[Diplopoda • 2026] Alafanahydesmus lavasoa • Description before Extinction: A New Genus and Ninth Species of indigenous Polydesmida (Dalodesmidae) from Madagascar

Alafanahydesmus lavasoa  

Golles, Yoo & Wesener, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.4 

Abstract

Madagascar’s microendemism is not restricted to large rainforests, but also still exists in small, isolated fragments of natural vegetation. One such fragment is the Lavasoa-Ambatotsirongorongo protected area in southeastern Madagascar, where less than 92 ha of humid forest continue to face deforestation, but to which several species are endemic and critically endangered, including three species of millipedes. Here, we describe Alafanahydesmus lavasoa gen. nov., sp. nov. (Polydesmida: Dalodesmidae), a locally endemic Polydesmida only found in the Lavasoa-Ambatotsirongorongo area. With our here described addition, Polydesmida remain rare on Madagascar, with only four genera and nine known species, all belonging to the family Dalodesmidae. Alafanahydesmus lavasoa gen. nov., sp. nov. shares its small size (10–25 mm) and light/brown colouration with Dalodesmus Cook, 1896, Eutubercularium Brölemann, 1916, and Phymatodesmus de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897, but differs conspicuously in somatic (paraterga projecting weakly before tergite 6, elongated shape of metatergal tubercles, paraprocts (pa) with dorsal setose knobs) and sexual characters (stoutly fused femorites and a unique five-branched gonopod with a retrorse branch). Here, we describe Alafanahydesmus lavasoa gen. nov., sp. nov. integratively, providing the first molecular data for Malagasy Dalodesmidae—via partial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences (GenBank PX922879–PX922581) and pioneer the first microcomputed tomography (μCT) images for a member of the family, alongside with multilayer photographs and scanning electron microscopy images.

Myriapoda, biodiversity, cytochrome c oxidase I gene, Lavasoa, µCT, microendemism

Alafanahydesmus lavasoa gen. nov., sp. nov., Living specimens, at type locality Lavasoa. Photos taken by Moritz Einhaus in 2025.
A. Adult female walking, dorsolateral view. B. Anterior half of body and head, lateral view. C. Midbody segments and legs, close anterodorsal view. D. Rolled-up female showing egg-care behaviour, lateral view. Not to scale.

Alafanahydesmus lavasoa gen. nov., sp. nov., holotype male (ZFMK MYR14588), focus-stacked images.
A. Head and first segments, dorsal view. B. Telson, lateral view. C. Telson, ventral view. D. Mid-body, dorsal view. E. Posterior half of body, dorsal view. F. Gonopods, ventral view. G. Gonopods, ventrolateral view. H. Gonopods, lateral view. Not to scale.

Abbreviations: Co = collum; db = dichotomous branch; ep = epiproct; h = head; hy = hypoproct; o = ozopore; pa = paraproct; pb = paramedian branch; rb = retrorse branch; sl = subsecuriform solenomere; T = tergite.

 Genus Alafanahydesmus new genus 

Type species: Alafanahydesmus lavasoa sp. nov.

Etymology: The generic name is derived from the Malagasy words ala (forest) and fanahy (soul, spirit, inner essence), combined with the suffix -desmus, commonly used for Polydesmida. The name is treated as masculine.

Distribution: Currently only known from south-eastern Madagascar, the isolated rainforest of the Lavasoa-Ambatotsirongorongo area (Fig. 1).

Alafanahydesmus lavasoa gen. nov., sp. nov., Micro-CT scans, paratype male, (ZFMK MYR14544).
A. Lateral view. B. Anterior body half, showing detailed tergite pattern, dorsal view. C. Segments T9–T12 with stigma openings, ozopores, and  lateral  tergite  projections,  lateral  view. D.  Isolated  second  thoracic  segment  bearing  reduced  second  leg  pair. E.  Close-up  of  sternite  with  posterior  sternite  processes,  ventral  view. F. Telson  and  associated  structures,  ventral  view.  Not  to  scale.

Abbreviations: Co = collum; cx = coxa; ep = epiproct; fe = femur; h = head; hy = hypoproct; o = ozopore; pa = paraproct; pf = prefemur; po = postfemur; sti = stigma opening; s = setae; stp = sterite process; str = sternite; T = tergite; ta = tarsus; ti = tibia.

