dwell in rock crevices, feeding on decomposing plant matter. The genus Trichostetha is heterogeneous and the complex variability observed in some species, especially T. capensis (Linnaeus, 1767), requires the re-instatement of taxa that were recently synonymised. Thus, T. bicolor Péringuey, 1907 is here re-proposed as a separate species and T. capensis hottentotta (Gory & Percheron, 1833) as a separate subspecies. Conversely, T. alutacea Allard, 1994 is recognised as a dark variety of T. signata (Fabricius, 1775) and is, consequently, synonymised with this species.

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Research Article Wed, 23 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0300
New species of Eriopeltastes Burmeister & Schaum, 1840 (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae, Trichiini) from South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3937/ ZooKeys 422: 103-113

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.422.7830

Authors: Enrico Ricchiardi, Renzo Perissinotto

Abstract: Both male and female of a new species of Eriopeltasttes Burmeister & Schaum, 1840, E. (E.) ornatus Ricchiardi, sp. n., are described from the mistbelt grassland of KwaZulu-Natal. Sexual dimorphism is extreme in this genus, with females being brachypterous, fossorial and entirely black to dark brown in general body colour. This is only the fifth out of 12 known species in this genus for which the female is known. The species appears to be restricted to areas within or in the immediate vicinities of two marginal nature reserves, Karkloof and Blinkwater, in a grassland habitat that is regarded as one of the most threatened in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. Despite its acknowledged importance as centre of endemism the area is currently in a precarious state of large-scale degradation.

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Research Article Thu, 3 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0300
Description of Ortheziolamameti tranfagliai new species (Hemiptera, Coccoidea, Ortheziidae) from India https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3910/ ZooKeys 420: 51-59

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.420.7890

Authors: Éva Szita, M. Bora Kaydan, Zsuzsanna Konczné Benedicty

Abstract: This paper describes a new Ortheziolamameti species from the Oriental region (India), namely Ortheziolamameti tranfagliai Konczné Benedicty, sp. n. The examined material was extracted from forest litter from India, using Berlese funnels. With this new species the genus Ortheziolamameti now includes six species. An identification key and distribution map are provided.

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Research Article Wed, 25 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0300
Genetics and shell morphometrics of assimineids (Mollusca, Caenogastropoda, Truncatelloidea) in the St Lucia Estuary, South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3898/ ZooKeys 419: 73-86

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.419.7556

Authors: Nelson Miranda, Ryan van Rooyen, Angus Macdonald, Winston Ponder, Renzo Perissinotto

Abstract: The Assimineidae are a family of amphibious microgastropods that can be mostly found in estuaries and mangroves in South Africa. These snails often occur in great numbers and are ecologically important to the St Lucia Estuary, which forms a crucial part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Genetic and shell morphometric analyses were conducted on individuals collected from nine localities distributed from the northern lake regions to the southern lake and the mouth of the St Lucia estuarine lake. Mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (28S) DNA was used to construct Bayesian Inference, Neighbour-joining, Maximum Parsimony and Maximum Likelihood trees. Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis were performed on standard shell parameter data. Results indicate that two different taxa are present in St Lucia. The taxon comprising individuals from the South Lake and St Lucia Estuary Mouth is identified as Assiminea cf. capensis Bartsch, in accordance with the latest taxonomic consensus. The taxon comprising assimineid individuals from False Bay, North Lake and South Lake, is here tentatively named “A.” aff. capensis (Sowerby). These two taxa exhibit patterns of spatial overlap that appear to vary depending on environmental parameters, particularly salinity. The need to resolve the complex taxonomy of assimineids is highlighted.

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Research Article Tue, 24 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0300
Review of the fish parasitic genus Ceratothoa Dana, 1852 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cymothoidae) from South Africa, including the description of two new species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3712/ ZooKeys 400: 1-42

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.400.6878

Authors: Kerry Hadfield, Niel Bruce, Nico Smit

Abstract: The genus Ceratothoa Dana, 1852 is revised for South African waters and re-diagnosed. Ceratothoa retusa (Schioedte & Meinert, 1883) is recorded from the eastern coast, and Ceratothoa africanae sp. n. and C. famosa sp. n. are described; C. imbricata (Fabricius, 1775) and C. trigonocephala (Leach, 1818), are redescribed, revised and excluded from the South African fauna. Ceratothoa africanae sp. n. can be distinguished by the stout body shape of the female; triangular cephalon with a pointed rostrum; short uropods which do not extend past the pleotelson; large carinae on the pereopod basis; a broad pleon; and large medial lobes on female pleopods. Ceratothoa famosa sp. n. is characterised by the long rectangular body shape; pereonite 1 with a raised medial protrusion; narrow antenna with antennule article 1 expanded; uropods which reach the posterior margin of the pleotelson; narrow rami on uropods; and no appendix masculina on pleopod 2 of the male specimens.

