Latest Articles from ZooKeys Latest 53 Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:09:55 +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
A new species of Lophostreptus Cook, 1895 discovered among syntypes of L. regularis Attems, 1909 (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/115802/ ZooKeys 1188: 265-274

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1188.115802

Authors: Henrik Enghoff, Nesrine Akkari

Abstract: A new species of the genus Lophostreptus Cook, 1895 is described, based on specimens hidden for over a century among the syntypes of its congener Lophostreptus regularis Attems, 1909 housed in the Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet Stockholm (NRMS) and the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (NHMW). A lectotype is designated for Lophostreptus regularis Attems, 1909 in order to stabilize its taxonomy. Updates to the millipede fauna of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania are provided.

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Research Article Wed, 10 Jan 2024 14:24:31 +0200
Nycteribiid bat flies (Arthropoda, Insecta, Diptera, Nycteribiidae) of Kenya https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/102800/ ZooKeys 1169: 65-85

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1169.102800

Authors: Carl W. Dick, Taylor B. Verrett, Paul W. Webala, Bruce D. Patterson

Abstract: Bat flies (Diptera: Nycteribiidae and Streblidae) are hematophagous ectoparasites of bats characterized by viviparous pupiparity and generally high host specificity. Nycteribiid bat flies are wingless, morphologically constrained, and are most diverse in the Eastern Hemisphere. Africa hosts approximately 22% of global bat biodiversity and nearly one-third of all African bat species occur in Kenya, one of Africa’s most bat-rich countries. However, records of nycteribiid bat fly diversity in Kenya remain sparse and unconsolidated. This paper combines all past species records of nycteribiid bat flies with records from a survey of 4,255 Kenyan bats across 157 localities between 2006 and 2015. A total of seven nycteribiid genera and 17 species are recorded, with seven species from the recent ‘Bats of Kenya’ surveys representing previously undocumented country records. Host associations and geographic distributions based on all available records are also described. This comprehensive species catalog addresses and further emphasizes the need for similar investigations of nycteribiid biodiversity across Africa.

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Checklist Thu, 13 Jul 2023 19:32:54 +0300
Entyposis frici (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Melolonthinae), a new species from Somaliland https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/101908/ ZooKeys 1165: 1-15

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1165.101908

Authors: Aleš Bezděk, Richard Sehnal, Hassan S. A. Elmi, David Sommer, David Král

Abstract: Entyposis frici Bezděk & Sehnal, sp. nov., from Somaliland is described and relevant diagnostic characters are illustrated. The new species is compared with the morphologically closely similar Entyposis Kolbe, 1894 species. An updated checklist and an identification key to northeastern African Entyposis species are provided.

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Research Article Tue, 30 May 2023 10:15:47 +0300
Genetic and morphometric analyses of historical type specimens clarify the taxonomy of the Ethiopian Leptopelis gramineus species complex (Anura, Arthroleptidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/82176/ ZooKeys 1128: 63-97

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1128.82176

Authors: Sandra Goutte, Jacobo Reyes-Velasco, Abeje Kassie, Stéphane Boissinot

Abstract: Frogs of the genus Leptopelis have diversified in the Ethiopian Highlands to occupy forests and montane grasslands both east and west of the Great Rift Valley. Genetic studies revealed that the endemic species Leptopelis gramineus (Boulenger, 1898) comprises multiple unnamed taxa. A careful examination of historical type specimens is, however, needed to fully resolve the taxonomy of the group. Here we use mitochondrial DNA and morphological analyses on a large sample of recently-collected Ethiopian Leptopelis, as well as century-old type specimens to demonstrate that the recently resurrected L. montanus Tiutenko & Zinenko, 2021 (previously Pseudocassina ocellata Ahl, 1924) is a junior synonym of L. rugosus (Ahl, 1924) and corresponds to the taxon found west of the Great Rift Valley, not east as previously thought. Our results show that populations inhabiting the mountains and plateaus east of the Rift constitute a distinct and undescribed species. We provide a re-description of L. rugosus and describe two new species inhabiting the Highlands east of the Great Rift Valley. We provide an identification key, as well as a description of the calls of the members of the Leptopelis gramineus species complex.

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Research Article Tue, 8 Nov 2022 10:12:09 +0200
Mitogenomics of historical type specimens clarifies the taxonomy of Ethiopian Ptychadena Boulenger, 1917 (Anura, Ptychadenidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/66598/ ZooKeys 1070: 135-149

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1070.66598

Authors: Jacobo Reyes-Velasco, Sandra Goutte, Xenia Freilich, Stéphane Boissinot

Abstract: The taxonomy of the Ptychadena neumanni species complex, a radiation of grass frogs inhabiting the Ethiopian highlands, has puzzled scientists for decades because of the morphological resemblance among its members. Whilst molecular phylogenetic methods allowed the discovery of several species in recent years, assigning pre-existing and new names to clades was challenged by the unavailability of molecular data for century-old type specimens. We used Illumina short reads to sequence the mitochondrial DNA of type specimens in this group, as well as ddRAD-seq analyses to resolve taxonomic uncertainties surrounding the P. neumanni species complex. The phylogenetic reconstruction revealed recurrent confusion between Ptychadena erlangeri (Ahl, 1924) and P. neumanni (Ahl, 1924) in the literature. The phylogeny also established that P. largeni Perret, 1994 represents a junior synonym of P. erlangeri (Ahl, 1924) and distinguished between two small species, P. nana Perret, 1994, restricted to the Arussi Plateau, and P. robeensis Goutte, Reyes-Velasco, Freilich, Kassie & Boissinot, 2021, which inhabits the Bale Mountains. The phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA from type specimens also corroborate the validity of seven recently described species within the group. Our study shows how modern molecular tools applied to historical type specimens can help resolve long-standing taxonomic issues in cryptic species complexes.