TIZIANO GOLLES, JEHOON YOO and THOMAS WESENER. 2026. Description before Extinction: A New Genus and Ninth Species of indigenous Polydesmida from Madagascar (Polydesmida: Dalodesmidae).  Zootaxa. 5807(1); 109-124. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.4  [2026-05-08]

[Arachnida • 2026] Androctonus tinzaouatinensis • A New scorpion Species (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from In Guezzam Province, Algeria

Androctonus tinzaouatinensis 

Yağmur, Benali, Derradj & Bikada, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2642870 

facebook.com: Lotfi Derradj

 ABSTRACT

A new scorpion species, Androctonus tinzaouatinensis sp. n. is described and illustrated from the hyperarid Saharan regions of the Tin Zaouatine District, In Guezzam Province and Timiaouine District, Bordj Badji Mokhtar Province, southern Algeria. This new species represents the first record of the genus Androctonus from the Timiaouine and Tin Zaouatine areas. It is compared with congeners from Algeria and Niger, notably A. ajjer Ythier, Sadine, Alioua & Lourenço, A. amoreuxi (Audouin), and A. eburneus (Pallary).

 

KEYWORDS: Morphology, taxonomy, Tin Zaouatine, Sahara, endemic

Androctonus tinzaouatinensis sp. n. 

 

Ersen Aydın Yağmur, Noureddine Benali, Lotfi Derradj and Manna Bikada. 2026. Androctonus tinzaouatinensis A New scorpion Species from In Guezzam Province, Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Journal of Natural History. 60(17-20); 1033-1047. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2642870 [21 Apr 2026]

  facebook.com/loufigg/posts/26922273914042828

[Entomology • 2026] Richtersveldiella sanparkensis, Pentamerica gazella, Nama mirifica, ... • A New Genus and Six New Species of Namaini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) from the Richtersveld (South Africa, Northern Cape)

 

Richtersveldiella sanparkensis 

Borovec & Meregalli, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5748.2.2  

 Researchgate.net/publication/399722863

 

Abstract

One new genus and six new species of Namaini are described: Richtersveldiella sanparkensis Borovec and Meregalli, new genus and new species (type locality: Koeroegab); Pentamerica gazella Borovec and Meregalli new species (type locality: Kodaspiek); Namaquania hirta Borovec and Meregalli new species (type locality: Armmanshoek valley); Nama mirifica Borovec and Meregalli new species (type locality: south of Helskloof Pass); Nama vanwyki Borovec and Meregalli new species (type locality: Armmanshoek valley); Nama armmanshoek Borovec and Meregalli new species (type locality: Armmanshoek valley). Biological notes and comparative remarks are added, along with considerations on their distribution. An assessment of their conservation status is also proposed.

Coleoptera, weevils, taxonomy, new genus, new species, species discovery, Afrotropical region

Richtersveldiella sanparkensis Borovec & Meregalli, sp. nov.

Nama vanwyki Borovec & Meregalli, sp. nov.

Richtersveldiella sanparkensis Borovec and Meregalli, new genus and new species 

Pentamerica gazella Borovec and Meregalli new species 

Namaquania hirta Borovec and Meregalli new species 

Nama mirifica Borovec and Meregalli new species 

 Nama vanwyki Borovec and Meregalli new species 

Nama armmanshoek Borovec and Meregalli new species

Roman BOROVEC and Massimo MEREGALLI. 2026. A New Genus and Six New Species of Namaini from the Richtersveld (South Africa, Northern Cape) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae).  Zootaxa. 5748(2); 193-214. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5748.2.2 [2026-01-13]

 Researchgate.net/publication/399722863_A_new_genus_and_six_new_species_of_Namaini_from_the_Richtersveld_South_Africa

[Entomology • 2025] Paragomphus alami • A New Dragonfly Species (Odonata: Gomphidae) described from the White Nile River, Sudan

 

Paragomphus alami

Salah, Baleela, Ahmed, Isam, Abdalla, Masri & Elfaki, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1265.168108

Abstract

Sudan’s unique biogeographic position at the Afrotropical-Palearctic interface, coupled with the ecological gradient of the Nile River, fosters a diverse odonate fauna. Despite this, the genus Paragomphus Cowley, 1934 remains understudied in the region. This study describes Paragomphus alami sp. nov., a new species of Paragomphus from the White Nile floodplain in Sudan, based on integrated morphological and molecular evidence. Field surveys conducted between 2017 and 2022 documented adult populations across the Sudanese floodplains. Specimens were morphologically analysed using microscopy compared to congeners P. lacustris Karsch, 1890 and P. elpidius Ris, 1921. DNA barcoding (COI gene) was performed on two specimens, with maximum-likelihood phylogenetic reconstruction using 28 sequences of Paragomphus and related species in addition to an outgroup. Mean interspecific genetic distance was computed manually. Morphological comparisons with congeners revealed unique diagnostic traits in P. alami sp. nov., including short, thick cerci ending with a black tooth, and an epiproct that is noticeably shorter than those of P. lacustris and P. elpidius. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. alami forms a well-supported monophyletic clade (bootstrap value = 100%), which is corroborated by morphological evidence, and no observed intraspecific variation, which supports the recognition of this species as distinct; this was further supported by the mean interspecific distance of 12.34%. This discovery highlights Sudan’s role as a biogeographic crossroads and the need for further research of Odonata in the region. Habitat sensitivity highlights conservation urgency. The species seasonal emergence, habitat specificity, and sensitivity to deforestation underscore its conservation importance.

