A peer-reviewed open-access journal Zookeys 935: 103-119 (2020) ee ar #ZooKeys https:/ / ZOO keys. pensoft.net Launched to accelerate biodiversity research Even hotter hotspot: description of seven new species of many-plumed moths (Lepidoptera, Alucitidae) from Mount Cameroon Peter Ustjuzhanin'’, Vasily Kovtunovich?, Vincent Maicher**®, Szabolcs Safian*’, Sylvain Delabye*°, Alexander Streltzov®, Robert Tropek** | Altai State University, Lenina 61, Barnaul, RU-656049, Russia 2. Biological Institute, Tomsk State Univer- sity, Lenina Prospekt 36, Tomsk 634050, Russia 3 Moscow Society of Nature Explorers, Bolshaya Nikitskaya 2, Moscow, RU-125009, Russia 4 Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisouskd 31, CZ-37005 Ceské Budéjovice, Czech Republic 5 Faculty of Science, University of South Bo- hemia, Branisouské 1760, CZ-37005 Ceské Budéjovice, Czech Republic 6 Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinitnd 7, CZ-12844 Prague, Czech Republic 7 Institute of Silviculture and Forest Protection, University of Sopron, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky u. 4. H-9945 Sopron, Hungary 8 Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, 48, Moika Emb., Saint-Petersburg, 191186, Russia Corresponding author: Robert Tropek (robert.tropek@gmail.com) Academic editor: Rodolphe Rougerie | Received 3 January 2020 | Accepted 6 April 2020 | Published 21 May 2020 http://z00bank. org/A35702A3-5 1AA-448 D-9BFF-BA83054CEEBE Citation: Ustjuzhanin P, Kovtunovich V, Maicher V, Safin S, Delabye S, Streltzov A, Tropek R (2020) Even hotter hotspot: description of seven new species of many-plumed moths (Lepidoptera, Alucitidae) from Mount Cameroon. ZooKeys 935: 103-119. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.935.49843 Abstract Mount Cameroon, SW Cameroon, has already been described as a unique hotspot of the many-plumed moth (Lepidoptera, Alucitidae), with their local diversity unrivalled in the entire Afrotropics. We con- firm its importance with description of seven new species: Alucita bakweri Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Alucita jana Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Alucita bakingili Ustjuzhanin & Kovtu- novich, sp. nov., Alucita tatjana Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Alucita zuza Ustjuzhanin & Ko- vtunovich, sp. nov., Alucita deja Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., and Alucita bokwango Ustjuzha- nin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. These descriptions have raised the known local diversity of many-plumed moth species on Mount Cameroon to 22, i.e., over a quarter of the known Afrotropical biodiversity of this group. This study also emphasises the great conservation importance of the area. Copyright Peter Ustjuzhanin et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. 104 Peter Ustjuzhanin et al. / ZooKeys 935: 103-119 (2020) Keywords Alucita, Afrotropics, biodiversity, endemic, insects, microlepidoptera, taxonomy, tropical rainforest Introduction Mount Cameroon has recently been recognised as a unique biodiversity hotspot for many-plumed moths (Lepidoptera, Alucitidae) (Ustjuzhanin et al. 2018), an easily recognisable family of Lepidoptera because of their characteristic six-lobed wings. As reviewed in Ustjuzhanin et al. (2018), Alucitidae are strongly understudied in the Afrotropics. While several recent faunistic (Maicher et al. 2016; Przybytowicz et al. 2019; Delabye et al. 2020) and taxonomic (Przybytowicz 2013; Safian and Tropek 2016; Yakovlev and Safin 2016; Safian et al. 2019) discoveries have shown the Mount Cameroon region as an important but largely understudied locality for lepidopteran biodiversity, its importance for Alucitidae biodiversity in particular remains unrivalled. Of 70 Afrotropical species of many-plumed moths, 32 are known from the Guineo- Congolian forest zone (De Prins and De Prins 2019); 15 of these have been already described or reported from Mount Cameroon (Ustjuzhanin et al. 2018). In this study, we report on a second part of the material sampled during our long- term study of lepidopteran diversity in rainforests of Mount Cameroon (e.g., Maicher et al. 2018, 2019). Seven species of Alucita are described as new for science. Materials and methods Abbreviations CUK personal collections of P. Ustjuzhanin and V. Kovtunovich, Novosibirsk and Moscow, Russia. NECJU Nature Education Centre, Jagiellonian University, Krakéw, Poland. Material sampling