Moth diversity on Mount Cameroon, a critical biodiversity hotspot in the Afrotropics, remains understudied despite the region's rich and unique ecosystems. In this study, 34 species of plume moths (Pterophoridae) were recorded from the Mount Cameroon region, including four species new to science: Titanoptilusbigoti Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Titanoptilusmurkwe Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Hellinsiaekonjo Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., and Hellinsiamapanja Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. Images of the adult type specimen and male genitalia for Titanoptilusmelanodonta Hampson, 1905 are published for the first time. In addition, 25 species are reported as new records for the Cameroonian fauna, raising the number of known Pterophoridae species in the country from 19 to 48. The results significantly expand our understanding of plume moth diversity in the region and extend the known distribution range of several species. These findings emphasise the importance of Mount Cameroon as a biodiversity hotspot within the Afrotropics. Enhanced conservation efforts are essential to preserve the unique biodiversity of Mount Cameroon, especially considering threats such as ongoing habitat degradation in some parts of the region and climate change.

• Keywords
• Afrotropics, Cameroon, Pterophoridae, biodiversity, microlepidoptera, new species, taxonomy, tropical rainforest,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

This study confirms Mount Cameroon as an unprecedented hotspot for the diversity of many-plumed moths, with the discovery and description of nine new species: Alucitafako Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Alucitapyrczi Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Alucitasroczki Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Alucitapotockyi Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Alucitasedlaceki Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Alucitatonda Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Alucitaerzayi Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., Alucitasokolovi Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov., and Alucitahirsuta Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. Additionally, four additional species are reported from the Mount Cameroon area as new for the country: Alucitaagassizi, Alucitadohertyi, Alucitaplumigera, and Alucitarhaptica. Of the 89 Alucitidae known from the Afrotropics, the studied area hosts 36 species, most of which are endemic to the area. This unprecedented level of diversity and endemism within this lepidopteran family highlights Mount Cameroon's significance as a stronghold for specialised insect taxa. Efficient conservation efforts are necessary to protect these ecosystems and their associated unique microlepidopteran diversity.

• Keywords
• Afrotropics, Alucita, Cameroon, biodiversity, endemic, microlepidoptera, taxonomy, tropical rainforest,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH