[Botany • 2025] Tessmannia princeps (Fabaceae: Detarieae) • A New rainforest Tree from the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania

Tessmannia princeps A.Bianchi, Tomasi, Mwakisoma, Barbieri & Q.Luke, 

in Bianchi, Tomasi, Mwakisoma, Barbieri et Luke, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.694.2.1 

 Researchgate.net/publication/389992439

 

Abstract

Tessmannia princeps, a new canopy emergent rainforest tree species from the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania, is described and illustrated. It is a montane, unarmed tree distinguished by its large stature, extensively buttressed bole, and high number of leaflets. Tessmannia princeps shows morphological affinities with another Tanzanian species, T. densiflora, nevertheless the two species can be distinguished by morphological characters as well as by ecology and geography. A diagnostic key to the East African species of Tessmannia is provided. Due to its restricted range and small number of recorded mature individuals, the conservation status of T. princeps is assessed as Vulnerable under the IUCN criteria.

Eastern Arc, Fabaceae, Detarieae, new species, taxonomy, Eudicots 

Tessmannia princeps A.Bianchi, Tomasi, Mwakisoma, Barbieri & Q.Luke, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis:—Superficially comparable to Tessmannia densiflora, but Tessmannia princeps is a taller tree, growing up to 40 m in height; leaves bear 18–24 pairs of leaflets on a rachis 68–94 mm long; leaflets are opposite to alternate, sub-rectangular or oblong in shape; flowers are white, with sepals and tepals up to 5 mm in length. Tessmannia densiflora is a smaller tree, reaching 20–25 m in height; leaves bear 8–13 pairs of leaflets on a rachis 30–60 mm long; leaflets are sub-opposite to alternate and may be oblong, lanceolate, ovate-oblong, or ovate-lanceolate in shape; flowers are red, with sepals and tepals measuring 10–20 mm in length.

ANDREA BIANCHI, LAURA TOMASI, ALOYCE MWAKISOMA, MATTEO BARBIERI and QUENTIN LUKE. 2025. Tessmannia princeps (Fabaceae), A New rainforest Tree from the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania.  Phytotaxa. 694(2); 109-118. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.694.2.1 [2025-03-20]

 Researchgate.net/publication/389992439_Tessmannia_princeps_a_new_rainforest_tree_from_the_Udzungwa_Mountains_Tanzania

https://news.mongabay.com/2025/03/3000-year-old-trees-in-tanzania-are-new-species/

[Herpetology • 2025] Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis, N. saliensis & N. uhehe • Museomics and Integrative Taxonomy reveal Three New Species of glandular viviparous Tree Toads (Anura: Bufonidae: Nectophrynoides) in Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountains

  

Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis

Nectophrynoides uhehe 

Thrane, Lyakurwa, Liedtke, Menegon, Petzold, Loader & Scherz, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e167008

Abstract

For the last century, herpetologists have referred to any Nectophrynoides Noble, 1926 toad characterized by a large, robust body, with large, distinct parotoid glands, as Nectophrynoides viviparus (Tornier, 1905). Consequently, Nectophrynoides viviparus is also considered to have the broadest distribution of all its congeners, with populations ranging from the Tanzanian Southern Highlands, close to the Tanzania-Malawi border, through the Udzungwa and Mahenge Mountains in the south to Uluguru, Rubeho, and Nguru Mountains in the central part of the Eastern Arc Mountains. However, there is underappreciated morphological diversity within what is generally referred to as N. viviparus, and various populations are isolated by large distances and geographical barriers. Recent molecular studies have shown that N. viviparus from the Southern Highlands, the type locality, is genetically distinct from all other N. viviparus populations in the Eastern Arc Mountains, suggesting the existence of a species complex warranting taxonomic revision. Here, we present an integrative taxonomic assessment of southern populations by supplementing the genetic results with the analysis of morphometric and morphological data for 257 specimens assigned to N. viviparus, including museomic data for name-bearing types. Based on the results, we describe three new species from the N. viviparus species complex, covering the southern Eastern Arc Mountains populations. Together with a revised morphological key to the genus and a gazetteer of known populations, we provide Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy for N. viviparus sensu stricto and the new species to investigate their conservation status compared to other members of the genus.