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Research Article Fri, 12 Nov 2021 13:42:50 +0200
Twelve new species of Dipara Walker, 1833 (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Pteromalidae, Diparinae) from Kenya, with a key to the Afrotropical species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/72395/ ZooKeys 1067: 101-157

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1067.72395

Authors: Christoph Braun, Ralph S. Peters

Abstract: Based on 261 female specimens of the genus Dipara Walker, 1833 from leaf litter samples of the Kakamega Forest in Kenya, we describe the following twelve new species: Dipara andreabalzerae sp. nov., Dipara corona sp. nov., Dipara fastigata sp. nov., Dipara kakamegensis sp. nov., Dipara lux sp. nov., Dipara nigroscutellata sp. nov., Dipara nyani sp. nov., Dipara reticulata sp. nov., Dipara rodneymulleni sp. nov., Dipara sapphirus sp. nov., Dipara tenebra sp. nov., and Dipara tigrina sp. nov. For Dipara albomaculata (Hedqvist, 1963) and Dipara nigrita Hedqvist, 1969, we give new distribution records. We examined the available type material of all described Dipara species from the Afrotropical mainland, i.e., Dipara albomaculata (Hedqvist, 1963), Dipara machadoi (Hedqvist, 1971), Dipara maculata (Hedqvist, 1963), Dipara nigrita Hedqvist, 1969, Dipara pallida (Hedqvist, 1969), Dipara punctulata (Hedqvist, 1969), Dipara saetosa (Delucchi, 1962), Dipara straminea (Hedqvist, 1969), Dipara striata (Hedqvist, 1969), and Dipara turneri Hedqvist, 1969. We provide figures, descriptions, and diagnoses of the newly described species and figures and diagnoses of the ten known species as well as an identification key to all species of the Afrotropical mainland.

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Research Article Fri, 29 Oct 2021 11:33:48 +0300
A new species of Leptopelis (Anura, Arthroleptidae) from the south-eastern slope of the Ethiopian Highlands, with notes on the Leptopelis gramineus species complex and the revalidation of a previously synonymised species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/53404/ ZooKeys 1023: 119-150

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1023.53404

Authors: Arthur Tiutenko, Oleksandr Zinenko

Abstract: A new ground-dwelling species of treefrog in the genus Leptopelis is described from the Harenna Forest in south-eastern Ethiopia. The description is based on morphology and acoustics and is supported by molecular data. The new species has a small body size, and the digital discs on fingers and toes are significantly more conspicuous than in other semi-fossorial members of the L. gramineus complex. It occupies forest habitats at lower altitudes and is separated ecologically and geographically from high-altitude species of the complex. One of them, a parapatric cryptic species from Bale and Arsi Mountains, is resurrected from synonymy of L. gramineus and given a new name, L. montanus. Genetic barcoding of specimens from both populations showed that they belong to two distinct lineages that had been revealed by recent phylogenetic research. To confirm the geographic separation of the studied populations, the collection area of L. gramineus types was verified through analysis of the diary and the final report of the 2nd expedition of V. Bottego, and through matching of the route described in it with modern maps. The type locality of L. gramineus sensu stricto is restricted to Gamo Gofa, Ethiopia. Following the results of recent phylogenetic studies, the range of L. gramineus is limited to west of the Great Rift Valley. An identification key to the named Ethiopian species of the genus is provided.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Mar 2021 20:14:08 +0200
Taxonomic revision of grass frogs (Ptychadenidae, Ptychadena) endemic to the Ethiopian highlands https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/59699/ ZooKeys 1016: 77-141

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1016.59699

Authors: Sandra Goutte, Jacobo Reyes-Velasco, Xenia Freilich, Abeje Kassie, Stephane Boissinot

Abstract: Frogs of the genus Ptychadena that inhabit the Ethiopian highlands serve as a model system to understand biogeography, diversification, and adaptations to high elevations. Despite recent studies focusing on the systematics of this group, the taxonomy of the Ptychadena neumanni species complex remains only partially resolved, owing largely to the morphological resemblance of its members. Here, the taxonomy of this historically problematic group of frogs is revised by integrating morphological and molecular analyses on both century-old type specimens and more recently collected material. Based on these multiple lines of evidence, the P. neumanni species complex is shown to be more speciose than previously thought and four new species are described. With the aim of clarifying and stabilizing the taxonomy of the group, six species are also re-described and morphological and acoustic identification keys are provided. This study also establishes species distribution maps and reveals important differences in range size between the members of the P. neumanni complex, calling for adapted conservation measures across the Ethiopian highlands.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Feb 2021 14:16:23 +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
New data on Garra makiensis (Cyprinidae, Labeoinae) from the Awash River (Ethiopia) with remarks on its relationships to congeners on the Arabian Peninsula https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/55982/ ZooKeys 984: 133-163

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.984.55982

Authors: Gernot K. Englmaier, Nuria Viñuela Rodríguez, Herwig Waidbacher, Anja Palandačić, Genanaw Tesfaye, Wolfgang Gessl, Paul Meulenbroek

Abstract: On the African continent, the genus Garra consists of several species often insufficiently separated from each other by diagnostic characters. Herein, a detailed morphological redescription of Garra makiensis from the Awash River drainage is presented, together with additional data on the type specimens of G. makiensis and G. rothschildi. Mitochondrial CO1 sequence data are also provided, including the historic paralectotype of G. makiensis, with a comparison to Garra species from Africa and the Middle East. Based on these sequences, G. makiensis clusters outside the group of African congeners and is a sister lineage to species from the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula. Although morphologically variable, G. makiensis is characterised by having a single unbranched pectoral-fin ray, a short distance between vent and anal-fin origin (7.3–19.7 % of pelvic – anal distance), chest and belly covered with scales, and a prominent axillary scale at base of pelvic fin (18.8–35.5 % of pelvic-fin length).

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Research Article Wed, 4 Nov 2020 21:06:50 +0200
Metapogonia snizeki sp. nov. and a previously unknown female of M. elgonensis (Burgeon, 1945) (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Melolonthinae, Diplotaxini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/54714/ ZooKeys 963: 131-140

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.963.54714

Authors: Aleš Bezděk

Abstract: Metapogonia snizeki sp. nov. from northeastern Tanzania is described. The new species is compared with the morphologically closely similar species M. elgonensis (Burgeon, 1945). A previously unknown female of M. elgonensis is described, and the species is recorded from Uganda for the first time. Relevant diagnostic characters (parameres, shape of male protarsomeres, female pygidium) are illustrated.

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Research Article Mon, 24 Aug 2020 13:57:16 +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
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
Cranial variability and differentiation among golden jackals (Canis aureus) in Europe, Asia Minor and Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/39449/ ZooKeys 917: 141-164