Key words: Biodiversity, COI barcoding, conservation, floodplain, Khartoum

Paragomphus alami sp. nov. A. Male holotype (SNHM 1.582) from Jebel Aulia, Khartoum State, Sudan, collected 23 August 2019; B. Mature life male observed and photographed in the wild in Al-Sunt Forest, Khartoum State, Sudan, photographed 4 July 2022.

 Comparison of female coloration and stripe patterns in Paragomphus species. A. P. elpidius; B. Paragomphus alami sp. nov.
Note the small foliations on abdominal segments 8 and 9 in P. elpidius, which are absent in P. alami sp. nov. Note also that the thoracic stripes in P. alami sp. nov. are fine and poorly defined, while in P. elpidius they are sharp, bold, and well defined. Also, the pterostigma is yellowish green in P. alami sp. nov., while it is brown in P. elpidius. Photo credits: (A) John Wilkinson, (B) Mohamed Salah.

 Paragomphus alami sp. nov.

Etymology: The species is named in honour of the late Sudanese scientist Dr Tigani Mohammed Hassan Alam, whose lifelong dedication to documenting and safeguarding Sudan’s wildlife left a profound impact on conservation efforts across the country. Although his contributions were not formally recorded in the academic literature, his influence endures through the generations of Sudanese youth he inspired to appreciate and protect the nation’s natural heritage.

Mohamed Salah, Rania Baleela, Esraa Yousif Ahmed, Babiker Isam, Almontasirbillah Abdalla, Mai Masri and Esra Elfaki. 2025. Paragomphus alami sp. nov. (Odonata, Gomphidae): A New Dragonfly Species described from the White Nile River, Sudan. ZooKeys. 1265: 159-174. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1265.168108 [30 Dec 2025]

[Arachnida • 2025] Eresus rubrocephalus • The Red-Colored Oddball—A New Ladybird Spider (Araneae: Eresidae) with unusual coloring from Morocco

Eresus rubrocephalus 

Gál, Kovács, Vincze, Keve, Páll-Gergely, Bagyó, Fehér, Bali & Kaszab, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15182707 

Abstract

According to our current knowledge, the prothorax of male spiders belonging to the genus Eresus is covered with black hairs. However, during our collection activities in Morocco, we found male specimens showing habitus that can be clearly distinguished from the previously known species based on their pars cephalica of prosoma covered with distinct red hairs. Diagnostic drawings and digital photographs of male copulatory organs, alongside DNA and COI barcoding results, are also presented.

Keywords: velvet spiders; North Africa; genetic analysis; COI analysis; species delimitation

 Prosoma shape in Eresus rubrocephalus sp. n. holotype (lateral view).

 Habitus photo of the Eresus rubrocephalus sp. n. 
(A) Dorsal view, (B) ventral view, and (C) frontal view.

Eresus rubrocephalus sp. n., 

 

  Diagnosis: The habitus of males was like the European and some Asiatic Eresus sp. of the same sex.

In our specimens, as in the Eresus sp. males, the clypeal hood forms a clearly acute angle, and the cephalic region of the prosoma does not overhang the thoracic region posteriorly (Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4) [31]. Our two male specimens differ from all known species males in that the carapace dorsally and ventrally, as well as the chelicerae, are most uniformly carmine red (Figure 4). In the previously known ladybird spider species (E. gharbi, E. solitarius, E. moravicus, E. sandaliatus, E. transcaucasicus, and E. agrinus), pars thoracica is predominantly black compared to the species we described. 

  Etymology: Unlike the previously known coloration of the Eresus genus (sandaliatus group), the prosoma of the examined specimens is uniformly red in color; see “rubrocephalus”.

Simple Summary: In our work, we provide a description of the habitus of a species of ladybird spider found in Northern Africa, specifically Morocco, based on microscopic examination of the palpus and genetic delimitation analysis. The cephalothorax and abdomen of the male spider are both covered with carmine red hairs on the dorsal and ventral sides as well as on the chelicerae. The palpus exhibits several characteristic distinguishing features, such as the course of the palpus conductor plate, the characteristic U-shaped groove, and the uniquely shaped terminal tooth. Both phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses supported the establishment of the new species Eresus rubrocephalus sp. n.