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Review Article Thu, 10 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0300
The collection and database of Birds of Angola hosted at IICT (Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical), Lisboa, Portugal https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3489/ ZooKeys 387: 89-99

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.387.6412

Authors: Miguel Monteiro, Luís Reino, Pedro Beja, Michael Mills, Cristiane Bastos-Silveira, Manuela Ramos, Diana Rodrigues, Isabel Queirós Neves, Susana Consciência, Rui Figueira

Abstract: The bird collection of the Instituto de Investigação Cientítica Tropical (Lisbon, Portugal) holds 5598 preserved specimens (skins), mainly from Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Principe, and Cape Verde. The subset collection from Angola includes 1560 specimens, which were taxonomically revised and georeferenced for the publication of this data paper. The collection contains a total of 522 taxa, including 161 species and 361 subspecies. Two species are classified by the IUCN Red List as Endangered - the wattled crane (Grus carunculata) and the Gabela bush-shrike (Laniarius amboimensis) - and two are classified as vulnerable - African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) and the white-headed vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis). The temporal span of the database ranges between 1943 and 1979, but 32% are from years 1958–1959, and 25% from years 1968–1969. The spatial coverage of the collection is uneven, with 2/3 of the records representing only four of the eighteen provinces of the country, namely Huíla, Moxico, Namibe and Cuanza Sul. It adds, however, valuable information for the Huíla area of the Angolan Scarp, which is probably a biodiversity hotspot of global conservation priority. Furthermore, this georeferenced database adds invaluable bird information to the GBIF network, for one of the countries with highest but less known biodiversity in Africa.

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Data Paper Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0200
Nannodromus reveilleti (Acari, Anystida, Saxidromidae) a new genus and species from South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3332/ ZooKeys 378: 17-39

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.378.6753

Authors: Nestor Fernandez, Yves Coineau, Pieter Theron, Louwrens Tiedt

Abstract: The description of a new genus Nannodromus and a new species Nannodromus reveilleti (Acari: Anystides: Saxidromidae) from South Africa, based on adult males and females.

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Research Article Thu, 6 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0200
Revisiting species delimitation within the genus Oxystele using DNA barcoding approach https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3056/ ZooKeys 365: 337-354

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.365.5356

Authors: Herman Van Der Bank, Dai Herbert, Richard Greenfield, Kowiyou Yessoufou

Abstract: The genus Oxystele, a member of the highly diverse marine gastropod superfamily Trochoidea, is endemic to southern Africa. Members of the genus include some of the most abundant molluscs on southern African shores and are important components of littoral biodiversity in rocky intertidal habitats. Species delimitation within the genus is still controversial, especially regarding the complex O. impervia / O. variegata. Here, we assessed species boundaries within the genus using DNA barcoding and phylogenetic tree reconstruction. We analysed 56 specimens using the mitochondrial gene COI. Our analysis delimits five molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), and distinguishes O. impervia from O. variegata. However, we reveal important discrepancies between MOTUs and morphology-based species identification and discuss alternative hypotheses that can account for this. Finally, we indicate the need for future study that includes additional genes, and the combination of both morphology and genetic techniques (e.g. AFLP or microsatellites) to get deeper insight into species delimitation within the genus.

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Research Article Mon, 30 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0200
Efficacy of the core DNA barcodes in identifying processed and poorly conserved plant materials commonly used in South African traditional medicine https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3066/ ZooKeys 365: 215-233

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.365.5730

Authors: Ledile Mankga, Yessoufou Kowiyou, Annah Moteetee, Barnabas Daru, Michelle van der Bank

Abstract: Medicinal plants cover a broad range of taxa, which may be phylogenetically less related but morphologically very similar. Such morphological similarity between species may lead to misidentification and inappropriate use. Also the substitution of a medicinal plant by a cheaper alternative (e.g. other non-medicinal plant species), either due to misidentification, or deliberately to cheat consumers, is an issue of growing concern. In this study, we used DNA barcoding to identify commonly used medicinal plants in South Africa. Using the core plant barcodes, matK and rbcLa, obtained from processed and poorly conserved materials sold at the muthi traditional medicine market, we tested efficacy of the barcodes in species discrimination. Based on genetic divergence, PCR amplification efficiency and BLAST algorithm, we revealed varied discriminatory potentials for the DNA barcodes. In general, the barcodes exhibited high discriminatory power, indicating their effectiveness in verifying the identity of the most common plant species traded in South African medicinal markets. BLAST algorithm successfully matched 61% of the queries against a reference database, suggesting that most of the information supplied by sellers at traditional medicinal markets in South Africa is correct. Our findings reinforce the utility of DNA barcoding technique in limiting false identification that can harm public health.