and processing All specimens were collected in eight rainforest localities on the south-western and southern slopes of Mount Cameroon at elevations ranging from 350 to 2200 m a.s.l. between November 2014 and October 2017 (Fig. 1). All specimens were at- tracted to light. The detailed sampling protocol was described in Ustjuzhanin et al. (2018). Holotypes will be stored in NECJU, paratypes will be split between NECJU and CUK. Genitalia of most specimens were dissected and examined. For their dissection and preparation of permanent slides, we followed a protocol described in Ustjuzhanin et al. Description of many-plumed moths (Alucitidae) from Mount Cameroon 105 ELEPHANT CAMP) CRATER LAKE) Sees PLA ie AMO DRINK GARIC) EKONJO 40 BAMBOO CAMPO) 2 \ LEGEND Mount Etinde “x, Old lava flows ae A Summits Ce wv Main cities/villages © Sampled localities ‘g Cg 0 5 10 km ki ©=—SStCS«S: Figure |. Map of the Mount Cameroon region with the sampling localities. (2018). Each permanent preparation received a unique code under which it is search- able in the collections where they are stored; the relevant numbers are listed in captions of the genitalia figures. Sampling localities All sampling localities (Fig. 1) are listed below; the localities not included in Ustjuzha- nin et al. (2018) are marked with *: Bamboo Camp. Bamboo Camp (350 m a.s.l.), Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.0879°N, 9.0505°E; a lowland rainforest with historical disturbances from selective logging. *Crater Lake. Crater Lake camp (1450 m a.s.l.), Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1443°N, 9.0717°E; a submontane rainforest locally disturbed by forest elephants. Drink Gari. Drink Gari camp (650 m a.s.L; also known as “Drinking Gari”), Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1014°N, 9.0610°E; a lowland rainforest with canopy layer presumed to be closed. *Ekonjo. Ekonjo camp (1150 m a.s.l.), Mount Cameroon (S slope), 4.0881°N, 9.1168°E; an upland closed-canopy rainforest. 106 Peter Ustjuzhanin et al. / ZooKeys 935: 103-119 (2020) Elephant Camp. Elephant Camp (1850 m a.s.l.), Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1170°N, 9.0729°E; a montane forest with a sparse canopy layer as a consequence of natural disturbances by forest elephants. *Mann’s Spring. Mann's Spring camp (2200 maz.s.l.), Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1428°N, 9.1225°E; a montane forest at the natural timberline. *Mapanja. Mapanja camp (1850 ma.s.l.), Mount Cameroon (S slope), 4.1157°N, 9.1315°E; a montane forest with canopy layer presumed to be closed. PlanteCam. PlanteCam camp (1100 m a.s.l.; also misspelled as “Planticamp”), Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1175°N, E9.0709°E; an upland rainforest in the transition between the lowland and montane zones, with a sparse canopy layer as a consequence of natural disturbances by forest elephants. Species descriptions Alucita bakweri Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. http://zoobank.org/4CCBE08C-2366-40FF-B52F-D7B3D60DF8 16 Figs 2, 3 Type material. Holotype * 1 male, (NECJU 201901) Cameroon, PlanteCam, 1100 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1175°N, 9.0709°E, 11—18.XII.2014, lIgt. V. Maicher, Sz. Safidn, S. Janecek, R. Tropek. Diagnosis. In the yellowish colour of its wings, this species resembles Alucita fer- ruginea Walsingham, 1881, Alucita balioxantha (Meyrick, 1921), and Alucita compsox- antha (Meyrick, 1924), from which it differs in the structure of male genitalia. Genitalia of the new species differ from A. balioxantha by a thin sharp gnathos, prolonged saccus, and short, wide and wing-like valvae (Fig. 19). Alucita balioxantha gnathos is wider, with a blunt and round top, the saccus is archlike and not prolonged, and valvae are thin and lancet-like. In the shape of the uncus and gnathos of the male genitalia, A. bak- weri is similar to A. ferruginea, from which it differs in having an elongated, narrowing saccus without the distinct notch on its outer edge. Additionally, unlike A. ferruginea, A. bakweri has clusters of small acicular cornuti apically on the aedaeagus. Moreover, its valvae are short, wide and wing-like, with a bundle of thin needle-like cornuti in its api- cal part. Whilst male genitalia of the new species have a forked uncus and comparatively short aedeagus, A. compsoxantha has a simple short uncus and a very long aedeagus. External characters. Wingspan 18 mm. Head with white scales, thorax and