Keywords: Archival DNA, bioacoustics, conservation, genetics, Mahenge Mountains, morphometrics, Nectophrynoides viviparus, Nectophryne werthi, Southern Highlands, species complex, Udzungwa Mountains

Intraspecific variation within Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis sp. nov. in life. A Adult JVL 1291; B adult JVL 1292; C subadult paratype MTSN 8312; D subadult paratype MTSN 8401.

Photographs from Luhomero Mountains, Udzungwa Mountains; 

A, B by John V. Lyakurwa; C, D by Michele Menegon.

Habitat of Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis sp. nov. in Luhomero Mountains, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Udzungwa Mountains.

Photograph by Michele Menegon.

Intraspecific variation within Nectophrynoides uhehe sp. nov. in life.
 A Adult paratype MTSN 5247; B–D unidentified adult specimens.

Photographs from Kihanga (A, B, C) and Kiolela (D) in Uzungwa Scarp N.F.R., Udzungwa Mountains by Michele Menegon.

Habitat of Nectophrynoides uhehe sp. nov. in Kihanga, Uzungwa Scarp N.F.R., Udzungwa Mountains. Photograph by Michele Menegon.

Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis sp. nov.,

Nectophrynoides saliensis sp. nov.,

Nectophrynoides uhehe sp. nov.

 Christian Thrane, John V. Lyakurwa, H. Christoph Liedtke, Michele Menegon, Alice Petzold, Simon P. Loader and Mark D. Scherz. 2025. Museomics and Integrative Taxonomy reveal Three New Species of glandular viviparous Tree Toads (Nectophrynoides) in Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountains (Anura: Bufonidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 75: 459-485. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e167008

[Botany • 2025] Rhipidoglossum fischerianum (Orchidaceae: Angraecinae) • A New Species from the Western Rift Valley (Africa)

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum A.R.Macedo & Farminhão, 

in Macedo, Trovó, Stévart et Farminhão. 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.155517

 

Abstract

Background and aims – Rhipidoglossum is the third most species-rich epiphytic orchid genus in continental Tropical Africa, containing at least 53 species. As part of an ongoing taxonomic revision, a new species endemic to the Western Rift Valley was identified. The novelty was previously confused with R. adoxum and R. globulosocalcaratum. Here, we aim to clarify the diagnostic traits and geographic distribution of these three species.

Material and methods – We applied standard herbarium taxonomic practices to a geographically representative sampling of dry and spirit specimens identified as R. adoxum and R. globulosocalcaratum, and conducted a thorough review of regional floras and field photographs to compile all available information on the novelty. A synoptic table, distribution map, and the risk of extinction based on IUCN Red List conservation status accompany the description and illustration of this new species.

Key results – Rhipidoglossum fischerianum sp. nov., R. globulosocalcaratum, and R. adoxum can be distinguished from each other based on stem size, leaf apex, perianth, and rostellum morphology. Rhipidoglossum fischerianum is endemic to the lower montane forests in the Western Rift, whereas R. globulosocalcaratum is restricted to the Guineo-Congolian forests, and newly recorded from Cameroon and Uganda. Rhipidoglossum adoxum is found in montane forests of Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan. The new species is preliminarily assessed as Vulnerable (VU). The name R. globulosocalcaratum is here lectotypified.

Conclusion – This new species increases the diversity of Rhipidoglossum in the Western Rift to 16 species, of which 10 are endemic or near-endemic to the region. It highlights the relevant role of ongoing taxonomic work and the preservation of the Western Rift forests, which harbour high levels of unique biodiversity.