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Research Article Mon, 30 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0200
Mitochondrial DNA and karyotypic data confirm the presence of Mus indutus and Mus minutoides (Mammalia, Rodentia, Muridae, Nannomys) in Botswana https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3617/ ZooKeys 359: 35-51

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.359.6247

Authors: Molly McDonough, Cibele G. Sotero-Caio, Adam W. Ferguson, Patrick J. Lewis, Matlhogonolo Tswiio, Monte Thies

Abstract: We use a combination of cytochrome b sequence data and karyological evidence to confirm the presence of Mus indutus and Mus minutoides in Botswana. Our data include sampling from five localities from across the country, including one site in northwestern Botswana where both species were captured in syntopy. Additionally, we find evidence for two mitochondrial lineages of M. minutoides in northwestern Botswana that differ by 5% in sequence variation. Also, we report that M. minutoides in Botswana have the 2n=34 karyotype with the presence of a (X.1) sex-autosome translocation.

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Research Article Thu, 5 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0200
Genetic variation corroborates subspecific delimitation in the Namib fog-basking beetle, Onymacris unguicularis (Haag) (Tenebrionidae, Coleoptera) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3554/ ZooKeys 353: 47-60

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.353.6228

Authors: Trip Lamb, Rachel Pollard, Jason Bond

Abstract: The fog-basking beetle, Onymacris unguicularis (Haag, 1875), is currently listed as a polytypic form comprising two subspecies. A flightless substrate specialist, the beetle is endemic to vegetationless dunes in the Namib, where southern populations constitute the nominate subspecies, O. u. unguicularis, and populations some 300 km to the north compose O. u. schulzeae Penrith, 1984. Their taxonomic descriptions are based on minor differences in pronotal and prosternal shape, and the phylogenetic validity of these subspecies has yet to be ascertained. Here we reassess the polytypic status of O. unguicularis by (1) examining diagnostic phenotypic characters in conjunction with a geometric morphometric analysis, and (2) conducting phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences. Our results confirm pronotal and prosternal differences, which are complemented by geometric morphometric resolution of the subspecies. Phylogenetic analysis recovered two reciprocally monophyletic lineages that exhibit perfect phylogeographic congruence with phenotypic variation. Our genetic data identify southern and northern populations as distinct lineages, corroborate morphometric data regarding subspecific delimitation, and therefore support the recognition of O. u. unguicularis and O. u. schulzeae as valid taxa under the general lineage concept.

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Research Article Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0200
Description and ecology of two new species of Gyronotus van Lansberge, 1874 (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) from southern Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3388/ ZooKeys 344: 73-82

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.344.6101

Authors: Philippe Moretto, Renzo Perissinotto

Abstract: Recent collections in KwaZulu-Natal and Swaziland have led to the discovery of two new species of the flightless and highly threatened Scarabaeinae genus Gyronotus van Lansberge, 1874. A description of G. perissinottoi sp. n. and G. schuelei sp. n. is provided here, along with notes on their habitat and ecology. Unlike the vast majority of the species previously known in the genus, which have been reported as forest dwellers, the two new species are found during daytime in grassland/savanna vegetation, at the margin of forest patches.

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Research Article Tue, 22 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Types of species of Apionidae (Coleoptera) described by Carl Peter Thunberg (1743–1828) with description of a new genus https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3353/ ZooKeys 317: 89-101

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.317.5477

Authors: Miguel Alonso-Zarazaga

Abstract: The type specimens of species of Apionidae described by Carl Peter Thunberg are reviewed and lecto- and paralectotypes are designated for Apion craccae Thunberg, 1813, Apion limbatum Thunberg, 1813, Apion punctigerum Thunberg, 1815 and Apion astragali Thunberg, 1815. A new genus Thunbergapion (type species Apion limbatum Thunberg, 1813) is described, figured and placed in the tribe Aplemonini Kissinger, 1968. The new combination Thunbergapion limbatum (Thunberg, 1813) is proposed. A key to the known South African genera of the tribe is given. The following new synonymies are established: Oxystoma craccae (Linnaeus, 1767) = Apion craccae Thunberg, 1813 syn. n., Ischnopterapion (Ischnopterapion) loti (Kirby, 1808) = Apion punctigerum Thunberg, 1815, syn. n., and Pseudoprotapion astragali (Paykull, 1800) = Apion astragali Thunberg, 1815, syn. n.