tegu- lae yellowish-brown. Labial palpus yellow, thin, straight, twice as long as longitudinal eye diameter. Third segment discrete, directed forward, median part framed by brown lines, apically pale and sharp. Antenna white, basally thickened. Wings yellowish-brown, with four white transverse lines. Wings basally darkened with brown scales. Abdomen yellowish-brown. Hind leg pale yellow. Male genitalia. Uncus long, distally widened, apically with triangle notch. Gna- thos narrow, apically tapered, in length equal to uncus. Gnathos arms short, thick, Description of many-plumed moths (Alucitidae) from Mount Cameroon 107 Figures 2, 3. Alucita bakweri Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. 2 adult male, Holotype, NEJCU 3 male genitalia, Holotype, preparation slide no. 201901. Scale bar: 5 mm. smoothly bent inwards. Valves short, wide, wing-shaped, apically with bundle of fine acicular setae. Anellus arms wide, short. Saccus elongated, narrow triangular. Aedeagus almost straight, with an elongated uncinate cornutus in middle, groups of fine acicular cornuti distally, and narrow sharp cornuti sticking out apically. Distribution. Cameroon. Flight period. December. Etymology. We name the species after the Bakweri people, the main ethnic group of the Mount Cameroon region. Without the priceless assistance of numerous local people our project would not be possible. We hope such dedication will encourage protection of the species’ habitats. Alucita jana Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. http://zoobank.org/2EEGAAB9-8CCB-4123-B957-786B6776CB92 Figs 4, 5 Type material. Holotype * male, (NECJU 201902) Cameroon, PlanteCam, 1100 m a.s.1., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1175°N, 9.0709°E, 09-14.IV.2015, lgt. V. Mai- cher, Sz. Safian, S. Janecek, R. Tropek. Paratypes * 1 male, (CUK), Ekonjo, 1150 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.0881°N, 9.1168°E, 24.X.2017, lgt.V. Maicher, P. Potocky, S. Delabye * 1 male, (CUK), Mapanja camp, 1850 m a.s.l., Mount Cam- eroon (SW slope), 4.1157°N, 9.1315°E, 25.X.2017, V. Maicher, P. Potocky, S. Delabye. Diagnosis. The new species is similar in the shape of the uncus and valves of the male genitalia to Alucita tesserata (Meyrick, 1918) (Fig. 20), but it differs in the apically narrow gnathos and the presence of a group of fine acicular cornuti in the aedeagus. Alucita jana also differs from A. tesserata in the wing colouration. 108 Peter Ustjuzhanin et al. / ZooKeys 935: 103-119 (2020) Figures 4, 5. Alucita jana Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. 4 adult male, Holotype, NEJCU 5 male genitalia, Holotype, preparation slide no. 201902. Scale bar: 5 mm. External characters. Wingspan 15 mm. Head, thorax and tegulae with brown ap- pressed scales. Labial palpus wide, short, 1.5 longer than longitudinal eye diameter, slight- ly bent upwards, brown scaled inside and outside. Third segment discrete, apically sharp. Antenna yellowish-brown. Wings yellowish-brown, distinctive pale brown band medi- ally. Forewings show a dark brown postmedial band. Forewing basally with dark brown scales, hindwing basally light. Distally, alternating portions of brown and yellowish scales. Fringe of wings yellow, with alternating portions of brown hairs. Hind leg pale yellow. Male genitalia. Uncus long, apically slightly widened. Gnathos long, distally wid- ened, apically slightly tapered, equal to uncus in length. Valve short, finger-like, mem- branous. Anellus arms narrow, long, apically slightly widened. Saccus with oval outer edge. Aedeagus straight, basally widened, apically with a group of fine acicular cornuti. Distribution. Cameroon. Flight period. April, October. Etymology. The species name is a noun in apposition in honour to Robert Tropek’s mother, Jana Tropkova. Alucita bakingili Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. http://zoobank.org/C1503460-2901-4437-BFA7-49D660E2462F Figs 6-8 Type material. Holotype * male (NECJU 201903) Cameroon, Bamboo Camp, 350 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.0879°N, 9.0505°E, 12—20.XII.2014, lIgt. V. Maicher, Sz. Safian, S. Janecek, R. Tropek. Paratypes * 1 male (CUK), same data as the holotype * 1 female (NECJU 201908), same data as the holotype * 1 male, (CUK), PlanteCam, 1100 ma.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1175°N, 9.0709°E, 29.1.- 07.11.2016, lgt. V. Maicher, Sz. Safian, R. Tropek. Description of many-plumed moths (Alucitidae) from Mount Cameroon 109 Figures 6-8. Alucita bakingili Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. 