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.917.39449

Authors: Stoyan Stoyanov

Abstract: Golden jackal (Canis aureus) expansion in the last decades has triggered research interest in Europe. However, jackal phylogeny and taxonomy are still controversial. Morphometric studies in Europe found differences between Dalmatian and the other European jackals. Recent genetic studies revealed that African and Eurasian golden jackals are distinct species. Moreover, large Canis aureus lupaster may be a cryptic subspecies of the African golden jackal. Although genetic studies suggest changes in Canis aureus taxonomy, morphological and morphometric studies are still needed. The present study proposes the first comprehensive analysis on a wide scale of golden jackal skull morphometry. Extensive morphometric data of jackal skulls from Europe (including a very large Bulgarian sample), Asia Minor, and North Africa were analysed, by applying recently developed statistical tools, to address the following questions: (i) is there geographic variation in skull size and shape among populations from Europe, Anatolia and the Caucasus?, (ii) is the jackal population from the Dalmatian coast different?, and (iii) is there a clear distinction between the Eurasian golden jackal (Canis aureus) and the African wolf (Canis lupaster sensu lato), and among populations of African wolves as well? Principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis were applied on the standardized and log-transformed ratios of the original measurements to clearly separate specimens by shape and size. The results suggest that jackals from Europe, Anatolia and the Caucasus belong to one subspecies: Canis aureus moreotica (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1835), despite the differences in shape of Dalmatian specimens. The present study confirmed morphometrically that all jackals included so far in the taxon Canis aureus sensu lato may represent three taxa and supports the hypothesis that at least two different taxa (species?) of Canis occur in North Africa, indicating the need for further genetic, morphological, behavioural and ecological research to resolve the taxonomic uncertainty. The results are consistent with recent genetic and morphological studies and give further insights on golden jackal taxonomy. Understanding the species phylogeny and taxonomy is crucial for the conservation and management of the expanding golden jackal population in Europe.

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Research Article Mon, 9 Mar 2020 05:21:37 +0200
A cryptic new species of Chlidonoptera Karsch, 1892 from the south west protected zone of the Central African Republic (Insecta, Mantodea, Hymenopodidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/39270/ ZooKeys 917: 63-83

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.917.39270

Authors: Nicolas Moulin

Abstract: Between 1998 and 2012, several scientific expeditions in Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve and Dzanga-Ndoki National Park led to the collection of many Mantodea specimens from Central African Republic (CAR). Among these specimens, several males of an undescribed species were discovered. Morphologically, this species most closely resembles to Chlidonoptera vexillum Karsch, 1892 and Chlidonoptera lestoni Roy, 1975. A new lineage was revealed by DNA barcoding. Therefore, a new species is described, Chlidonoptera roxanae sp. nov. Habitus images, genitalia illustrations and descriptions, measurement data, a key to species, natural history information, and locality data are provided. These results add to the evidence that cryptic species can be found in tropical regions, a critical issue in efforts to document global species richness. They also illustrate the value of DNA barcoding, especially when coupled with traditional taxonomic tools, in disclosing hidden diversity.

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Research Article Mon, 9 Mar 2020 01:05:08 +0200
A new species of Enteromius (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae, Smiliogastrinae) from the Awash River, Ethiopia, and the re-establishment of E. akakianus https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/39606/ ZooKeys 902: 107-150

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.902.39606

Authors: Gernot K. Englmaier, Genanaw Tesfaye, Nina G. Bogutskaya

Abstract: In the present study, populations of small-sized smiliogastrin barbs with a thickened and serrated last simple dorsal-fin ray distributed in the Main Ethiopian Rift were analysed. An integrated approach combining genetic markers and a variety of morphological methods based on a wide set of characters, including osteology and sensory canals, proved to be very productive for taxonomy in this group of fishes. The results showed that Ethiopian Enteromius species with a serrated dorsal-fin ray are distant from the true E. paludinosus (with E. longicauda as a synonym) and the so-called E. paludinosus complex involves several supposedly valid species with two distinct species occurring in the Main Ethiopian Rift area. A new species, Enteromius yardiensis sp. nov., is described from the Afar Depression in the north-eastern part of the Northern Main Ethiopian Rift. Enteromius akakianus is resurrected as a valid species including populations from the Central Main Ethiopian Rift (basins of lakes Langano, Ziway, and Awasa). No genetic data were available for E. akakianus from its type locality. Enteromius yardiensis sp. nov. is clearly distant from E. akakianus from the Central Main Ethiopian Rift by CO1 and cytb barcodes: pairwise distances between the new species and the Ethiopian congeners were 5.4 % to 11.0 %. Morphologically, the new species most clearly differs from all examined Ethiopian congeners by three specialisations which are unique in the group: the absence of the anterior barbel, the absence of the medial branch of the supraorbital sensory canal, and few, 1–3, commonly two, scale rows between the lateral line and the anus.

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Research Article Mon, 13 Jan 2020 15:50:03 +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
Cirrhilabrus wakanda, a new species of fairy wrasse from mesophotic ecosystems of Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa (Teleostei, Labridae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/35580/ ZooKeys 863: 85-96

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.863.35580

Authors: Yi-Kai Tea, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Bart Shepherd, Luiz A. Rocha

Abstract: Cirrhilabrus wakanda sp. nov. is described on the basis of the holotype and four paratypes collected between 50 and 80m depth over low-complexity reef and rubble bottoms at the east coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa. The new species belongs to a group of fairy wrasses from the western Indian Ocean, sharing a combination of characters that include: short pelvic fins (not or barely reaching anal-fin origin); relatively unmarked dorsal and anal fins; males with a strongly lanceolate caudal fin (except in C. rubrisquamis); both sexes with a pair of prominent facial stripes above and below the orbit; and both sexes with prominent purple scales and osseus elements that persist, and stain purple, respectively, even in preservation. This group of fairy wrasse is part of a larger complex that includes related species from the western Pacific Ocean. In addition to meristic and morphometric comparisons, we also compare mitochondrial DNA sequence data to the aforementioned, putatively related species.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Jul 2019 16:06:53 +0300
A new species of puddle frog from an unexplored mountain in southwestern Ethiopia (Anura, Phrynobatrachidae, Phrynobatrachus) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/31570/ ZooKeys 824: 53-70

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.824.31570

Authors: Sandra Goutte, Jacobo Reyes-Velasco, Stephane Boissinot

Abstract: A new species of Phrynobatrachus is described from the unexplored and isolated Bibita Mountain, southwestern Ethiopia, based on morphological characters and sequences of the mitochondrial rRNA16s. The new species can be distinguished from all its congeners by a small size (SVL = 16.8 ± 0.1 mm for males, 20.3 ± 0.9 mm for females), a slender body with long legs and elongated fingers and toes, a golden coloration, a completely hidden tympanum, and a marked canthus rostralis. The phylogenetic hypothesis based on 16s sequences places the new species as sister to the species group that includes P. natalensis, although it is morphologically more similar to other dwarf Phrynobatrachus species, such as the Ethiopian P. minutus.

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Research Article Tue, 12 Feb 2019 20:59:00 +0200
Description of a second South American species in the Malagasy earwig genus Mesodiplatys from a cave habitat, with notes on the definition of Haplodiplatyidae (Insecta, Dermaptera) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/27193/ ZooKeys 790: 87-100

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.790.27193

Authors: Yoshitaka Kamimura, Rodrigo L. Ferreira

Abstract: The genus Mesodiplatys (Dermaptera: Diplatyidae) comprises eight species from Madagascar and one species from Peru. Based on a sample collected from a cave in Brazil, a new species of this genus, Mesodiplatys falcifer Kamimura, sp. n., is described as the second species from South America. Based on a reexamination of the holotype of Mesodiplatys insularis, a revised key to Mesodiplatys species is provided. The definitions of the genera Mesodiplatys and Haplodiplatys and the family Haplodiplatyidae are also reconsidered.