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Research Article Mon, 22 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Neogosseidae (Gastrotricha, Chaetonotida) from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3322/ ZooKeys 315: 77-94

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.315.5593

Authors: M. Todaro, Renzo Perissinotto, Sarah Bownes

Abstract: Among the mostly benthic gastrotrichs, the Neogosseidae (Gastrotricha, Chaetonotida) are particularly interesting from an evolutionary point of view in virtue of their planktonic lifestyle; yet, they are poorly known and uncertainties concerning morphological traits hamper accurate in-group systematics. During a recent survey of meiofauna in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa, two species of Neogosseidae were found in a freshwater pond near Charter’s Creek on the Western Shores of Lake St Lucia. Based on morphological traits, one species has been identified as Neogossea acanthocolla, originally described from Brazil, while the other, affiliated to the genus Kijanebalola, is proposed as new to science. Using a combination of differential interference contrast and scanning electron microscopy, fine anatomical details were observed and are here discussed in a larger taxonomic framework, especially regarding K. devestiva sp. n. Results have also provided reasons for a revision of the diagnostic traits of Kijanebalola, Neogossea and the whole Family Neogosseidae. Besides expanding awareness about the biodiversity hosted by South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, our study will be beneficial to future phylogenetic studies of the Gastrotricha based on morphology, by allowing the selection and/or a more precise character coding of traits of phylogenetic relevance.

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Research Article Wed, 10 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Description of Phradonoma blabolili sp. n. (Coleoptera, Dermestidae, Megatominae), with notes on the dermestid beetles from Angola https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3923/ ZooKeys 293: 65-76

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.293.4891

Authors: Jiří Háva, Tomáš Lackner, Jana Mazancová

Abstract: Phradonoma blabolili sp. n. from Angola is described and illustrated. Key to the Afrotropical “Phradonoma nobile species group” to which the newly described species belongs, as well as key to genera of dermestid beetles occurring in Angola is given. List of all species of Dermestidae known to occur in Angola hitherto is provided.

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Research Article Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300
A new species of Nitocra Boeck 1865 (Harpacticoida, Ameiridae, Ameirinae) from South Africa, with notes on its ecology and remarks on the status of Nitocra sewelli husmanni Kunz 1976 https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3385/ ZooKeys 244: 33-58

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.244.2633

Authors: Samuel Gomez, Nicola Carrasco, Francisco Morales

Abstract: A new species of the genus Nitocra Boeck, 1865, Nitocra taylori sp. n. is described from the St Lucia Estuary, Africa’s largest estuarine lake. It is also suggested that Nitocra sewelli husmanni Kunz, 1976 and N. reducta fluviatilis Galhano, 1968 are granted full species rank as N. husmanni stat. n. Kunz, 1976 and N. fluviatilis stat. n. Galhano, 1968. Nitocra taylori sp. n. appears to be closely related to N. husmanni. Unfortunately, the original description of the micro-characters of the species lacks the detail needed to make reliable comparisons between species of the genus Nitocra. The main differences observed are the number of spinules along the posterior margin of the anal operculum, length ratio of the exopod and endopod of the first swimming leg, shape of the outer spine on the male third endopodal segment of the third swimming leg, number of segments of the male antennule, relative length of the setae on the male baseoendopod of the fifth leg, shape of the male exopod of the fifth leg, relative length of the two setae of the male sixth leg, and shape of the female baseoendopod of the fifth leg. The current distribution of N. taylori sp. n. is limited to the lake part of the estuary, an area which is most severely affected by the current freshwater deprivation crisis. During closed mouth conditions, these regions (South/North Lake and False Bay) are characterized by low water levels, high salinities and high turbidity levels. This suggests that N. taylori sp. n. may favor these environmental conditions and the significant correlations found between the abundance of N. taylori sp. n. and salinity and turbidity confirm this to a degree. Nitocra taylori sp. n. individuals are also able to withstand a wide range of fluctuations. They were recorded at turbidities ranging from 2 to 102 NTU, temperatures from 20.9 to 34.8 ºC and salinity levels ranging from 9.81 to 53.7 psu. However, in the current state of the system, salinity and temperature levels in the northern regions frequently exceed this value. Continued freshwater deprivation may, therefore, further limit the distribution range of this species.