6 adult male, Holotype, NEJCU 7 male genitalia, Holotype, preparation slide no. 201903 8 female genitalia, Paratype, preparation slide no. 201908. Scale bar: 5 mm. Diagnosis. The new species resembles Alucita fokami Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2018 in external appearance but it substantially differs in both male and female genita- lia (for genitalia of A. fokami, see Ustjuzhanin et al. 2018). Alucita bakingili is similar to Alucita seychellensis (T.B. Fletcher, 1910) in male genitalia (illustrated in Ustjuzhanin and Kovtunovich 2016), specifically in the sclerotized process on the sacculus. Alucita bakingili also differs from A. seychellensis in its wide gnathos, the narrow triangular valves and the short narrow uncus. In the female genitalia, the new species is similar to Alucita rhaptica (Meyrick, 1920) (Fig. 21), from which it differs in its rectangular lamina postvaginalis and in the longer and narrower ductus. External characters. Wingspan 12-15 mm, holotype 12 mm. Head, thorax and tegulae with dark grey scales and an admixture of white scales. Labial palpus grey outside, white inside, 1.5 times longer than longitudinal eye diameter, directed forward. Third segment short, apically slightly sharpened. Antenna pale grey, distinct dark elongated spot basally just beyond scape. Wings mottled, yellowish-grey, medially with a poorly expressed yellowish-brown band. Alternating portions of grey and white scales shaped as elongated strokes, spots and points on lobe of all wings. Fringe with alternating portions of grey and white hairs. Hind leg pale yellow. Male genitalia. Uncus short, straight, slightly widened apically. Gnathos wide, sharply narrowing apically, a little longer than uncus. Valve short, narrow triangular, membranous. Sacculus with membranous process containing a large sclerotized un- cinate process in lower part. Anellus arms very long, basally wide, medially narrow- ing, apically widened and slightly bent. Saccus with oval outer edge. Aedeagus long, straight, with two robust cornute in this medial part. Female genitalia. Papilla analis narrow, elongated. Posterior apophyses thin, straight. Anterior apophyses also thin, straight, equal in length to posterior apophyses. Lamina postvaginalis sclerotized, wide, rectangular, with blunt angular lateral projections. An- trum corrugated, wide, short. Ductus wide, medially swollen. Ductus seminalis short, 110 Peter Ustjuzhanin et al. / ZooKeys 935: 103-119 (2020) well expressed. Bursa copulatrix small, oval, with robust elongated comb-shaped sig- num located basally and reaching base of ductus seminalis. Distribution. Cameroon. Flight period. December to February. Etymology. The species is named after Bakingili, a village at the southern foothills of Mount Cameroon, in which area it was collected. Numerous people from the village helped our project as field assistants and by many other ways, and therefore the commu- nity was crucial for its success. The Bakingili people are also necessary for protection of the species’ natural area. Alucita tatjana Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. http://zoobank.org/2CCDE55D-7D9C-413C-A5B0-42833DE8F770 Figs 9, 10 Type material. Holotype * female, (NECJU 201904) Cameroon, PlanteCam, 1100 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1175°N, 9.0709°E, 09-14.IV.2015, V. Mai- cher, Sz. Safian, S. Janecek, R. Tropek; Paratype * 1 female, (CUK), Ekonjo, 1150 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (S slope), 4.0881°N, 9.1168°E, 24.X.2017, lgt. V. Maicher, P. Potocky, S. Delabye. Diagnosis. ‘The new species resembles Alucita mischenini Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2018 in the light colour of its wings and the wide medial band, but it differs in its larger size (21 mm vs. 12—15 mm wingspan). Additionally, the position and shape of dark mark- ings in the basal and distal portions of the wings differentiates A. tatjana from A. mischenini whose forewings bear extensive brown areas in in the basal portions and almost continuous dark brown marks covering the distal halves of the first two forewing lobes (Ustjuzhanin et al. 2018). Additionally, forewings of the new species differ from A. mischenini by the continuation of the brown medial band through most of the length of the second forewing lobe. In female genitalia, A. tatjana is similar to