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Research Article Mon, 15 Oct 2018 15:34:03 +0300
Morphological re-description and molecular identification of Tabanidae (Diptera) in East Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/21144/ ZooKeys 769: 117-144

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.769.21144

Authors: Claire M. Mugasa, Jandouwe Villinger, Joseph Gitau, Nelly Ndungu, Marc Ciosi, Daniel Masiga

Abstract: Biting flies of the family Tabanidae are important vectors of human and animal diseases across continents. However, records of Africa tabanids are fragmentary and mostly cursory. To improve identification, documentation and description of Tabanidae in East Africa, a baseline survey for the identification and description of Tabanidae in three eastern African countries was conducted. Tabanids from various locations in Uganda (Wakiso District), Tanzania (Tarangire National Park) and Kenya (Shimba Hills National Reserve, Muhaka, Nguruman) were collected. In Uganda, octenol baited F-traps were used to target tabanids, while NG2G traps baited with cow urine and acetone were employed in Kenya and Tanzania. The tabanids were identified using morphological and molecular methods. Morphologically, five genera (Ancala, Tabanus, Atylotus, Chrysops and Haematopota) and fourteen species of the Tabanidae were identified. Among the 14 species identified, six belonged to the genus Tabanus of which two (T. donaldsoni and T. guineensis) had not been described before in East Africa. The greatest diversity of tabanid species were collected from the Shimba Hills National Reserve, while collections from Uganda (around the shores of Lake Victoria) had the fewest number of species. However, the Ancala genus was found in Uganda, but not in Kenya or Tanzania. Maximum likelihood phylogenies of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) genes sequenced in this study show definite concordance with morphological species identifications, except for Atylotus. This survey will be critical to building a complete checklist of Tabanidae prevalent in the region, expanding knowledge of these important vectors of human and animal diseases.

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Research Article Tue, 26 Jun 2018 21:21:02 +0300
The family Lohmanniidae (Acari, Oribatida) II: two new Oribatid mites, Meristacarus perikopesis sp. n. from Costa Rica and Torpacarus eidikoterai sp. n. from Kenya https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/22815/ ZooKeys 743: 43-66

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.743.22815

Authors: Nestor Fernandez, Pieter Theron, Sergio Leiva, Anine Jordaan

Abstract: Two very particular new species of the family Lohmanniidae were studied and described using optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Meristacarus perikopesis sp. n. displays complex cuticular microsculpture with cross-shaped grooves and pusticulate porose areas; ten transversal bands, with reticulate-foveate microsculpture; S4, S5, S7, S10 not crossing medial notogastral plane, amongst other characters. Torpacarus eidikoterai sp. n. with: prodorsum - rostrum weakly bilobate with small central structure and CSO present. Six transversal depressions present, transversal bands absent; but six transversal depressions present, none of the depressions crossing medial notogastral plane.

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Research Article Wed, 14 Mar 2018 04:16:49 +0200
New species and records of terrestrial slugs from East Africa (Gastropoda, Urocyclidae, Veronicellidae, Agriolimacidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/21817/ ZooKeys 723: 11-42

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.723.21817

Authors: Ben Rowson, Megan Paustian, Jackie Van Goethem

Abstract: New and little-known terrestrial slugs are dealt with based on extensive collections made in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda) 1993–2007. This account deals primarily with larger species from forests in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. In Veronicellidae, Pseudoveronicella Germain, 1908 is extended to Tanzania by P. (Hoffmannia) zootoca tanzaniensissubsp. n. in the Udzungwa Mts. In Urocyclidae, Dendrolimax parensis sp. n. is described from the Pare Mts. and Leptichnoides avisexcrementis sp. n. is described from the Uluguru Mts. In Urocyclinae, Tanzalimax tattersfieldi gen. & sp. n. is described from the Usambara Mts., Tanzalimax seddonae gen. & sp. n. from the Uluguru Mts., and Udzungwalimax suminis gen. & sp. n. from the Udzungwa Mts. In addition, the ill-defined genus Atrichotoxon Simroth, 1910 is discussed and the little-known Dendrolimax leprosus Pollonera, 1906 is reported from Uganda. In Agriolimacidae, a species of Deroceras Rafinesque, 1820 is reported for the first time from southern Tanzania. The taxonomic attribution and significance of each discovery is discussed.

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Research Article Mon, 18 Dec 2017 14:27:33 +0200
Systematics and biology of Cotesia typhae sp. n. (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae), a potential biological control agent against the noctuid Mediterranean corn borer, Sesamia nonagrioides https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/13016/ ZooKeys 682: 105-136

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.682.13016

Authors: Laure Kaiser, Jose Fernandez-Triana, Claire Capdevielle-Dulac, Célina Chantre, Matthieu Bodet, Ferial Kaoula, Romain Benoist, Paul-André Calatayud, Stéphane Dupas, Elisabeth A. Herniou, Rémi Jeannette, Julius Obonyo, Jean-François Silvain, Bruno Le Ru

Abstract: Many parasitoid species are subjected to strong selective pressures from their host, and their adaptive response may result in the formation of genetically differentiated populations, called host races. When environmental factors and reproduction traits prevent gene flow, host races become distinct species. Such a process has recently been documented within the Cotesia flavipes species complex, all of which are larval parasitoids of moth species whose larvae are stem borers of Poales. A previous study on the African species C. sesamiae, incorporating molecular, ecological and biological data on various samples, showed that a particular population could be considered as a distinct species, because it was specialized at both host (Sesamia nonagrioides) and plant (Typha domingensis) levels, and reproductively isolated from other C. sesamiae. Due to its potential for the biological control of S. nonagrioides, a serious corn pest in Mediterranean countries and even in Iran, we describe here Cotesia typhae Fernandez-Triana sp. n. The new species is characterized on the basis of morphological, molecular, ecological and geographical data, which proved to be useful for future collection and rapid identification of the species within the species complex. Fecundity traits and parasitism success on African and European S. nonagrioides populations, estimated by laboratory studies, are also included.