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Research Article Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200
A review of the alderfly genus Leptosialis Esben-Petersen (Megaloptera, Sialidae) with description of a new species from South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2856/ ZooKeys 201: 27-41

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.201.2623

Authors: Benjamin Price, Xingyue Liu, Ferdy de Moor, Martin Villet

Abstract: The monotypic South African alderfly genus Leptosialis Esben-Petersen, 1920 is reviewed and Leptosialis africana Esben-Petersen, 1920 is redescribed. In the process a new species of alderfly Leptosialis necopinata sp. n. from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa is recognised and described. Within Sialidae the new species most closely resembles L. africana. A key to the two species of Leptosialis using both adult and larval characters is provided.

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Research Article Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0300
A synopsis of the genus Cypholoba Chaudoir (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Anthiini) known to occur in the Republic of South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2662/ ZooKeys 181: 23-43

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.181.2984

Authors: Jonathan Mawdsley, Terry Erwin, Hendrik Sithole, Alice Mawdsley

Abstract: Nearly one third of the described species of Cypholoba Chaudoir (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are known to inhabit the Republic of South Africa. A key and diagnostic notes are provided for their identification, as well as notes about way of life for some of the species based on observations in the Kruger National Park. Fifteen species and subspecies of the genus are recorded from the Republic of South Africa; adult specimens of each species and subspecies are illustrated and information about the distribution of each species in the Republic of South Africa is summarized and mapped: C. alstoni (Péringuey), C. alveolata (Brême), C. amatonga Péringuey, C. fritschi (Chaudoir), C. gracilis gracilis (Dejean), C. gracilis scrobiculata (Bertoloni), C. gracilis zuluana Basilewsky, C. graphipteroides graphipteroides (Guérin-Méneville), C. leucospilota semilaevis (Chaudoir), C. macilenta (Olivier), C. notata (Perroud), C. oberthueri seruana Strohmeyer, C. opulenta (Boheman), C. rutata (Péringuey), and C. tenuicollis aenigma (Dohrn).

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Research Article Fri, 6 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300
A new species of spider fly in the genus Sabroskya Schlinger from Malawi, with a key to Acrocerinae world genera (Diptera, Acroceridae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2457/ ZooKeys 171: 1-15

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.171.2137

Authors: Shaun Winterton, Jéssica Gillung

Abstract: In this paper we diagnose the genus Sabroskya Schlinger, 1960 and describe Sabroskya schlingeri sp. n. from Malawi. We also provide dichotomous keys to species of Sabroskya and to world genera of the subfamily Acrocerinae, both extant and extinct.

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Research Article Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0200
Two new genera and two new species of Mantophasmatodea (Insecta, Polyneoptera) from Namibia https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2409/ ZooKeys 166: 75-98

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.166.1802

Authors: Benjamin Wipfler, Hans Pohl, Reinhard Predel

Abstract: Two new species and two new genera (Pachyphasma, Striatophasma) of Mantophasmatodea are described from Namibia. Pachyphasma brandbergense is endemic to the Brandberg massif; Striatophasma occupies an extensive area south of the region inhabited by Mantophasma. Phylogenetic analyses (see Predel et al. in press) suggest a sistergroup relationship of Striatophasma and the South African Austrophasmatidae.

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Research Article Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0200
A new species and first record of the genus Triacanthella Schäffer, 1897 (Collembola, Poduromorpha, Hypogastruridae) for Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2384/ ZooKeys 163: 57-68

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.163.2298

Authors: Charlene Janion, Cyrille D`Haese, Louis Deharveng

Abstract: The first species of the genus Triacanthella to be recorded from Africa is described. Triacanthella madiba sp. n. belongs to the Southern Hemisphere group of the genus. It is morphologically closely related to T. vogeli Weiner & Najt, 1997 from Chile, and appears to be a gondwanian relict. The new species is also the first Triacanthella recorded from a guano habitat.

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Research Article Mon, 9 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0200
New species of the Eastern Hemisphere genera Afroheriades and Noteriades (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae), with keys to species of the former https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2331/ ZooKeys 159: 65-80

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.159.2283

Authors: Terry Griswold, Victor Gonzalez

Abstract: New species of the rarely encountered megachilid genera Afroheriades Peters from South Africa, A. hyalinus sp. n., and Noteriades Cockerell from Myanmar and Thailand, N. jenniferae sp. n. and N. spinosus sp. n., are described and illustrated. The species are described to make their names available for forthcoming publications on phylogenetic studies of the family Megachilidae. Taxonomic notes and a comparative diagnosis for each genus are presented. Afroheriades hennigi (Peters) and A. reicherti (Brauns) are new junior synonyms of A. dolichocephalus (Friese). A key to the known species of Afroheriades is provided.