A. compsoxantha Meyrick, 1924 (Fig. 22), especially in the shape of the antrum and the absence of any signa in the bursa copulatrix. However, A. tatjana differs in its shorter and wider ductus and substantially shorter anterior and posterior apophyses. These species also differ in the colouration of their wings. External characters. Wingspan 21 mm. Head, thorax and tegulae with appressed white scales. Labial palpus twice as long as longitudinal eye diameter, white, with a brown band of the third segment, thin, apically tapered, sharp. Antenna white. Scape extended and flattened. Wings white with well-expressed wide median band, brown on forewing and almost black on hindwing. Subterminal band narrower, consisting of brown spots of scales, intermittently traced throughout all lobes. First forewing lobe apically brown. Second forewing lobe with brown colouration continuous between median band and subterminal band. Forewing basally white with well-expressed dark brown fringes near the base of the cleft between the second and third lobes. Hindwing basally white with scattered dark brown scales and a prominent dark brown marking across base of second to sixth lobes. Hind leg pale yellow (although not so apparent in Fig. 9). Description of many-plumed moths (Alucitidae) from Mount Cameroon 111 Figures 9, 10. Alucita tatjana Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. 9 adult female, Holotype, NEJCU 10 female genitalia, Holotype, preparation slide no. 201904. Scale bar: 5 mm. Female genitalia. Papilla analis narrow, elongated. Posterior and anterior apophy- ses thick, straight. Anterior apophyses equal in length to posterior apophyses. Antrum wide, goblet-like. Ductus short, expanded in median part around junction with ductus seminalis, and corrugated at junction with bursa copulatrix. Bursa copulatrix small, oval, without signa. Distribution. Cameroon. Flight period. April, October. Etymology. The species is a noun in apposition in honour to Petr Ustjuzhanin’s sister, Tatjana Ustjuzhanina. Alucita zuza Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. http://zoobank.org/3 EFBC3D5-E44D-4F58-A1 D4-3E5D049D58E3 Figs 11, 12 Type material. Holotype * 1 male, (NECJU 201905) Cameroon, Drink Gari, 650 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1014°N, 9.0610°E, 11—23.IV.2015, lgt. V. Maicher, Sz. Safidn, $. Janecek, R. Tropek; Paratypes * 1 male, (CUK), same data as the holotype * 1 male (CUK), PlanteCam, 1100 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1175°N, 9.0709°E, 29.1-07.11.2016, lgt. V. Maicher, Sz. Safian, R. Tropek e 1 male (CUK), Drink Gari, 650 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1014°N, 9.061°E, 20.XJ—10.X1I.2014, lgt. V. Maicher, Sz. Safian, R. Tropek. Diagnosis. In its male genitalia, the new species shares the elongated saccus and absence of valves with A. fokami (illustrated in Ustjuzhanin et al. 2018), but it differs in the narrow uncus which is not expanded apically, and in the absence of a long needle- like cornutus in the aedeagus. 12 Peter Ustjuzhanin et al. / ZooKeys 935: 103-119 (2020) Figures | 1, 12. Alucita zuza Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. II adult male, Holotype, NEJCU 12 male genitalia, Holotype, preparation slide no. 201905. Scale bar: 5 mm. External characters. Wingspan 12 mm. Head white, with two brown spots between antennae. Thorax and tegulae white. Labial palpus straight, 1.5 times as long as longi- tudinal eye diameter, with alternating white and dark bands on each segment. Third segment short, not tapered apically. Antenna yellow, with small dark brown spots basally, just above scape. Wings mottled in their dark parts. Forewing darker than hindwing, with predominance of dark brown spots and strokes, while these spots and strokes are less expressed on the hindwing, with predominance of pale-yellow portions. Wings basally white, although locally darkened with dark brown scales. Fringe with alternating portions of light and brown hairs. Hind leg pale yellow. Male genitalia. Uncus straight, finger-like, of even width. Gnathos and its arms wide, short. Valves absent. Anellus arms short, narrow, arched, apically sharp. Saccus very long, narrow, elongated, slightly expanded medially. Aedeagus straight, medially with two small, spinous cornuti (not apparent on Fig. 12). Distribution. Cameroon. Flight period. November till February, April. Etymology. The species name is a noun in apposition. It was named in honour of the ichthyologist Zuzana Musilova, Robert Tropek’s wife. Alucita deja Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. http://zoobank.org/9C094272-0A16-4CEA-AB05-CD4E3C04D27B Figs 13-15 Type material. Holotype * male (NECJU 201906), Cameroon, Bamboo Camp, 350 ma.