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Research Article Wed, 5 Jul 2017 17:05:46 +0300
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
Megastigmus seed chalcids (Hymenoptera, Torymidae) radiated much more on Angiosperms than previously considered. I- Description of 8 new species from Kenya, with a key to the females of Eastern and Southern Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7503/ ZooKeys 585: 51-124

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.585.7503

Authors: Alain Roques, Robert S. Copeland, Laurent Soldati, Olivier Denux, Marie-Anne Auger-Rozenberg

Abstract: A survey of seed chalcids from woody plants in Kenya revealed 12 species belonging to the genus Megastigmus Dalman, 1820, and has increased to 16 the number of Megastigmus species presently recorded from the Afrotropical Region, of which at least 13 are seed feeders. A key to female Megastigmus of the Afrotropical Region is provided. Eight new species are described from morphological evidence: M. lanneae Roques & Copeland, M. laventhali Roques & Copeland, M. ozoroae Roques & Copeland, and M. smithi Roques & Copeland in seeds of species of the family Anacardiaceae, M. copelandi Roques & Copeland and M. grewianae Roques & Copeland in seeds of Malvaceae, M. helinae Roques & Copeland in seeds of Rhamnaceae, and M. icipeensis Roques & Copeland for which no host is known. These collections include the first records of Malvaceae and Rhamnaceae as hosts of Megastigmus seed chalcids, which appear to have radiated in Angiosperms much more than previously considered. Analyses of the mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase subunit one – COI) and nuclear DNA (28S ribosomal region) could be carried out on 8 of the 16 African species of which 5 were newly described ones. The species associated with Anacardiaceae always clustered together in phylogenies, confirming the existence of a strong and ancestral monophyletic clade, unlike the ones associated with Malvaceae and Rhamnaceae, whose position remains unclear. All holotypes are deposited in the National Museums of Kenya.

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Research Article Wed, 27 Apr 2016 18:42:18 +0300
Contribution to the knowledge of Afrotropical Dryinidae, Embolemidae and Sclerogibbidae (Hymenoptera), with description of new species from Central African Republic and Uganda https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7820/ ZooKeys 578: 45-95

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.578.7820

Authors: Massimo Olmi, Simon van Noort, Adalgisa Guglielmino

Abstract: An updated checklist of Dryinidae, Embolemidae and Sclerogibbidae from Central African Republic and Uganda is presented. The following new species of Dryinidae are described: from Central African Republic: Anteon dzanganum sp. n. (Anteoninae); from Uganda: Anteon granulatum sp. n., A. kibalense sp. n., A. makererense sp. n., A. mubfs sp. n. (Anteoninae); Bocchus kibalensis sp. n. (Bocchinae); Dryinus kibalus sp. n. (Dryininae); Gonatopus kanyawarus sp. n. (Gonatopodinae). The following species have been recorded for the first time from Central African Republic: Embolemidae: Ampulicomorpha madecassa Olmi, 1999a; Embolemus capensis Olmi, 1997; Dryinidae: Aphelopus mediocarinatus (Benoit, 1951d), A. testaceus Olmi, 1991, A. wittei Benoit, 1951c (Aphelopinae); Anteon cautum Olmi, 1994a, A. evertsi Olmi, 1989, A. gutturnium (Benoit, 1951b), A. inflatrix Benoit, 1951b, A. kivuanum (Benoit, 1951c), A. semajanna Olmi, Copeland & Guglielmino, 2015, A. zairense Benoit, 1951d (Anteoninae); Pseudodryinus townesi (Olmi, 1984) (Dryininae); Echthrodelphax tauricus Ponomarenko, 1970, Gonatopus camerounensis Olmi, 2011, G. kolyadai Olmi, 2007b, Neodryinus antiquus Benoit, 1954, N. tussaci Olmi, 2004b (Gonatopodinae); Sclerogibbidae: Probethylus callani Richards, 1939b; Sclerogibba algerica Benoit, 1963, S. rapax Olmi, 2005a. The following species have been recorded for the first time from Uganda: Embolemidae: Ampulicomorpha magna Olmi, 1996; Dryinidae: Anteon cautum Olmi, 1994a, A. fisheri Olmi, 2003, A. hoyoi Olmi, 1984, A. kivuanum (Benoit, 1951c), A. townesi Olmi, 1984, A. zairense Benoit, 1951d (Anteoninae); Bocchus bini Olmi, 1984 (Bocchinae); Dryinus saussurei (Ceballos, 1936) (Dryininae); Echthrodelphax migratorius Benoit, 1954, Neodryinus tussaci Olmi, 2004b (Gonatopodinae). The following further species has been recorded for the first time from Mali: Sclerogibba algerica Benoit, 1963 (Sclerogibbidae); from Ivory Coast: Adryinus oweni Olmi, 1984 (Gonatopodinae); from Cameroon and South Africa: Gonatopus operosus Olmi, 1993 (Gonatopodinae); from Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia: Neodryinus antiquus Benoit, 1954 (Gonatopodinae); from South Africa: Anteon striatum Olmi, 2005b (Anteoninae). Including the above new records, 23 species of Dryinidae (previously six), two species of Embolemidae (previously none) and three species of Sclerogibbidae (previously two) are now known from Central African Republic. For Uganda, 39 species of Dryinidae (previously 23), one species of Embolemidae (previously none) and four species of Sclerogibbidae (previously four) are now known. Additional new faunistic records are provided for Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Mali, South Africa and Zambia.

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Research Article Thu, 7 Apr 2016 14:37:32 +0300
Description of two new species of bat fleas of the genus Araeopsylla (Siphonaptera) from Kenya and Madagascar with notes on miscellaneous bat fleas https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7823/ ZooKeys 572: 7-21

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.572.7823

Authors: Michael W. Hastriter

Abstract: The flea genus Araeopsylla Jordan and Rothschild, 1921 contains nine species distributed throughout the Palaearctic, Ethiopian and Oriental Regions primarily on mollosid bats. A new species of bat flea, Araeopsylla goodmani, is described. This new species is represented by three females collected from one male specimen of the mollosid bat Chaerephon jobimena Goodman & Cardiff, 2004 from Fianarantsoa Province, Madagascar. A second new species, Araeopsylla smiti, is described from one male from the Rift Valley, Kenya. It was collected from the molossid bat Chaerephon bivittatus (Heuglin, 1861). This represents the first record of Araeopsylla in Kenya. Previous records of Araeopsylla in the Malagasy region included Araeopsylla martialis (Rothschild, 1903) from Reunion Island and Madagascar. One hundred fifty-eight specimens (64♂, 94♀) of A. martialis were collected from 67 specimens (flea intensity of 2.4 fleas per host) of Mormopterus jugularis (Peters, 1865) across three provinces of Madagascar (Fianarantosa, Toamasina, and Toliara). Mormopterus jugularis is clearly a common host for A. martialis. Dampfia grahami grahami (Waterston, 1915) is also reported from Eptesicus matroka (Thomas & Schwann, 1905) which is the first record from this host species and the first time the genus Dampfia has been documented in Madagascar. Although Lagaropsylla consularis Smit, 1957 and Lagaropsylla idae Smit, 1957 have been reported in Madagascar previously, Mops leucostigma Allen, 1918 is a new host record for L. idae. The flea intensity of L. idae (64♂, 83♀) on 28 specimens of M. leucostigma was extremely high at 5.3 fleas per host. A key to the genus Araeopsylla is provided.