Keywords: Afromontane, African biogeography, Afrotropical biodiversity, Albertine Rift, East African Rift Valley, Ethiopian Highlands, IUCN, lectotypification, root gall, Virunga mountains

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum.
A. Habit. B. Stem apex with two inflorescences. C. Leaf. D. Flower: frontal view. E. Flower: lateral view. F. Dorsal sepal. G. Lateral sepals. H. Petals. I. Lip: superior view. J. Lip: inferior view. K. Column: lateral view. L. Column: frontal view. M. Anther cap: frontal view. N. Anther cap: posterior view. O. Pollinaria. P. Fruit.

 Illustration from B. Dumbo 17 (holotype, BRLU). Drawn by Roger Andriamiarisoa.

Watercolour of Rhipidoglossum fischerianum [BR0000006800420].
Prepared by Gilbert Delepierre, December 1991.

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum.
A. Habit. B. Habit with close-up of a root gall (J. Farminhão & B. Dumbo 233, BRLU). C. Habit (Gisenyi). D. Inflorescences (Cyamudongo Forest, from holotype B. Dumbo 17, BRLU). E. Flower: inferior view, showing spur (Gishwati Forest, unvouchered).

Photographs by João Farminhão (A, B), Eberhard Fischer (C, E), and Bonny Dumbo (D).

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum A.R.Macedo & Farminhão, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Rhipidoglossum fischerianum is most similar to R. globulosocalcaratum and R. adoxum, but can be distinguished by the following characteristics: leaves dark green, linear-falcate with acute apex (vs light green, narrowly oblong with unequally bilobed apex in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs dark green, linear-falcate with unequally bilobed apex in R. adoxum); inflorescences with fewer flowers, 3–5 (vs 4–9 in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs 8–11 in R. adoxum); larger lateral sepals, widely ovate, 3–3.3 × 1.5–1.7 mm (vs widely elliptic to subcircular, 2.1–2.2 × 1.7–1.8 mm in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs triangular to widely deltate, 2.3–2.5 × 0.8–0.9 mm in R. adoxum); lip subcircular, markedly concave and bowl-shaped, spreading (vs transversally elliptic, convex, decurved in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs ovate, concave, decurved in R. adoxum); a lemon anther cap with a small pointed zenithal projection (vs pale yellow anther cap rounded at the zenith in both species); oblong viscidia with acute extremities, enclosed onto the sides of the rostellum (vs ellipsoid viscidia and rounded extremities, enclosed onto the sides of the rostellum in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs subcircular, exposed laterally to the rostellum midlobe in R. adoxum).

Arthur Macedo, Marcelo Trovó, Tariq Stévart and João Farminhão. 2025. A New Species of Rhipidoglossum (Orchidaceae, Angraecinae) from the Western Rift Valley (Africa). Plant Ecology and Evolution. 158(2): 248-259. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.155517

[Botany • 2023] Isoglossa pareensis (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp, 

in Darbyshire et Hemp, 2023.

DOI: 10.1007/s12225-023-10103-1

Summary

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp (Acanthaceae), from submontane moist forest at Mwala in the South Pare Mountains of northeastern Tanzania, is described and illustrated. This species is considered to be related to I. gregorii (S.Moore) Lindau and I. punctata (Vahl) Brummitt & J.R.I.Wood, which are widespread in the montane forests of eastern Africa, but it clearly differs from these species in inflorescence structure and indumentum and in anther morphology. Notes on the habitat requirements and extinction risk of this new species are provided; it is considered to be Vulnerable under IUCN criterion D2 because of its extremely limited range and a plausible future threat from wildfires. The recent discovery of the Critically Endangered acanthaceous herb Asystasia masaiensis Lindau at lower, drier elevations at the same site is also reported and the first known photograph of that species is reproduced

Key Words: Conservation, extinction risk, Isoglossinae, IUCN Red List, taxonomy.

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp sp. nov. 
A habit, flowering branch; B flower in situ; C face view of corolla with stamens and stigma visible at mouth; D dissected corolla with stamens; E partial infructescence with mature capsules; F indumentum of calyx lobe, side view, external face to left; G indumentum of peduncle; H capsule with seeds, and dorsal view of capsule valve; J mature seed, with detail of sculpturing.