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.0879°N, 9.0505°E, 20.XII.2014, lgt. V. Maicher, Sz. Safian, S. Janeéek, R. Tropek. Paratypes * 1 female (CUK), PlanteCam, Description of many-plumed moths (Alucitidae) from Mount Cameroon 1 Biss) Figures 13-15. Alucita deja Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. 13 adult female, Paratype, NEJCU 14 male genitalia, Holotype, preparation slide no. 201906 15 female genitalia, Paratype, preparation slide no. 201909. Scale bar: 5 mm. 1100 ma.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1175°N, 9.0709°E, 11—18.XII.2014, lgt. V. Maicher, Sz. Safian, S. Janecek, R. Tropek * 1 female (NECJU 201909), Plant- eCam, 1100 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1175°N, 9.0709°E, 11-23. IV.2015, lgt. V. Maicher, Sz. Sfidn, S. Janeéek, R. Tropek. Diagnosis. A/ucita deja differs from other Alucita species by the distinctive white mir- rors on its abdomen. The new species’ male genitalia are similar to A. janeceki Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, 2018 in the absence of valves and the shape of the saccus (illustrated in Ustjuzhanin et al. 2018), but A. deja differs in the smoothly rounded apex of its uncus, the apically sharp anellus arms, jagged acicular cornuti in the aedeagus, and the wing colouration. External characters. Female wingspan 15 mm, male wingspan 13 mm. Head with pure-white appressed scales. Thorax and tegulae also pure white anteriorly, sharply con- trasting with dark brown posterior portions. Labial palpus short, 1.5 times as long as longitudinal eye diameter. Third segment short, not tapered apically. Antenna brown. Scape pure white. Wings and fringes dark brown. First lobe of forewing with white band around 1/3, narrow white band around 3/5 and yellowish-brown band edged with white around 4/5. Several irregular fine white cross-lines across all other lobes and fringes of both wings. Hind leg yellowish-brown. Fourth, sixth and last tergites of ab- domen with mirrors of pure-white scales. Abdomen completely pure-white ventrally. Male genitalia. Uncus straight, long, of even width. Gnathos short, wide, apically expanded. Valves not developed. Anellus arms straight, apically sharp. Saccus shaped as elongated oval, with small notch at apex. Aedeagus robust, slightly shorter than entire genital structure, with jagged acicular cornuti from its medial part to apex. Female genitalia. Papilla analis narrow, elongated. Posterior apophyses thin, straight, shorter than anterior apophyses. Antrum wide, sclerotized, shaped as truncated tube with extended ostium. Outer edge of ostium jagged. Ductus wide and corrugated at its con- fluence to antrum and bursa copulatrix. Ductus seminalis short, bag-like, membranous, departing from confluence of ductus to antrum. Bursa copulatrix of irregular oval shape with elongated protrusion at apex. Distribution. Cameroon. 114 Peter Ustjuzhanin et al. / ZooKeys 935: 103-119 (2020) Figures 16-18. Alucita bokwango Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. 16 adult male, Paratype, NE- JCU 17 male genitalia, Holotype, preparation slide no. 201907 18 female genitalia, Paratype, preparation slide no. 201910. Scale bar: 5 mm. Flight period. April, December. Etymology. The species name is a noun in apposition in honour of the limnologist and cyanobacteria specialist, Andreja Kust, a dear soulmate of Vincent Maicher. Alucita bokwango Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. http://zoobank.org/C84BA8AD-3588-494F-86C8-55 DEA44AC84 1 Figs 16-18 Type material. Holotype * male (NECJU 201907), Cameroon, Elephant Camp, 1850 m a.s.., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1170°N, 9.0729°E, 19—24.X1.2014, lgt. V. Mai- cher, Sz. Sdfidn, S. Janeéek, R. Tropek. Paratypes * 1 female, (NECJU 201910), + 16 ex., (NECJU, CUK), same data as holotype * 1 male, (CUK), PlanteCam, 1100 ma.