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Research Article Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200
Revision of the world species of Zambion (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Tryphoninae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2340/ ZooKeys 159: 19-48

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.159.2219

Authors: Andrew Bennett, Diana Barnes

Abstract: The world species of Zambion Kasparyan (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Tryphoninae) are revised including re-descriptions of Z. monodon Kasparyan and Z. hirtum Delobel. Five new species are described: Z. kasparyani sp. n., Z. rogeri sp. n., Z. eileenae sp. n., Z. wahli sp. n. and Z. broadi sp. n. A key to species is provided. The genus is endemic to Africa (Angola to Kenya) and is one of only three genera of the tribe Tryphonini recorded from the Afrotropical region.

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Research Article Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200
Two remarkable new species of Penicillata (Diplopoda, Polyxenida) from Table Mountain National Park (Cape Town, South Africa) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2242/ ZooKeys 156: 85-103

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.156.2211

Authors: Monique Nguyen Duy - Jacquemin, Charmaine Uys, Jean-Jacques Geoffroy

Abstract: Two new species of the families Polyxenidae and Synxenidae, are described from Table Mountain National Park, South Africa. Propolyxenus squamatus sp. n. (Polyxenidae) has tergites I–X mostly covered by scale–shaped trichomes directed caudally, a character previously known only in Synxenidae. The structure of scale–shaped dorsal trichomes is different to that of the scales in Phryssonotus and Condexenus species. Phryssonotus brevicapensis sp. n. (Synxenidae) is the only known species of the genus Phryssonotus11 tergites, (including collum and telson) and 15 pairs of legs, as in Condexenus biramipalpus Nguyen Duy–Jacquemin, 2006. These two species therefore appear to occupy an intermediate position between Phryssonotus (12 tergites) and Polyxenoidea (maximum of 11 tergites).

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Research Article Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200
The genus Anthia Weber in the Republic of South Africa, Identification, distribution, biogeography, and behavior (Coleoptera, Carabidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2871/ ZooKeys 143: 47-81

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.143.2075

Authors: Jonathan Mawdsley, Terry Erwin, Hendrik Sithole, James Mawdsley, Alice Mawdsley

Abstract: A key is presented for the identification of the four species of Anthia Weber (Coleoptera: Carabidae) recorded from the Republic of South Africa: Anthia cinctipennis Lequien, Anthia circumscripta Klug, Anthia maxillosa (Fabricius), and Anthia thoracica (Thunberg). For each of these species, illustrations are provided of adult beetles of both sexes as well as illustrations of male reproductive structures, morphological redescriptions, discussions of morphological variation, annual activity histograms, and maps of occurrence localities in the Republic of South Africa. Maps of occurrence localities for these species are compared against ecoregional and vegetation maps of southern Africa; each species of Anthia shows a different pattern of occupancy across the suite of ecoregions and vegetation types in the Republic of South Africa. Information about predatory and foraging behaviors, Müllerian mimicry, and small-scale vegetation community associations is presented for A. thoracica based on field and laboratory studies in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

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Research Article Tue, 1 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200
First records of Gastrotricha from South Africa, with description of a new species of Halichaetonotus (Chaetonotida, Chaetonotidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2867/ ZooKeys 142: 1-13

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.142.2036

Authors: M. Todaro, Matteo Dal Zotto, Sarah Bownes, Renzo Perissinotto

Abstract: During a survey of the biota of the St. Lucia Estuary in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa, a number of Gastrotricha were found among samples of meiofauna. Fresh, marine sediment yielded several specimens belonging to a total of seven species. Of these, two are already known from other regions (i.e., Dactylopodola australiensis and Heteroxenotrichula squamosa), one is described as new to science (Halichaetonotus sanctaeluciae sp. n.), while the remaining four (Pseudostomella sp., Halichaetonotus sp.1, Halichaetonotus sp. 2, Xenotrichula sp.) require further collections and analysis, in order to establish the extent of their affiliation to species already described. General appearance, shape of hydrofoil scale and the occurrence of three long spines on the dorsal side make the new species most closely related to H. australis and H. marivagus. The key differences from these taxa and between Halichaetonotus sanctaeluciae sp. n. and H. aculifer are discussed.

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Research Article Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200
The genus Ectonura Cassagnau, 1980 in South Africa (Collembola, Neanuridae, Neanurinae), with a key to South African Neanurinae https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2821/ ZooKeys 136: 31-45

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.136.1744

Authors: Charlene Janion, Anne Bedos, Louis Deharveng

Abstract: Two new species of Neanurinae (Collembola) are described from the Western Cape, South Africa: Ectonura monochaeta sp. n. and Ectonura barrai sp. n. E. monochaeta sp. n. differs from other species in the genus by its strongly reduced chaetotaxy, and the lateral shift of dorso-internal chaetae on Abd. V and their integration in the tubercles (De+DL). E. barrai sp. n. is similar to E. natalensis (Womersley, 1934), but differs in chaetotaxic details and chaetal group arrangement. A key to the seven species of Neanurinae recorded from South Africa is given.

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Research Article Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0300
Palystes kreutzmanni sp. n. – a new huntsman spider species from fynbos vegetation in Western Cape Province, South Africa (Araneae, Sparassidae, Palystinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2446/ ZooKeys 67: 1-9

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.67.700

Authors: Peter Jaeger, Dirk Kunz

Abstract: Palystes kreutzmanni sp. n. is described from habitats close to Kleinmond, in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Spiders of this new species live in the typical fynbos vegetation of the Western Cape region. They build retreats between apical leaves of Leucadendron bushes. The systematic position of P. kreutzmanni sp. n. is discussed. Male and female show characters of different species groups, especially the female copulatory organ seems to be unique within the genus Palystes L. Koch, 1875.

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Research Article Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0200
New species and new records of Mydidae from the Afrotropical and Oriental regions (Insecta, Diptera, Asiloidea) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2422/ ZooKeys 64: 33-75

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.64.464

Authors: Torsten Dikow

Abstract: New Mydidae species are described from the Afrotropical and Oriental regions including the first records of this family from several countries in eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda) and Mauritania in western Africa as well as Nepal and Thailand in Asia. The new species are, Leptomydinae: Leptomydas notos sp. n. (south-western India), Leptomydas rapti sp. n. (south-central Nepal), Leptomydas tigris sp. n. (north-central Thailand); Syllegomydinae: Mydaselpidini: Mydaselpis ngurumani sp. n. (south-eastern Kenya, north-eastern Tanzania), Vespiodes phaios sp. n. (south-eastern Kenya); Syllegomydinae: Syllegomydini: Syllegomydas (Notobates) astrictus sp. n. (Kenya), Syllegomydas (Notobates) heothinos sp. n. (Kenya and Uganda), Syllegomydas (Syllegomydas) elachys sp. n. (northern Zimbabwe). Syllegomydas (Syllegomydas) proximus Séguy, 1928 is recorded from western Mauritania and re-described. Syllegomydas (Notobates) dispar (Loew, 1852), which was previously listed as incertae sedis in the Afrotropical Diptera catalogue, is re-described and illustrated based on examination of the type specimens and several additional specimens from Mozambique. Cephalocera annulata Brunetti, 1912 and Syllegomydas bucciferus Séguy, 1928, described from north-eastern India and previously unplaced in the Oriental Diptera catalogue, are newly combined with Leptomydas Gerstaecker, 1868 and together with Leptomydas indianus Brunetti, 1912, also from north-eastern India, placed in Leptomydinae. Comments on the possible synonymy of the genera of Mydaselpidini are made. Illustrations and photographs are provided to support the descriptions and future identification. A provisional dichotomous key to Mydidae genera occurring in eastern Africa (Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda) and the Oriental Region is provided. Distribution, occurrence in biodiversity hotspots and high-biodiversity wilderness areas, and seasonal incidence are discussed for all species.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Formicdubius Philips & Scholtz from South Africa, a junior synonym of Haroldius Boucomont, and a survey of the trichomes in the African species (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Onthophagini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2137/ ZooKeys 34: 41-48

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.34.342

Authors: Frank Krell, T. Philips

Abstract: Formicdubius Philips & Scholtz, 2000, a genus of South African scarab dung beetle, is synonymised with Haroldius Boucomont, 1914. All four African species of Haroldius, formerly in the genus Afroharoldius Janssens, possess trichomes. Trichome location and degree of development in the African species are discussed. The first record of Haroldius modestus Janssens from Malawi is given.

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Research Article Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0200
Revision of Khoikhoiinae (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2053/ ZooKeys 20: 299-348