A & D from Hemp 8165; B & C from photographs of plants in the field; E – J from Hemp 6953. DRAWN BY ANDREW BROWN.

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp sp. nov.
 A – C in situ at Mwala, Tanzania, collected as A. Hemp 7355;
D & E in cultivation at UBT.

PHOTOS: A – C a. Hemp; D, E U. Meve.

Isoglossa pareensis I.Darbysh. & Hemp sp. nov.

RECOGNITION. Isoglossa pareensis is similar to I. gregorii in foliage and to both I. gregorii and I. punctata in corolla form and in having seeds with elongate, minutely glochidiate tubercles, but differs from both in the inflorescence being a panicle-like thyrse with pedunculate dichasial or monochasial cyme units (vs inflorescence a simple spike or, if branched, the branches being spiciform with (sub)sessile cyme units); in the anther thecae overlapping for c. half their length (vs thecae fully superposed to widely separated); in the capsule being puberulous with eglandular and occasional glandular hairs (vs capsule glabrous or occasionally with few eglandular hairs towards apex and/or with scattered glandular and/or long eglandular hairs); and in the inflorescence axes and calyces having a more dense indumentum including more numerous glandular hairs. It additionally differs from I. gregorii in having linear-lanceolate bracts, 1.3 – 3.6 × 0.3 – 0.5 mm (vs bracts elliptic, somewhat obovate or basal pairs ovate, (3.5 –) 4.5 – 14 × 0.7 – 6 mm) (Fig. 5; Table 1).

ETYMOLOGY. The species epithet “pareensis” denotes that this species is, so far as is known, endemic to the Pare Mountains of Tanzania.

 Iain Darbyshire and Andreas Hemp. 2023. A further New Species of Isoglossa (Acanthaceae) from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. Kew Bulletin. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-023-10103-1

[Entomology • 2023] Dioncomena flavoviridis, D. magombera, D. sanje, etc. • Bush-crickets with very special Ears and Songs – Review of the East African Phaneropterinae Genus Dioncomena Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), with Notes on its Biogeography and the Description of New Species

 (D-F) Dioncomena flavoviridis;
(G-I) D. magombera; 
 (J-L) D. sanje 

 Hemp, Montealegre-Z, Woodrow et Heller, 2023. 

DOI:  10.3897/dez.70.100804

Abstract

This study focuses on the genus Dioncomena and its acoustics, particularly the unique songs produced by male Dioncomena that consist of several distinct elements in a fixed sequence, culminating in a coda that typically elicits a response from a receptive female. We also examine the inflated pronotal lobes, which we term prebullae, that are prominently developed in some Dioncomena species but not in others. We discuss the role of prebullae in the context of acoustic communication in Dioncomena and other related Phaneropterini genera that have similar lateral pronotal lobes. We found that prebullae size is correlated with habitat distribution, with larger prebullae occurring in isolated species while aggregation-prone species have smaller or less pronounced prebullae. Using micro-computer tomography we show sexual dimorphism in the 3D geometry of the acoustic tracheae, being larger in the male. Interestingly, the tracheae are coupled by a septum, like in field crickets, which suggests potential cross talk.

We define three groups of Dioncomena based on altitude preferences, ecology, color patterns, and songs: the jagoi-, tanneri-, and ornata-groups. We describe the songs of several species, including newly identified species such as D. flavoviridis sp. nov., D. magombera sp. nov., D. ngurumontana sp. nov., D. sanje sp. nov., D. tanneri, D. versicolor sp. nov., and D. zernyi. We also provide information on the nymphs, development time, and mating behavior of various species reared in the laboratory, shedding light on their phenology and adaptations to their habitats.

Key Words: bioacoustics, biogeography, biology, Eastern Arc Mountains, morphology, phenology, Tanzania

 

Dioncomena species of the D. jagoi-group:
A–C. Male (A, B) and female (C) of D. jagoi, East Usambara Mountains;
D-F. Male (D, E) and female (F) of D. flavoviridis sp. nov.;
G–I. Male (G, H) and female (I) of D. magombera sp. nov.;
 J–L. Male (J, K) and female (L) of D. sanje sp. nov.