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1175°N, 9.0709°E, 06—15.11.2016, lgt. V. Maicher, Sz. Safian, R. Tropek * 2 ex., (CUK, NECJU), PlanteCam, 1100 m a.s.l., 4.1175°N, 9.0709°E, 11—18.XII.2014, lgt. V. Maicher, Sz. Safidn, S. Janetek, R. Tropek * 1 male (CUK), Crater Lake, 1500 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1443°N, 9.0717°E, 11-21.11.2016, Igt. P. Potocky, Sz. Safin, J. Mertens, S. Janecek, R. Tropek * 1 male (CUK), Elephant Camp, 1850 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1170°N, 9.0729°E, 17—22.11.2017, lgt. P. Potocky, Sz. Safian, J. Mertens, S. Janeéek, R. Tropek * 1 male (NECJU), Mann’s Spring, 2200 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1428°N, 9.1225°E, 16—21.1V.2017, lgt. V. Maicher, P. Potocky, S. Delabye * 1 male (CUK), Cra- ter Lake, 1500 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1443°N, 9.0717°E, 23-29. IV.2017, lgt. V. Maicher, P. Potocky, S. Delabye * 8 ex., (NECJU, CUK), Elephant Camp, 1850 m as.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1170°N, E9.0729°E, 18-26.IV.2017, lgt. V. Maicher, P. Potocky, S. Delabye * 5 ex. (CUK, NECJU), Mapanja, 1850 m as.L., Mount Cameroon (S slope), 4.1157°N, 9.1315°E, 05-14.V.2017, lgt. V. Maicher, P. Po- tocky, S. Delabye * 6 ex. (CUK, NECJU), Mapanja, 1850 m a.s.l., Mount Cameroon (SW slope), 4.1157°N, 9.1315°E, 23—28.X.2017, lgt. V. Maicher, P. Potocky, S. Delabye. Description of many-plumed moths (Alucitidae) from Mount Cameroon 115 Figures |9-24. Comparative illustrations of other A/ucita species mentioned in the new species’ diag- noses 19.A. balioxantha (Meyrick, 1921), type, male genitalia 20 A. tesserata (Meyrick, 1918), type, male genitalia 21 A. rhaptica (Meyrick, 1920), female genitalia 22 A. compsoxantha (Meyrick, 1924), type, female genitalia 23 A. chloracta (Meyrick, 1908), type, adult female 24 A. chloracta, type, female genitalia. Diagnosis. The new species resembles Alucita chloracta (Meyrick, 1908) in its ex- ternal characters and the structure of the male genitalia. Genitalia of A. bokwango differs from A. chloracta in the needle-like apex of the uncus and the oval apical expan- sions of the valvae, whilst the uncus of A. chloracta is noticeably widened apically with a notch and valvae have a rounded apex. In its female genitalia, A. bokwango differs from A. chloracta (Fig. 24) in the short narrow ductus, wide funnel-shaped antrum and absence of a plaque-like signum in the bursa copulatrix. The wing colouration of A. bokwango is more contrasted than in A. chloracta (Fig. 23), and the new species is also substantially larger (23-25 mm vs. 15—16 mm wingspan). External characters. Wingspan 23-25 mm. Head, thorax, tegulae and abdomen all dark brown. Labial palpus yellowish-brown, three times as long as longitudinal eye diameter, directed forward. Third segment thin, apically tapered. Antenna pale brown, with small dark brown spots basally, just above scape. Wings brown, outer edge slightly 116 Peter Ustjuzhanin et al. / ZooKeys 935: 103-119 (2020) lighter. Medial band on all wings whitish, almost transparent, interspersed with brown portions of hairs on lobes fringe. Hind leg yellow. Male genitalia. Uncus thin, long, needle-shaped. Gnathos equal to uncus in length, apically sharp. Valves long, membranous, smoothly forming an oval api- cally. Anellus arms straight, narrow, equal to gnathos in their length. Saccus oval. Aedeagus robust, thick, almost equal in length to genital structure without uncus, two spinous cornuti distally. Female genitalia. Papilla analis oval, wide throughout length. Posterior apophyses slightly shorter than anterior, thick and slightly undulated. Antrum wide, funnel-like. Ductus short, thin, membranous. Bursa copulatrix large, oval, with two large, lanceo- late signa (although not clearly apparent in Fig. 18). Distribution. Cameroon. Flight period. October-May Etymology. The species is named after Bokwango, a village on the eastern slope of Mount Cameroon where our project established its main base and where we made a lot of good friends. Many of the species records were also made in forests belonging to the village. Last but not least, most of our field assistants and other helpers came from Bokwango and we are thankful to all of them for the success of the project. We strongly believe this dedication will also help protect the unique biodiversity of the region. Note. 18 specimens from Elephant Camp, 19—24.XI.2014, and two specimens from PlanteCam, 11—18.XII.2014, (all lgt. V. Maicher, Sz. Safian, S. Janecéek, R. Tro- pek), were erroneously indicated as A. chloracta by Ustjuzhanin et al. (2018). The other A. chloracta specimens referred by Ustjuzhanin et al. (2018) from Bamboo Camp, Drink Gari and PlanteCam were identified correctly. Discussion With the seven newly described