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.20.108

Authors: Michael Sharkey, Simon van Noort, James Whitfield

Abstract: The species of the two genera of Khoikhoiinae (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) are revised. Thirteen species are recognized, of which five are new and eight were previously described: Khoikhoia anthelion Sharkey, sp. n., K. lission Mason, 1984, K. oligospilos Sharkey, sp. n., K. semiadusta Mason, 1983, K. solata Mason, 1983, K. townesi Mason, 1983, K. turneri Mason, 1984, Sania browni Sharkey, sp. n., S. capensis Mason, 1983, S. henryi Mason, 1983, S. marjoriae Mason, 1983, S. masneri Sharkey, sp. n., and S. masoni Sharkey, sp. n.. All are from the Cape Region of South Africa, and all but one species are confined to the western Cape. A dichotomous key to species is presented; links to electronic interactive keys and to distribution maps are also included. Based on phylogenetic position and morphological characters, speculations on life history are made, and it is suggested that some species may be parasitoids of wood- or stem-boring Lepidoptera. The DELTA data matrix and images for the key are available at 10.3897/zookeys.20.108.app.1.ik; Intkey files are available at 10.3897/zookeys.20.108.app.2.ik; Lucid files in LIF and SDD format are available at doi:10.3897/zookeys.20.108.app.3.ik and doi:10.3897/zookeys.20.108.app.4.ik. Publishing of DELTA raw data will facilitate future workers to edit keys and to add newly discovered taxa.

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Research Article Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0300
New species of the plesiomorphic genus Nixonia Masner (Hymenoptera, Platygastroidea, Platygastridae) from South Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2040/ ZooKeys 20: 31-51

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.20.112

Authors: Simon van Noort, Norman Johnson

Abstract: Two new species of Nixonia Masner (Hymenoptera, Platygastridae, Scelioninae), Nixonia masneri sp. n. and Nixonia mcgregori sp. n. are described from South Africa and further records of Nixonia corrugata Johnson & Masner, Nixonia lamorali Johnson & Masner, Nixonia stygica Johnson & Masner are documented. Johnson and Masner’s 2006 identification key is modified to include the newly described species. Online interactive Lucid matrix and Lucid Phoenix dichotomous keys are available on WaspWeb at http://www.waspweb.org/Platygastroidea/Keys/index.htm. Lucid data files in lif and sdd format are available at: doi:10.3897/zookeys.20.112.app.1.ik and doi:10.3897/zookeys.20.112.app.2.ik.

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Research Article Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0300
A description of four new species of fleas (Insecta, Siphonaptera) from Angola, Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, and Peru https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/1977/ ZooKeys 8: 39-61

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.8.82

Authors: Michael Hastriter

Abstract: Four new species of fleas are described: Aphropsylla truncata sp. n. (Ethiopia), Ectinorus hirsutus sp. n. (Peru), Rhinolophopsylla traubi sp. n. (Angola), and Thaumapsylla wilsoni sp. n. (Papua New Guinea). Our understanding of the genus Aphropsylla is deficient, therefore a discussion of host/parasite relationships and new records from Uganda are provided. A key is provided for the genus Aphropsylla, while representatives of the other three genera are associated with existing keys to facilitate their identification. The presence of lucodiscs on Apropsylla and other genera is briefly discussed. The occurrence of lucodiscs among representatives of the order Siphonaptera deserves further investigation.

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Research Article Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0300
A new species of Bicoxidens Attems, 1928 (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae) from northern Zimbabwe https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/1972/ ZooKeys 7: 75-81

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.7.106

Authors: Tarombera Mwabvu, Michelle Hamer, Robert Slotow

Abstract: Bicoxidens aridis sp. n. is described from five male specimens collected from northern Zimbabwe. Besides being the smallest member of the genus, B. aridis has a hook-shaped distal telocoxite, a telopodite with a long postfemur and a proximal clockwise coil. The discovery of this species suggests that the geographical range of the genus may extend further north into Zambia.

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Research Article Tue, 7 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0300
A new genus and two new species of soft scale insect (Sternorrhyncha, Coccoidea, Coccidae) from Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/1951/ ZooKeys 3: 57-76

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.3.45

Authors: Chris Hodgson

Abstract: A new soft scale insect genus, Sterculicoccus Hodgson new genus, is introduced to take a new species, Sterculicoccus tafoensis Hodgson new species, off Triplochiton from Ghana. Sterculicoccus belongs to the Myzolecaniinae and is close to Alecanium Morrison. In addition, a new species of Hemilecanium Newstead, H. cedrelus Hodgson, new species, is also described off Cedrela toona from Zambia. H. cedrelus is close to Hemilecanium coriaceum Hall and H. uesatoi Kondo & Hardy (Saissetiinae). The adult females of these two species are described, along with the 1st-instar and the 2nd- and 3rd-instar females of H. cedrelus.

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Research Article Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0300
A new candidate for a Gondwanaland distribution in the Zodariidae (Araneae): Australutica in Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/1927/ ZooKeys 1: 59-66

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1.10

Authors: Rudy Jocqué

Abstract: Two new species of Australutica Jocqué, 1995, a genus formerly only known from Australia, are described from South Africa: A. africana n. sp. from Soutpansberg and A. normanlarseni n. sp. from the Cape Peninsula. The taxonomic position of the new species is discussed and a key to the species of Australutica is provided.

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Research Article Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0300