   

 Claudia Hemp, Fernando Montealegre-Z, Charlie Woodrow and Klaus-Gerhard Heller. 2023. Bush-crickets with very special Ears and Songs – Review of the East African Phaneropterinae Genus Dioncomena Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878, with Notes on its Biogeography and the Description of New Species. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 70(2): 221-259. DOI:  10.3897/dez.70.100804

[Herpetology • 2022] Rhampholeon colemani, R. rubeho, R. waynelotteri, ... • Cryptic Diversity in Pygmy Chameleons (Chamaeleonidae: Rhampholeon) of the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, with Description of Six New Species

Rhampholeon colemani,  R. sabini,  

R. rubeho,  R. nicolai, 

R. waynelotteri,  R. princeeai 

Menegon, Lyakurwa, Loader & Tolley, 2022 

 DOI:  10.36253/a_h-12978

  twitter.com/IUCNChameleons 

 Researchgate.net/publication/366657704

Abstract

Previous molecular phylogenetic studies of pygmy chameleons have identified several cases of undescribed cryptic diversity of species, some of which have remained undescribed due to a lack of morphological information. Here, we combine descriptive morphology with principal component analysis, to quantify the overall morphological variation, and phylogenetic analysis to describe six new species of Rhampholeon from the Eastern Arc Mountains, including populations found in the Udzungwa, Rubeho, Nguru, Ukaguru, and Nguu Mountains. From our study we detected only limited morphometric variation between species. We distinguish the new species using genetics, combined with assessment of morphological features, and their geographical distribution. We highlight the threats to pygmy chameleons in East Africa from habitat change and exporting live specimens for the wildlife trade. Based on our understanding, we note a few species that we consider at risk of decline – mainly based on their narrow distribution and their apparent popularity in the export market. This study also further underlines the extraordinary biological value of the relatively small forest patches (less than 3000 km2) of the Eastern Arc, which contain more species of chameleons than any other area in mainland Africa.

Keywords: Afromontane, biodiversity, East Africa, chameleons, new species, reptiles

Rhampholeon uluguruensis Tilbury & Emmrich, 1996

Uluguru Pygmy Chameleon

Rhampholeon moyeri Menegon, Salvidio & Tilbury 2002

Moyer’s Pygmy Chameleon

Rhampholeon beraduccii Mariaux & Tilbury 2006

Beraducci’s Pygmy Chameleon

Rhampholeon acuminatus Mariaux & Tilbury 2006

Nguru Spiny Pygmy Chameleon

Rhampholeon colemani from the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Reserve. 

Rhampholeon sabini from Nguu North Forest Reserve. 

Rhampholeon rubeho from Mafwomero Forest Reserve in the Rubeho Mountains. 

Rhampholeon nicolai from Mamiwa Kisara North Forest Reserve in the Ukaguru Mountains.

Rhampholeon waynelotteri from Kanga Forest Reserve in the Nguru Mountains landscape.

Rhampholeon princeeai from Mkingu Nature Reserve in the Nguru Mountains.

Rhampholeon colemani sp. nov.

Uzungwa Scarp’s Pygmy Chameleon

Etymology: Rhampholeon colemani is named in honour of Carter Coleman, who for more than 25 years has raised funds and campaigned for the conservation of Tanzania’s forests. In 1991 he revived the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group based in Tanzania, and went on to establish the African Rainforest Conservancy in the USA and the Afri-can Rainforest Trust in the United Kingdom, organisations that remain dedicated to conserving Tanzania’s high biodiversity forests

 

Rhampholeon sabini sp. nov. 

Nguu North Pygmy Chameleon

Etymology: The species name is a patronym for Andy Sabin who provides financial support to many organizations and is actively engaged with community and environmental programs around the world. As an extension of his life-long fascination with reptiles and amphibians and dedication to environmental education.

Rhampholeon rubeho sp. nov. 

Rubeho’s Pigmy Chameleon

Etymology: The species is named after the mountain block (Rubeho) where the type series was collected and where it is con-sidered to be restricted. The specific epithet is considered to be a noun in apposition.

Rhampholeon nicolai sp. nov. 

Nicola’s Pigmy Chameleon

Etymology: This species is named after Nicola Colangelo, an entrepreneur and industrialist who worked in Tanzania for most of his life. He supported conservation initiatives and organisations, and before many others argued for the sustainable utilisation of natural resources. He was passionate about conservation for its intrinsic importance but also for a sustainable development of economies, such as low impact tourism activities.

Rhampholeon waynelotteri sp. nov.

Wayne’s Pygmy Chameleon

Etymology: This species is named after and dedicated to Wayne Lotter, in recognition to his ground-breaking work in developing a holistic and strategic intelligence-based approach to antipoaching. He helped successfully reverse the high rates of elephant poaching in Tanzania, during 2010’s. Unfortunately, he died on 16 August 2017 bravely fighting for the cause he was most passionate about. The specific epithet is patronym in the genitive masculine singular.

Rhampholeon princeeai sp. nov. 

Princeeai’s Pygmy Chameleon

Etymology: The species is named after Richard Williams, better known by his stage name Prince Ea, an American activist and inspirational spoken word artist, poet, rapper and filmmaker. From 2014 he has shifted his focus from music to creating motivational and inspirational spoken word films and content covering a wide range of topics such as deforestation and the reckless destruction of our environment for which we are all responsible. The specific epithet is considered to be a noun in apposition.

Michele Menegon, John V. Lyakurwa, Simon P. Loader and Krystal A. Tolley. 2022. Cryptic Diversity in Pygmy Chameleons (Chamaeleonidae: Rhampholeon) of the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, with Description of Six New Species. Acta Herpetologica. 17(2; 85-113. DOI:  10.36253/a_h-12978

  twitter.com/IUCNchameleons/status/1608487507808735237  

Researchgate.net/publication/366657704_Cryptic_diversity_in_Rhampholeon_of_the_Eastern_Arc_Mountains_of_Tanzania

[Botany • 2022] Rhipidoglossum pareense (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species from Tanzania

Rhipidoglossum pareense P.J.Cribb & Hemp,

in Cribb & Hemp, 2022. 

DOI: 10.1007/s12225-022-10027-2

Summary

Rhipidoglossum pareense, a new species, is described from the Pare mountains of NE Tanzania and compared with R. leedalii (P.J.Cribb) Farminhão & Stévart. Its habitat requirements and conservation status are assessed.

Key Words: Angraecinae, conservation status, Eastern Arc Mountains, endemic, fog water interception, montane forest

Rhipidoglossum pareense P.J.Cribb & Hemp. 
A habit; B inflorescence; C flower; D dorsal sepal; E lateral sepal; F petal; G lip; H column & lip, side view; J column & anther cap, front view; K column & anther cap, side view; L column, anther cap and pollinia removed; M anther cap, side view; N anther cap, ventral view; P pollinium.

 All from Hemp 7304 (type collection). Drawn by Judi Stone.

Rhipidoglossum pareense P.J.Cribb & Hemp. 
A habit; B, C inflorescences.

photos: A. Hemp.

Rhipidoglossum pareense P.J.Cribb & Hemp sp. nov. 

 

RECOGNITION. The allied species of Rhipidoglossum (formerly in Margelliantha) are closely related and distinguished by small but consistent differences. Rhipidoglossum pareense is most closely allied to R. leedalii (P.J.Cribb) Farminhão & Stévart which occurs in the Uluguru mountains and Southern Highlands of Tanzania but differs in having an inflorescence with up to 12 flowers (vs 4 – 8 flowers in R. leedalii), smaller flowers with a 2 – 2.8 mm long dorsal sepal (vs 3.5 – 4.5 mm), 3.5 mm long lateral sepals (vs 4 – 5 mm long), 3 – 3.2 × 2.5 – 3 mm petals (vs 4 × 3 – 3.5 mm), a broadly obovate-circular 3.5 – 5 × 4.5 mm lip (vs 5 – 5.5 × 6 – 8 mm) with a markedly erose front margin, 3.15 – 4.5 mm long spur (vs 5 – 7 mm) and shorter 5.2 – 6.8 mm long pedicel and ovary (vs 10 – 11 mm long). Figs 1 & 2.

 

P. J. Cribb and A. Hemp. 2022. Rhipidoglossum pareense (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae), A New Species from Tanzania. Kew Bulletin.  DOI: 10.1007/s12225-022-10027-2

https://phys.org/news/2022-08-orchid-species-mountains-tanzania.html

[Arachnida • 2018] Chinja gen. nov. • A New Genus of Spider (Araneae, Zoropsidae) from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania; Chinja chinja & C. scharffi

 Chinja scharffi

 Polotow & Griswold, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4472.3.7 
  twitter.com/WSC_NMBE

Abstract

The new zoropsid spider genus Chinja Polotow & Griswold is diagnosed and described and the following two new species are described: Chinja chinja sp. nov. and C. scharffi sp. nov. The species were collected in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and appear to be endemic to this region. The genus belongs to the oval-calamistrum clade (OC Clade), which also includes Dionycha and Lycosoidea. Based on the synapomorphies and diagnostic characters of members of the OC Clade, Chinja is considered a member of Zoropsidae, although without a clear subfamily placement due to insufficient data. Males of Chinja can be distinguished from other Zoropsidae by a straight PER, by lacking a tibial crack, by having a male palpal cymbium with a retrobasal process and the male palpal tibia with an RTA and a retromedian cluster of stout setae. Females have a divided cribellum with cribellar spigots evenly arranged, and the epigynum with the median plate broad and laterally procurved into hooks, and the lateral lobes each with a wide tooth. The following set of characters can be also helpful to identify the genus: presence of a third tarsal claw, absence of claw tufts and presence of a cribellum and calamistrum.

Keywords: Araneae, Africa, Eastern Arc Mountain Hotspot, Lycosoidea, OC Clade, new species

TAXONOMY 

ZOROPSIDAE BERTKAU, 1882

 Type genus: Zoropsis Simon, 1878: 327

(Type species by monotypy: Dolomedes spinimanus Dufour, 1820)

Composition. The living Zoropsidae include 26 genera and 180 species (World Spider Catalog 2018). Wunderlich (2017) recognizes four genera and 16 Palaeogene, extinct species from Bitterfeld and Baltic amber. 

Distribution. Worldwide. 

Chinja Polotow & Griswold, new genus 

Etymology. Name is an arbitrary combination of letters and is to be considered feminine in gender. 

Type species. Chinja chinja sp. nov., here designated. 

Composition. Two species: Chinja chinja sp. nov. and C. scharffi sp. nov. 

Natural history. All species have been collected in the leaf litter and on the soil surface of closed-canopy, moist forest. Although the cribellum and calamistrum appear functional, we have no data on the web, if any. 

Distribution. Endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania.

 Chinja chinja sp. nov

Etymology. The species epithet is an arbitrary combination of letters.

Natural history. This species occurs in the leaf litter and on the soil surface of closed-canopy, moist forest. 

Distribution. Eastern Usambara Mountains, Tanzania.

Chinja scharffi sp. nov., holotype male, CASENT9006146, dorsal.

Illustration by Jenny Speckels.

Chinja scharffi sp. nov.

Etymology. The species epithet is a patronym in honor of Nikolaj Scharff, a leader in biodiversity studies and conservation in the Eastern Arc Biotic Hotpot of Tanzania and collector of this and many other endemic Eastern Arc species.

Natural history. This species occurs in the leaf litter and on the soil surface of closed-canopy, moist forest, and is found at low (700 m) to high (1850 m) elevations.

 Distribution. Uzungwa and Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania. 

Daniele Polotow and Charles Griswold. 2018. Chinja, A New Genus of Spider from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania (Araneae, Zoropsidae).  Zootaxa. 4472(3); 545–562. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4472.3.7  

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