Alucita species, the known diversity of many-plumed moths on Mount Cameroon has been increased to 22 species (Table 1). Altogether, 19 of these species were collected in the single locality, PlanteCam (Table 1), but the general diversity patterns will be analysed only once the complete Alucita material from our collections is processed. This comprises more than a quarter of the known Afrotropical diversity of many-plumed moths. At most, only a few species of the group are known from other localities in the region (Ustjuzhanin et al. 2018; De Prins and De Prins 2019). Although microlepidopteran diversity in the Guineo-Congolian forest zone remains largely unknown, discoveries of multiple undescribed species of many- plumed moths from a single locality is unexpected (Ustjuzhanin et al. 2018). Mount Cameroon is known to harbour high diversity in many groups, including Lepidoptera (e.g., Ballesteros-Mejia et al. 2013; Maicher et al. 2016; Przybylowicz et al. 2019; Delabye et al. 2020). This is usually explained as a result of the combina- tion of its position at the border between the Guinean and Congolian biogeographic regions, its diversity of habitats along the elevational and precipitation gradients, Description of many-plumed moths (Alucitidae) from Mount Cameroon 117 Table |. Summary of all specimens of Alucita moths sampled on Mount Cameroon in this study and by Ustjuzhanin et al. (2018). ike Ss. % § ~ H) atde * Sees "S Sampling locality Altitude & = & S 8 N 8 S s x . 8S 3 S S 8 TESSP SPLIT PPS ES SEs Tse SS SPSS RTP GST IS SIP EP ATE § <3) SSS SSS SSS SS SS oS SS SS Bimbia-Bonadikombo 30m 1 Bamboo Camp 350m" (15.3 a 7 Lie? Pract 6 4 Drink Gari 650 m 1 1 i. 1nd 3 PlanteCam 1100 m il Oe wien em ee lee ie By Be ill me ede Ekonjo 1150m 1 1 Crater Lake 1450 m 2 Elephant Camp 1850 m ai z 7 Mapanja 1850 m 11 1 Manns Spring 2200 m 1 and its isolated “sky island” character (Ustjuzhanin et al. 2018). Nevertheless, even such unique combination of conditions can hardly explain why Mount Cameroon so strongly outnumbers all other Afrotropical localities in the species richness of its many-plumed moths. Of the known 22 Alucita species, 16 have been described from the site and have not yet been found anywhere else. Although it is highly expected that some of these will be distributed more widely, several of the newly described species are distinctive and unmistakable in their appearance. These are unlikely to have been overlooked in collections. Therefore, we expect that most of this many-plumed moth diversity is endemic to the study area. Several other poten- tially endemic species of moths (e.g., Yakovlev and Safian 2016; De Prins and De Prins 2019; Przybytowicz et al. 2019;) and butterflies (e.g., Larsen 2005; Safian and Tropek, 2016; Safian et al. 2019) are already known from Mount Cameroon. Never- theless, the real character of the endemism within Alucitidae on Mount Cameroon, as well as the mechanisms underlying the group’s speciation (or even local radiation), will need more detailed research. Acknowledgements We are indebted to Francis E. Luma, Stépan Janeéek, Pavel Potocky, Jan E.J. Mertens, Jennifer T. Kimbeng, Mercy Murkwe, Ismeal N. Kobe, Congo S. Kulu, and several other assistants for their help in the field; Eric B. Fokam for help with permits and other price- less support; the MCNP staff for all their assistance; Sergey Reshetnikov (Novosibirsk, Russia) for photographs of adult specimens; and Donald Hobern for his constructive comments to the earlier manuscript draft. This study was performed under several au- thorisations from the Ministries of the Republic of Cameroon for Forestry and Wildlife, and for Research and Innovations. Our project was funded (through RT|, VM and SD) 118 Peter Ustjuzhanin et al. / ZooKeys 935: 103-119 (2020) by the Czech Science Foundation (16-11164Y), the Charles University (PRIMUS/17/ SCI/8 and UNCE204069), and the University of South Bohemia (GAJU030/2016/P and 152/2016/P). The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. References Ballesteros-Mejia L, Kitching IJ, Jetz W, Nagel P, Beck J (2013) Mapping the biodiversity of tropical insects: species richness and inventory completeness of African sphingid moths. Global Ecology and Biogeography 22: 586-595. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12039 De Prins J, De Prins W (2019) AfroMoths. Online database of Afrotropical moth species (Lepi- doptera). 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