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Research Article Tue, 15 Mar 2016 00:36:50 +0200
Newly discovered populations of the Ethiopian endemic and endangered Afrixalus clarkei Largen, implications for conservation https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7114/ ZooKeys 565: 141-146

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.565.7114

Authors: Jan Mertens, Merlijn Jocque, Lore Geeraert, Matthias De Beenhouwer

Abstract: Knowledge of the Ethiopian amphibian fauna is limited and Southwest Ethiopia remains understudied. This part of Ethiopia, where most of the country’s remaining natural forest is situated, is known to harbour the only populations of Afrixalus clarkei (Largen), an endemic banana frog, worldwide. This species is under great threat of extinction and is therefore classified as endangered on the IUCN red list. We surveyed different potential habitats for this species outside its known range and found several new populations extending its known habitat preference, and the geographical and altitudinal range of the species. We here show that Afrixalus clarkei is more common than previously thought.

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Short Communication Wed, 17 Feb 2016 18:01:57 +0200
Niche partitioning among two Ceratitis rosa morphotypes and other Ceratitis pest species (Diptera, Tephritidae) along an altitudinal transect in Central Tanzania https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6016/ ZooKeys 540: 429-442

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.540.6016

Authors: Maulid Mwatawala, Massimiliano Virgilio, Jane Joseph, Marc De Meyer

Abstract: Two standard parapheromones, trimedlure (routinely used for monitoring Ceratitis rosa and C. capitata) and terpinyl acetate (routinely used for monitoring C. cosyra) were compared with enriched ginger root oil (EGO) lure for detecting and monitoring the presence and relative population abundance of these particular pest species. Standard yellow fruit fly traps were used for the comparison, which was conducted at 10 sites along an altitudinal transect ranging from 540 to 1650 masl on the Uluguru mountains, in Morogoro Region (Central Tanzania). A gradual change of relative occurrence of the two C. rosa morphotypes was clear from the EGO lure trapping. The morphotype R1 was predominant at lower altitudes while morphotype R2 was predominant at higher altitudes. Further experiments are needed to confirm the consistency of the observed pattern across regions, seasons and years as well as possible differences in the developmental physiology of both morphotypes. The mango fruit fly, Ceratitis cosyra, showed a distinct predominance at altitudes below 800 masl as shown in both the EGO lure and the terpinyl acetate trapping. The catches of all three target species were higher in traps with the EGO lure compared to the conventional lures trimedlure and terpinyl acetate. It is argued that for these species EGO lure can act as a suitable and more effective alternative for trimedlure and terpinyl acetate parapheromones. In addition, EGO lure has the added advantage that it combines the taxon spectrum for the two latter substances, thus requiring the use of only a single attractant.

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Research Article Thu, 26 Nov 2015 00:20:27 +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
First report, morphological and molecular characterization of Xiphinema elongatum and X. pachtaicum (Nematoda, Longidoridae) from Ethiopia https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4743/ ZooKeys 489: 1-13

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.489.8629

Authors: Gezahegne Getaneh, Wim Bert, Wilfrida Decraemer

Abstract: A total of six soil samples were collected around rhizosphere of citrus plants during 2010 from Melkassa Agricultural Research Center experimental station, Ethiopia. From these samples two most important ecto-plant parasitic nematodes of the genus Xiphinema were found and analysed. The genus Xiphinema is a large group of the phylum nematoda which constitutes more than 260 species. They are polyphagous root- ectoparasites of many crop plants and some species of this genus cause damage by direct feeding on root tips and transmit nepoviruses. The delimitation and discrimination of two species in the genus is presented, described herein as Xiphinema elongatum and Xiphinema pachtaicum. Morphological and morphometric data were done using light microscopy and results of both species were fit within the previously described nematode species of X. elongatum and X. pachtaicum. 18S rDNA were analysed using Bayesian inference (BI) method to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships of the studied Xiphinema sp. (KP407872X. elongatum and KP407873X. pachtaicum) with other Xiphinema species. The 18S rDNA sequence of X. pachtaicum was alike to previously described species from the GenBank but X. elongatum exhibited very small levels of nucleotides differences (0.4%) which might be possible intra-specific divergence. Though this region of rDNA has less resolution on complex species, its combination with morphological and morphometric analyses, suggests these species as X. elongatum and X. pachtaicum with the GenBank accession number of KP407872 and KP407873, respectively. Short notes, morphological measurements, illustrations, and molecular data are given to these species. These species are reported for the first time from Ethiopia and it provides new geographical information of these organisms.

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Research Article Mon, 23 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0200
Palearctic elements in the old world tropics: a taxonomic revision of the ant genus Temnothorax Mayr (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) for the Afrotropical biogeographical region https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4746/ ZooKeys 483: 23-57

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.483.9111

Authors: Matthew Prebus

Abstract: Four new Afrotropical species of the ant genus Temnothorax are described and illustrated, all from Kenya. Based upon high resemblance to taxa known from the North African and Iberian territories of the Mediterranean region, these new tropical elements are placed into known Palaearctic species complexes. Specifically, T. brevidentis sp. n., T. mpala sp. n. and T. rufus sp. n. are placed in the laurae species group, and T. solidinodus sp. n. is placed in the angustulus species group. Two already known Temnothorax species from the region, T. cenatus (Bolton, 1982) and T. megalops (Hamann & Klemm, 1967), are also placed into the laurae species group based on the high number of shared morphological characters. Diagnoses for the African representatives of laurae and angustulus species groups of the Afrotropical biogeographical region are provided. A key to workers of the six Temnothorax species known to occur in the Afrotropical biogeographical region is provided, as well as diagnoses of morphologically similar myrmicine genera.

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Research Article Fri, 20 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0200
The millipede genus Eviulisoma Silvestri, 1910 in Kenya, with descriptions of new species (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4286/ ZooKeys 459: 11-34

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.459.8621

Authors: Didier Vanden Spiegel, Sergei Golovatch

Abstract: The genus Eviulisoma, the largest among Afrotropical Paradoxosomatidae, currently encompasses 36 species or subspecies, including six new from Kenya: E. ngaia sp. n., E. ngaiaorum sp. n., E. taitaorum sp. n., E. taita sp. n., E. kirimeri sp. n. and E. kakamega sp. n. In addition, E. alluaudi Brolemann, 1920 and E. silvestre (Carl, 1909) are recorded for the first time beyond their type localities in Kenya and Tanzania, respectively, based on new material from Kenya. A key is given to all ten species of the genus presently reported from Kenya.

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Research Article Mon, 1 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0200
A new genus of Grapholitini from Africa related to Thaumatotibia (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4024/ ZooKeys 438: 113-128

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.438.7490

Authors: Alicia Timm, John Brown

Abstract: Thaumatovalva gen. n. is described and illustrated from the Afrotropical region. As currently defined the genus includes four species: T. deprinsorum sp .n. from the Democratic Republic of Congo; T. albolineana sp .n. (type species) from the Democratic Republic of Congo; T. spinai (Razowski & Trematerra), comb. n., from Ethiopia and Nigeria; and T. limbata (Diakonoff), comb. n., from the Seychelles and Kenya. Thaumatovalva limbata has been reared from the fruit of Cordia somaliensis Baker and C. monoica Roxb. (Boraginaceae) in Kenya. Although structures of the male and female genitalia are extremely similar among three of the four species, male secondary scales on the under surface of the hindwing easily distinguish them.

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Research Article Mon, 1 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0300
A geographic distribution database of Mononychellus mites (Acari, Tetranychidae) on cassava (Manihot esculenta) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3793/ ZooKeys 407: 1-8

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.407.7564

Authors: Aymer Vásquez-Ordóñez, Soroush Parsa

Abstract: The genus Mononychellus is represented by 28 herbivorous mites. Some of them are notorious pests of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), a primary food crop in the tropics. With the exception of Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar), their geographic distribution is not widely known. This article therefore reports observational and specimen-based occurrence data of Mononychellus species associated with cassava. The dataset consists of 1,513 distribution records documented by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) between 1975 and 2012. The specimens are held at CIAT’s Arthropod Reference Collection (CIATARC). Most of the records are from the genus’ native range in South America and were documented between 1980 and 2000. Approximately 61% of the records belong to M. tanajoa, 25% to M. caribbeanae (McGregor), 10% to M. mcgregori (Flechtmann and Baker) and 2% to M. planki (McGregor). The complete dataset is available in Darwin Core Archive format via the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).

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Data Paper Thu, 8 May 2014 00:00:00 +0300
A revision of the octocoral genus Ovabunda (Alderslade, 2001) (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Xeniidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3232/ ZooKeys 373: 1-41

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.373.6511

Authors: Anna Halàsz, Catherine McFadden, Dafna Aharonivich, Robert Toonen, Yehuda Benayahu

Abstract: The family Xeniidae (Octocorallia) constitutes an abundant benthic component on many Indo-West Pacific coral reefs and is ecologically important in the Red Sea. The genus Ovabunda Alderslade, 2001 was recently established to accommodate previous Xenia species with sclerites comprised of a mass of minute corpuscle-shaped microscleres. The aim of the present study was to examine type material of Xenia species in order to verify their generic affiliation. We present here a comprehensive account of the genus Ovabunda, using scanning electron microscopy to depict sclerite microstructure. We assign three Xenia species to the genus: O. ainex comb. n., O. gohari comb. n., and O. crenata comb. n.; and synonymize several other species of Ovabunda. We provide a key to Ovabunda species and conclude that they are mainly confined to the Red Sea, with some occurrence in the West Indian Ocean.

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Research Article Thu, 23 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0200
A new genus of metalmark moths (Lepidoptera, Choreutidae) with Afrotropical and Australasian distribution https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3577/ ZooKeys 355: 29-47

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.355.6158

Authors: Jadranka Rota, Scott Miller

Abstract: Niveas Rota, new genus, and its two new species, N. agassizi Rota, new species, and N. kone Rota, new species, are described and illustrated. Niveas is assigned to the subfamily Choreutinae based on morphological and molecular data. Niveas agassizi is currently known only from Kenya and only from female specimens. Niveas kone has been found on the Solomon Islands and in Papua New Guinea (PNG). In PNG, larvae of this species have been reared from several species of Ficus (Moraceae). The two species are superficially quite dissimilar from each other. However, they share features in wing pattern and venation, as well as female genitalia, and the molecular data strongly support the monophyly of Niveas.

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Research Article Mon, 25 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0200
Afroprinus cavicola gen. et sp. n. from the Afrotropical region with notes on cave-dwelling Saprininae (Coleoptera, Histeridae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3931/ ZooKeys 294: 57-73

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.294.4800

Authors: Tomáš Lackner

Abstract: A new genus and species from Kenya, Afroprinus cavicola is herein described and illustrated and its systematic position is discussed. By the prosternal pre-apical foveae connected by marginal prosternal stria it resembles most of the Afrotropical species of the genus Chalcionellus Reichardt, 1932, or some species of the genus Pholioxenus Reichardt, 1932 from South Africa and Namibia. Afroprinus can be distinguished from Chalcionellus chiefly by the lack of pronotal depressions and a coarsely sculptured, non-metallic dorsum; from Afrotropical species of Pholioxenus it can be most easily distinguished by the asetose pronotal hypomeron. The new taxon was discovered in a cave, but lacks obvious troglophilic adaptations. Notes on other Saprininae taxa found in caves are given. An identification key to the genera of Afrotropical Saprininae is provided.

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Research Article Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300
A new genus for a rare African vespertilionid bat: insights from South Sudan https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3866/ ZooKeys 285: 89-115

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.285.4892

Authors: DeeAnn Reeder, Kristofer M. Helgen, Megan Vodzak, Darrin Lunde, Imran Ejotre

Abstract: A new genus is proposed for the strikingly patterned African vespertilionid “Glauconycteris” superba Hayman, 1939 on the basis of cranial and external morphological comparisons. A review of the attributes of a newly collected specimen from South Sudan (a new country record) and other museum specimens of “G.” superba suggests that “G.” superba is markedly distinct ecomorphologically from other species classified in Glauconycteris and is likely the sister taxon to Glauconycteris sensu stricto. The recent capture of this rarely collected but widespread bat highlights the need for continued research in tropical sub-Saharan Africa and in particular, for more work in western South Sudan, which has received very little scientific attention. New country records for G. cf. poensis (South Sudan) and G. curryae (Gabon) are also reported.

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Research Article Fri, 5 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300
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
Record of the invasive alien ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) from Kenya https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2539/ ZooKeys 106: 77-81

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.106.1242

Authors: Oldřich Nedvěd, Jiří Háva, Daniela Kulíková

Abstract: The biological control agent and alien invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) was recorded for the first time in Kenya, and in equatorial Africa, in 2010.