 János Gál, Gábor Kovács, Zoltán Vincze, Gergő Keve, Barna Páll-Gergely, Richárd Bagyó, Enikő Fehér, Krisztina Bali and Eszter Kaszab. 2025. The Red-Colored Oddball—A New Ladybird Spider with Unusual Coloring from Morocco, Eresus rubrocephalus sp. nov. (Araneae: Eresidae). Animals. 15(18), 2707. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15182707  [16 September 2025]

[Crustacea • 2017] Parasesarma gazi • A New Species of the Genus Parasesarma De Man 1895 (Decapoda: Sesarmidae) from East African Mangroves and Evidence for Mitochondrial Introgression in Sesarmid Crabs

Parasesarma gazi 

Cannicci, Innocenti & Fratini, 

in Cannicci, Schubart, Innocenti, Dahdouh-Guebas, Shahdadi et Fratini, 2017

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2017.08.002 

 Researchgate.net/publication/319023850

Abstract

The Sesarmidae (Decapoda; Brachyura: Thoracotremata) is the most speciose family of crabs occurring in the mangroves of East Africa, accounting for 12 species belonging to seven genera. Among these, the genus Parasesarma accounts for a total of four species. Here we describe a new species, Parasesarma gazi sp. nov., based on specimens collected in mangrove forests of Kenya and Tanzania. The phylogenetic position of this new species within the family Sesarmidae was reconstructed, based on three mitochondrial and one nuclear marker. While nuclear data genetically resolve the systematic relationships, mitochondrial data reveal a surprising similarity of Parasesarma gazi sp. nov. and its sister species P. leptosoma. This result may reflect a short history of reproductive isolation or recent mitochondrial introgression between these two species. This is the first time that such an evolutionary event is reported for the family Sesarmidae and for mangrove crabs, in general.

Keywords: Hybridization, Mitochondrial DNA, Nuclear marker, Sesarmidae, Speciation, Molecular phylogeny, Taxonomy

Parasesarma gazi sp. nov. life colours (A), paratype male (14.2 × 11.7 mm) (MZUF 3678); upper view (B).
Parasesarma leptosoma (Hilgendorf, 1869), upper view (C)

Scale bars = 5 mm.

FAMILY SESARMIDAE DANA, 1851

GENUS PARASESARMA, DE MAN, 1895 

PARASESARMA GAZI Cannicci, Innocenti and Fratini sp. nov.

Sesarma (Parasesarma) lenzii De Man 1894.

  Etymology: The name of this new species, Parasesarma gazi, is derived from Gazi Bay (also named Maftaha Bay) and the village of Gazi, on the South coast of Kenya. In Arab, gazi or ghazi is the active participle of the verb gaza ‘to strive for’ or also ‘the one who struggles’. The new species is dedicated to the people of Gazi village and to the staff of the Gazi Mangrove Research Station of KMFRI, since without their help the largest known population of this new species would never have been found. We also believe that ‘the one who struggles’ correspondingly applies to mangrove crabs and their challenging adaptations to intertidal life, and that they are ‘key’ in mangrove ecosystems. The specific name is used as a noun in apposition.

Ecology: At all three sites, Parasesarma gazi sp. nov. was found in the Rhizophora mucronata Lamk, 1804 dominated belt of the mangrove forest, on the muddy floor. Only the specimens collected at Gazi Bay were collected on the lower part of R. mucronata roots, and there was no evidence of climbing behavior, such as in P. leptosoma. In all cases, they were found in areas where the by far dominant crab species was P. guttatum, with which they were mixing and totally overlapping. 

  Stefano Cannicci, Christoph D. Schubart, Gianna Innocenti, Farid Dahdouh-Guebas, Adnan Shahdadi and Sara Fratini. 2017. A New Species of the Genus Parasesarma De Man 1895 from East African Mangroves and Evidence for Mitochondrial Introgression in Sesarmid Crabs.  Zoologischer Anzeiger - A Journal of Comparative Zoology. 269; 89-99. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2017.08.002

 Researchgate.net/publication/319023850_A_new_species_of Parasesarma_from_East_African_mangroves 

[Diplopoda • 2025] Scaptodesmus manengouba, S. kala & S. vandenspiegeli • Taxonomic Review of the Afrotropical Millipede Genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Polydesmida: Chelodesmidae), with Integrative Descriptions of Three New Species from Cameroon

  

Scaptodesmus manengouba

Scaptodesmus kala

Scaptodesmus vandenspiegeli

Fiemapong, Blandenier, Tamesse & Mitchell, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3 

Abstract

The genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896, is revised based on recent material collected from Cameroon. Three new species are described and illustrated: Scaptodesmus kala sp. nov., S. manengouba sp. nov., and S. vandenspiegeli sp. nov. Additionally, the diagnoses of two old and well-defined species of the genus, S. porati Cook, 1896, and S. granulosus (Attems, 1931), are revised. The species Scaptodesmus dentatus Silvestri, 1909, previously regarded as incertae sedis, is here confirmed as such, since its taxonomic affiliation remains uncertain. An identification key to and a distribution map for all Scaptodesmus species known so far are provided. Barcoding base on COI sequencing was successfully performed for all three new species and compared with previously published sequences from the family Chelodesmidae. The results reveal that the three new species are all genetically distinct from one another. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree constructed using the dataset of available species resulted in a well-resolved and well-supported phylogeny. In all cases, barcoding data were consistent with traditional morphological taxonomic classifications. This work highlights the importance of integrated taxonomy in resolving relationships within millipede species groups below the family level.

Myriapoda, taxonomy, COI, DNA barcoding, millipede, Pepodesminae, Afrotropical Region

 

Scaptodesmus kala sp. nov,. female paratype (NHMN-62-4).
A, B & C. Habitus, dorsolateral, ventrolateral and lateral views, respectively. Scale bars: 1.0 mm.

Scaptodesmus manengouba sp. nov., male paratype (NHMN-62-11).
A. habitus, lateral view; B. ventral view, C. dorsal view. Scale bars: 1.0 mm (A, B , C)

Scaptodesmus vandenspiegeli sp. nov., male paratype (NHMN-62-14), habitus, dorsal view. Scale bar: 5 mm.

Armand Richard Nzoko FIEMAPONG, Quentin BLANDENIER, Joseph Lebell TAMESSE and Edward A. D. MITCHELL. 2025. Taxonomic Review of the Afrotropical Millipede Genus Scaptodesmus Cook, 1896 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae), with Integrative Descriptions of Three New Species from Cameroon.  Zootaxa. 5696(3); 361-384. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.3.3 [2025-09-25]

[Entomology • 2025] Nesocordulia coloratissima, N. evanida, N. fossa, ... • Six New Species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea) reveal an Insular Evolutionary Radiation of Dragonflies on Madagascar

 

Nesocordulia coloratissima sp. nov.

(a, c-g) male; (b) female . 

Bernard, Daraż, Ravelomanana & Dijkstra, 2025

Flame-tipped Knifetail  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1  

Photos by: a–b, Allan Brandon; c–g, Bogusław Daraż.

 

Abstract

Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 is a poorly known dragonfly genus endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros. The genus is revised, and all twelve species are described, including six new ones: N. coloratissima sp. nov., N. evanida sp. nov., N. fossa sp. nov., N. ipsio sp. nov., N. lyricauda sp. nov., and N. odonator sp. nov. All are well-defined, with notably distinct male cerci, hamules, and colouration. While an identification key for males of all species is provided, this is based on single specimens for six of them. Females are known for only six species. While several radiations of damselfly genera had been recognised in the Malagasy Region already, Nesocordulia is the first to be uncovered in the suborder Anisoptera. Due to the scarcity of data, the exact drivers of their diversification remain unclear, however. While seven species are known from the humid and subhumid forest zone of eastern and north-western Madagascar, and only N. coloratissima and N. villiersi Legrand, 1984 appear confined to the drier west and to the Comoros respectively, the exact collection localities of three species remain unknown. Although the limited data suggest that most species are localised, the few species with more records appear to be fairly widespread. The species’ ecology is almost unknown, with more details provided on the habitat and behaviour of N. evanida only, and their conservation status is also largely unknown. Four species have not been recorded for over a century, however, while only N. coloratissima and N. evanida were confirmed to inhabit anthropogenically influenced landscapes.

Odonata, Corduliidae s.l., systematics, species description, taxonomic synopsis, biogeography, endemic species, Malagasy Region, Comoros

 

Nesocordulia coloratissima sp. nov.
(a) male habitus in lateral view; (b) female habitus in dorsal view; (c) male s6–8 in dorsal view; (d) male abdomen in ventral view; (e) male head in frontal view (f) male head in ventral view; (g) male terminalia in lateral view.

Photos by: a–b, Allan Brandon; c–g, Bogusław Daraż.

Nesocordulia coloratissima Bernard, Daraż, Ravelomanana & Dijkstra sp. nov.

—Flame-tipped Knifetail 

Etymology. a declinable feminine latin adjective, formed from colorata- plus superlative suffix -issima, “the most colourful”. this is the most variegated species, with a striking spectrum of black, rusty brown, yellow, and white, as well as metallic with green, blue, golden, bronze, and violet reflections.

Diagnosis. This rather small Nesocordulia species is the most colourful and extensively yellow-marked in the genus. the black abdomen marked with yellow up to the base of d7, while the remainder is uniformly rufous, is unique, as are the yellow occipital triangle, yellow frons sides, broadly yellow centre of labrum, and the especially large yellow spot on the mesepimeron and metepisternum (sometimes narrowly divided into two large triangular spots but more frequently fused). the hamule and cerci are also unique (see figs 15–16 and 17–18, respectively), although the former is similar to that of N. evanida.

Nesocordulia evanida sp. nov.
(a) male habitus in lateral view; (b) female habitus in lateral view; (c) male head and thorax in dorsal view; (d) male secondary genitalia in lateral view; (e) male habitus in ventral view; (f) male abdomen in dorsal view; (g) male head in frontal view; (h) male terminalia in lateral view.

Photos by Bogusław Daraż.

Nesocordulia evanida Bernard, Daraż & Dijkstra sp. nov.

—Little Knifetail  

Etymology. a declinable feminine latin adjective meaning “vanishing from sight”, as males are almost impossible to follow for the observer’s eyes due to the combination of their behaviour, disruptive camouflage, and the dappled light in their microhabitat.

Diagnosis. The smallest Nesocordulia species, separated from its probable closest relatives (N. coloratissima and N. malgassica) by the black rather than rufous s7–10 and its slightly, but distinctively distended cerci with black hair-like setae. differs from other black-tailed species by the shape of the cerci and hamule, as well as the thoracic markings with two triangular and three roundish yellow spots on each side.

Nesocordulia fossa sp. nov., male.
 (a) habitus in lateral view; (b) head in ventral view and thorax and s1–2 in lateral view; (c) terminalia in dorsal view; (d) abdomen in ventral view; (e) head in frontal view; (f) left Hw.

Photos by: a, Dave Smallshire; b–f, Bogusław Daraż.

Nesocordulia fossa Bernard, Daraż, Ravelomanana & Dijkstra sp. nov.

—Fossa Knifetail 

Etymology. the name, a noun in apposition, refers to madagascar’s largest carnivore, the similarly rufous, long-bodied and enigmatic Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox Bennett, 1835).

Diagnosis. Comparatively large species, easily separated from all congeners except N. rubricauda by the reddish brown  body,  dark  brown  wing  bases,  and  denser  venation,  especially  between  the  cubital  and  anal veins. Aside from unique features, such as the shape of the cerci and hamule (see figs 15–16 and 17–18, respectively), yellow markings on the largely reddish brown thorax, and black apical smudges laterally on the reddish brown s3–6, differs from N. rubricauda by the yellow marking on the clypeus and the single cell rows subtended by Rspl.

Nesocordulia ipsio Bernard, Daraż & Dijkstra sp. nov.

—Dark Knifetail 

  Etymology. the name, a noun in apposition, refers to the CEPF project Insects and People in the Southern Indian Ocean (IPSIO), initiated by Brian fisher at the madagascar Biodiversity Center. K.-D.B. Dijkstra participated in the IPSIO expedition to marojejy national Park, but all specimens were collected by alan gardiner while he was seeking for butterflies.

Diagnosis. Medium-sized Nesocordulia species with a uniquely shaped hamule (see fig. 15) and the most extensive and contrasting dark markings on the labium and cerci in the genus. Only the presumably closely related N. odonator is similarly dark, sharing the limited thoracic pattern of small yellow spots, divided yellow lateroventral marking on S2, the laterally long but dorsally interrupted yellowish basal ring on S7, and dark epiproct. Nesocordulia ipsio differs from it, however, by a different hamule (see figs 15 and 16) and mostly blackish brown lateral lobes of labium, and is also significantly smaller.

Nesocordulia lyricauda Bernard, Daraż & Dijkstra sp. nov.

—Lyre-tipped Knifetail  

Etymology. a feminine noun derived from latin “cauda”, a tail, and “lyra”, an u-shaped instrument with two curvy branches, to describe the distinctive lyre-shaped cerci in dorsal view.

Diagnosis. the largest Nesocordulia species, separated by its unique long lyre-shaped cerci, large and uniquely shaped hamule (see fig. 15), and the basal yellow spots uniquely extending both dorsally and laterally on s7.  also has more Px in Fw (11–13 vs. 7–10) and Hw (13–14 vs. 7–11) than other black species.

Nesocordulia odonator Bernard, Daraż, Ravelomanana & Dijkstra sp. nov.

—Crabshear Knifetail  

Etymology. the name, a noun in apposition, like those for Syncordulia legator dijkstra et al., 2007, Syncordulia serendipator Dijkstra et al., 2007, and Syncordulia venator (Barnard, 1933), honours the explorers of odonata. this species and N. fossa were found on the same day of odonatours’ inaugural trip, whose participants sponsored the first introduction to malagasy odonata (dijkstra & Cohen 2021).

Diagnosis. Fairly large Nesocordulia species with unique hamule, in lateral view recalling a crab’s pincer (chelate appendage) with an almost spike-like dactyl, and unique labium with brown median lobe and mostly yellow lateral lobes. Only N. ipsio is similarly dark, sharing the limited thoracic yellow pattern of small spots, divided yellow lateroventral marking on S2, laterally long but discontinuous yellow ring on S7, and dark epiproct. N. ipsio has an even darker labium and cerci, however, and is also significantly smaller.

 

Rafał BERNARD, Bogusław DARAŻ, Andrianjaka RAVELOMANANA and Klaas-Douwe B. DIJKSTRA. 2025. Six New Species of Nesocordulia McLachlan, 1882 reveal an insular Evolutionary Radiation of Dragonflies on Madagascar (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libelluloidea).  Zootaxa. 5660(2); 151-193. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.2.1 [2025-07-09]

 

[Arachnida • 2024] Vigdisia praesidens, gen. et sp. nov. • A perilous Malagasy triad: A Spider and An Ant compete for Termite Food

 

 Vigdisia praesidens Agnarsson, Kuntner, Yu & Gregorič, 

in Gregorič, Yu, Ravelojaona, Agnarsson et Kuntner, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/03014223.2024.2373185 

 Researchgate.net/publication/382253438

ABSTRACT

Ants and termites are insect groups that make up most of the insect biomass in tropical ecosystems. Due to their social structure and abundance, they are some of the most bountiful prey available to other invertebrates such as spiders. However, ants and termites possess dangerous defense strategies, thus limiting their accessibility to general predators. Here, we report on an unexpected finding of a three-way predator-prey-kleptoparasite interaction in Madagascar among a termite Nasutitermes sp. (prey), a previously unknown theridiid spider Vigdisia praesidens gen. nov., sp. nov. (predator), and an ant Pheidole spinosa (kleptoparasite). Our field observations suggest that the spiders are able to detect a damaged termite nest from a distance to disperse onto it and prey on its residents. Kleptoparasitic ants also arrive on the scene to steal from the spiders their termite prey. Both the spider and the ant seem to possess some degree of behavioural prey specialisation for Nasutitermes termites. The here described ecological interaction warrants further study to better understand the exploitation of signals by such phylogenetically diverse arthropods.

KEYWORDS: Heterospecific competition, opportunistic predation, prey specialisation, kleptoparasitism, alarm signals, stenophagy, spider web

 Vigdisia praesidens with two termites wrapped. 
Camp Mantella, Marojejy National Park, Madagascar, 30. March 2022. 

Family Theridiidae Sundevall, 1833. 

Subfamily Spintharinae Simon, 1894.

Vigdisia Agnarsson, Kuntner, Yu & Gregorič, new genus

Vigdisia praesidens Agnarsson, Kuntner, Yu & Gregorič, new species

Etymology: The genus name, feminine in gender, honors Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, former president of Iceland (1980-1996) and the first democratically elected female pre-sident in the world. Vigdís shares the spider ́s elegance and wits.  

 

Matjaž Gregorič, Kuang Ping Yu, Jeremia Ravelojaona, Ingi Agnarsson and Matjaž Kuntner. 2024. A perilous Malagasy triad: A Spider (Vigdisia praesidens, gen. and sp. nov.) and An Ant compete for Termite Food. New Zealand Journal of Zoology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/03014223.2024.2373185 [14 Jul 2024]

  Researchgate.net/publication/382253438_Vigdisia_praesidens_gen_et_sp_nov_and_an_ant_compete_for_termite_food

https://www.newspeciespodcast.net/all-episodes/a-new-malagasy-spider-with-matja-gregori

[Arachnida • 2024] Evarcha tsipikafotsy, E. vavannyangisy & Thyene volombavatanany • Three New Species of plexippine jumping spiders (Salticidae: Salticinae: Plexippini) from dry forest in Boeny Region, north-western Madagascar

 

[12-13] Evarcha tsipikafotsy,
[20-23] E. vavannyangisy 

 Murray, Escobar-Toledo & Pett, 2024 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.126810  

Abstract

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

Key words: Afrotropics, discovery, Evarcha, new record, new species, taxonomy, Thyene

 

Evarcha tsipikafotsy sp. nov. in vivo images, male.

Photo credits: J.E.T.

Evarcha vavannyangisy sp. nov.
20–23 male holotype habitus 24, 25 male pedipalp 20 dorsal 21 lateral 22 frontal 23, 24 ventral 25 retrolateral. Scale bars: 1 mm (20–23); 0.5 mm (24, 25).

Evarcha tsipikafotsy sp. nov.

Evarcha vavannyangisy sp. nov.

 Thyene volombavatanany sp. nov.

 Katie I. Murray, Jaime Escobar-Toledo and Brogan L. Pett. 2024. Three New Species of plexippine jumping spiders (Salticidae, Salticinae, Plexippini) from dry forest in Boeny Region, north-western Madagascar. African Invertebrates. 65(2): 61-74. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/afrinvertebr.65.126810  

[Arachnida • 2024] Selenogyrus foordi • A New Species and the first record of the subfamily Selenogyrinae Smith, 1990 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from Guinea

Selenogyrus foordi 

Sherwood, Henrard & Spiegel, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.113946

 

Abstract

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

Key words: distribution, morphology, spider, tarantula, taxonomy

Selenogyrus foordi sp. nov. holotype male (BE_RMCA_ARA.Ara.246088), habitus in situ at type locality   
A general view B same, on different background C frontal view, specimen in defensive posture.  

Selenogyrus foordi sp. nov. paratype female (BE_RMCA_ARA.Ara.222490)
A habitus, dorsal view B habitus, ventral view C chelicera, prolateral view (inset: close-up of stridulatory lyra) D spermathecae, dorsal view E habitus in vivo. Scale bars: 10 mm (A–B); 0.5 mm (D); 0.1 mm (C).

 

Theraphosidae Thorell, 1869

Selenogyrinae Smith, 1990

Selenogyrus Pocock, 1897

 Selenogyrus foordi sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Males of Selenogyrus foordi sp. nov. can be distinguished from S. aureus by the thinner apical taper of the embolus (embolus wider at apex in S. aureus) and the presence of darkened femora and white markings on the distal third tibiae in vivo (femora with golden tinge and lacking white markings on the distal third of the tibiae in S. aureus). Females of S. foordi sp. nov. can be distinguished from S. africanus, S. austini, and S. caeruleus by the medially flared receptacles of the spermathecae (not medially flared in S. africanus, S. austini, and S. caeruleus).

Etymology: The specific epithet is an eponym honouring our colleague the late Stefan Foord (1971–2023), in recognition of his significant contributions to African arachnology, and in remembrance of his kind and collaborative spirit.

 

Danniella Sherwood, Arnaud Henrard and Didier Van Den Spiegel. 2024. Selenogyrus foordi, A New Species and the first record of the subfamily Selenogyrinae Smith, 1990 from Guinea (Araneae, Theraphosidae). African Invertebrates. 64(3): 291-302. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.113946

[Mollusca • 2024] Brachiomya ducentiunus • Bivalves of Superfamily Galeommatoidea (Bivalvia) from western South Africa, with Observations on Commensal Relationships and Habitats

Brachiomya ducentiunus 

Valentich-Scott, Griffiths, Landschoff, R. Li & J. Li, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1207.124517

Abstract

The Galeommatoidea are a diverse but little-studied group of small bivalves, well known for the symbiotic relationships many species have with a range of invertebrate taxa. Four species collected from the Western Cape region of South Africa were examined and illustrated, providing new details on their habitat preferences, and depicting the mantle structure of live specimens for the first time. Brachiomya ducentiunus sp. nov., is described herein, and an additional record of Montacuta substriata (Montagu, 1808) is reported from South Africa. Brachiomya ducentiunus and Montacuta substriata have obligate symbiotic relationships with different burrowing echinoids, while Kellia becki (WH Turton, 1932) and Melliteryx mactroides (Hanley, 1857) are free-living. DNA data and phylogenetic analyses are provided for three of the species.

Key words: Biodiversity, commensalism, heart urchin, South Atlantic Ocean, Spatagobrissus mirabilis, Spatangus capensis, symbiosis, taxonomy

 

Brachiomya ducentiunus new species, living animals
A, B crawling on hard substrate C overview of specimens crawling on the aboral surface of urchin Spatagobrissus mirabilis D crawling on urchin spine with mantle and foot extended E, F extended mantle between urchin spines.

Brachiomya ducentiunus sp. nov.

Discovery: Initially discovered via free-diving in 2016 at the type locality, collected by Jannes Landschoff and Craig Foster.

Etymology: The name ducentiunus is from Latin, meaning “201.” The species was discovered while preparing and working on the ‘1001 Seaforest Species’ project, a research and storytelling program aimed at increasing awareness of regional kelp bed ecosystems colloquially referred to as ‘the Great African Seaforest’ (see www.seachangeproject.com). The number 201 was chosen as a unique identifier for the 1001 program, with the goal to link each hundredths species to a species described as new to science.

Comparisons: The Pacific and Asian Brachiomya stigmatica, which is the only other known species in the genus, is more evenly rounded anteriorly, has a strong rust-colored stripe medially, lacks radial striae, and has more developed teeth.

Paul Valentich-Scott, Charles Griffiths, Jannes Landschoff, Ruiqi Li, Jingchun Li. 2024. 

Bivalves of Superfamily Galeommatoidea (Mollusca, Bivalvia) from western South Africa, with Observations on Commensal Relationships and Habitats. ZooKeys. 1207: 301-323. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1207.124517