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Short Communication Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0300
A new species of Atractides Koch, 1837 (Acari: Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae) from Ethiopia, with a discussion on the biodiversity of the genus Atractides in the Afrotropical region https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2261/ ZooKeys 86: 1-10

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.86.972

Authors: Vladimir Pesic, Harry Smit

Abstract: A new species of Atractides Koch, 1837 (Acari, Hydrachnidia) is described from Ethiopia. The world number of Atractides now tallies 297 species. The diversity of the genus Atractides in the Afrotropical region is briefly discussed.

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Research Article Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0200
A new genus of soft coral of the family Alcyoniidae (Cnidaria, Octocorallia) with re-description of a new combination and description of a new species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2233/ ZooKeys 84: 1-11

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.84.781

Authors: Yehuda Benayahu, Catherine McFadden

Abstract: A new genus, Aldersladum (family Alcyoniidae), is established to accommodate a previously described species, Efflatounaria sodwanae Benayahu, 1993 (family Xeniidae) from Sodwana Bay, South Africa that was wrongly assigned to the latter genus. This species is redescribed and a second new species, A. jengi from Penghu Is., Taiwan, is described. The diagnostic features of the new genus include the presence of only figure-eight shaped platelets in all parts of the colony, thus differentiating it from all known genera of the Alcyoniidae. Based on examination of additional material from other localities, the zoogeographical distribution of the genus is confirmed to include the coral reefs of South Africa, Kenya, Gulf of Oman, Taiwan and Japan. Phylogenetic analyses of two mitochondrial genes strongly support its placement in the family Alcyoniidae.

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Research Article Tue, 1 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0200
Terrestrial molluscs of Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania, and its status as an “oceanic” island https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2471/ ZooKeys 70: 1-39

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.70.762

Authors: Ben Rowson, Ben Warren, Christine Ngereza

Abstract: Pemba is thought to have had a longer and/or stronger history of isolation than its better-known counterpart, Unguja. The extent to which the biota support this hypothesis of greater oceanicity have been debated. Here, Pemba’s terrestrial mollusc (“land-snail”) fauna is surveyed and reviewed for the first time. We find at best equivocal evidence for the following hallmarks of greater oceanicity: impoverishment, imbalance, and a high rate of endemism. At least 49 species are present, families are represented in typical proportions, and there are only between two and four island-endemic species - i.e. a 4% to 8% rate of endemism. For land-snails, isolation thus seems to have been short (Pleistocene) or, if longer, weak. Nevertheless, Pemba does host endemic and globally rare species. Forty-five percent of the species found, including most of these, is restricted to forest reserves, with Ngezi Forest Reserve particularly rich. A further 45% are able to tolerate the island’s woody cultivated habitats. One new snail species (Cyclophoridae: Cyathopoma) and one new slug species (Urocyclidae: Dendrolimax pro tem.) are described. New data and illustrations are provided for other taxa.

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Research Article Mon, 29 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
On new species of Microdiores (Araneae, Zodariidae) from Central and East Africa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2204/ ZooKeys 48: 11-19

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.48.411

Authors: Benoît Nzigidahera, Rudy Jocqué

Abstract: The distribution of the genus Microdiores Jocque, 1987, so far only known from East Africa, is extended to Central Africa with the description of the new species, Microdiores rwegura sp. n. (♂) and M. violaceus sp. n. (♂♀), both from the Kibira National Park in Burundi. A third new species, M. aurantioviolaceus (♂), from northern Tanzania is described. The status of the genus is confirmed and a key to the males of the species is provided.

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Research Article Wed, 9 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0300
Sixteen new species of Agrilus Curtis, 1825 from East Africa (Coleoptera, Buprestidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2082/ ZooKeys 24: 1-29

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.24.191

Authors: Gianfranco Curletti, Vladimir Sakalian

Abstract: Sixteen new species of Agrilus Curtis, 1825 from East Africa (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): Agrilus (Agrilus) cteniasformis, sp. n., Agrilus (Agrilus) gueorguievi, sp. n., Agrilus (Agrilus) kinuthiae, sp. n., Agrilus (Agrilus) ljubomirovi, sp. n., Agrilus (Agrilus) njugunae, sp. n., Agrilus (Agrilus) polinae, sp. n., Agrilus (Duttus) delchevi, sp. n., Agrilus (Paralophotus) gordoni, sp. n. Agrilus (Paralophotus) jiloi, sp. n., Agrilus (Paralophotus) pavlinae, sp. n., Agrilus (Paralophotus) penevi, sp. n. Agrilus (Paralophotus) popovi, sp. n., Agrilus (Paralophotus) semerdjievi, sp. n., Agrilus (Paralophotus) tsavoensis, sp. n. from Kenya; Agrilus (Agrilus) novaki, sp. n. from Tanzania; Agrilus (Robertius) mungaii, sp. n. from Uganda are described, illustrated and compared with related species.

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Research Article Fri, 9 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0300
Two new species of Psyttalia Walker (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Opiinae) reared from fruit-infesting tephritid (Diptera) hosts in Kenya https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2054/ ZooKeys 20: 349-377

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.20.99

Authors: Robert Wharton

Abstract: Two species of opiine Braconidae, reared from fruit-infesting Tephritidae in Kenya, are described. Psyttalia masneri sp. n. was reared from fruits of Dracaena fragrans (L.) Ker Gawl. (Liliaceae) infested with Taomyia marshalli Bezzi in western Kenya. Psyttalia masneri is the only opiine braconid known to attack members of the genus Taomyia. Unusual morphological features of P. masneri and its host are detailed. Psyttalia halidayi sp. n. was reared from fruits of Lettowianthus stellatus Diels (Annonaceae) infested with Ceratitis rosa Karsch in coastal Kenya. Psyttalia halidayi is morphologically similar to several described species of Psyttalia that have previously been used in the biological control of tephritid pests. Unlike these other species, P. halidayi can attack and successfully develop on C. rosa, a serious pest of cultivated fruits. A list of valid species in Psyttalia is provided, along with comments on species groups and host records.

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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
Studies of Tiger Beetles. CLXXVIII. A new Lophyra (Lophyra) from Somaliland (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/1958/ ZooKeys 4: 65-69

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.4.57

Authors: Fabio Cassola

Abstract: A new tiger beetle species, Lophyra (Lophyra) praetermissa n. sp. (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae), obviously a close relative of L. (L.) histrio (Tschitschérine, 1903), is described from the environs of Erigavo, Somaliland (northern Somalia). Its discovery thus brings up to 73 the number of the species of this genus presently known worldwide (39 species of which - 29 from Africa - belong to the typonominal subgenus).

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Research Article Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0200