A new species of Afrodiaphanes Geisthardt, 2007 (Coleoptera, Lampyridae), the first firefly described from the Central African Republic

FANTI, FABRIZIO; Pankowski, Maximilian G.

doi:10.11646/zootaxa.5200.2.6

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 5 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…This could mean that the species are also present in Nigeria or might be invasive in Nigeria. According to Fanti & Pankowski (2022) who described a new species of firefly in Central Africa Republic based on the morphological features, the greatest diversity of fireflies is in Africa but a large number of them are undescribed and the taxonomy of fireflies in Africa has not been a subject of serious study. In Nsukka, Nigeria we chose to identify Abscondita sp.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…With the current concern on the increasing light pollution and habitat degradation on fireflies, it has been suggested to develop a user-friendly tool for identification of fireflies for accessing the faunal composition and effective conservation of the species (Luk et al, 2011). A few of the recent studies on fireflies in Africa include a description of new genus Afrodiaphanes Geisthardt (2007) and a description of a new species of Afrodiaphanes pulcher (Fanti & Pankowski, 2022).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Morphological and Molecular identification of firefly (<i>Abscondita</i> sp.) from Nsukka Nigeria

Onah

2023

dujopas

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The beetle family Lampyridae (fireflies) are fascinating group of insects known for their characteristic lighting patterns. The light of firefly is produced from their abdomen by a chemical reaction of the organic compound luciferase. There is lack of information on the species composition and biodiversity of fireflies in Africa despite the speculations that Africa is the richest continent in firefly species diversity. To date, there is no taxonomic key for morphological identification of fireflies of Africa. In addition, there is no reference DNA barcodes for African fireflies in GenBank to enhance species identification using DNA barcoding. These knowledge gaps hamper the study and harnessing the economic and ecological benefits of fireflies in the ecosystem in the continent. The objective of this study was to identify a species of firefly collected in Nsukka using both morphological and molecular methods to encourage and kickstart research on fireflies in Africa. The firefly was collected in the study area using direct capture with the aid of insect net. The species was identified using picture vouchers and keys from Canada and South East Asia. The firefly was identified as Abscondita anceyi using morphological method. Molecular method employed amplified and sequenced 658 bp of the barcode region of the COI gene of the firefly samples. DNA barcoding showed the firefly has a similarity of 89.06% with Abscondita chinensis. Molecular phylogeny based on the COI gene clustered the samples with Abscondita chinensis but in a different branch of the tree. The firefly thus belongs to the genus Abscondita but its specific name is yet to be determined. This is the first barcode of fireflies of the subfamily Luciolinae in Africa. We call for a follow up in documenting fireflies of Africa to harness their benefits in the environment.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Morphological and Molecular identification of firefly (<i>Abscondita</i> sp.) from Nsukka Nigeria

Onah

2023

dujopas

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Illuminating Firefly Diversity: Trends, Threats and Conservation Strategies

Lewis,

Jusoh,

Walker

et al. 2024

Insects

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Fireflies are a diverse group of bioluminescent beetles belonging to the family Lampyridae. Recent research on their diversity, evolution, behavior and conservation has greatly advanced our scientific understanding of these charismatic insects. In this review, we first summarize new discoveries about their taxonomic and ecological diversity, then focus on recent endeavors to identify and protect threatened fireflies around the world. We outline the main threats linked to recent population declines (habitat loss and degradation, light pollution, pesticide overuse, climate change and tourism) and describe relevant risk factors that predict which species will be particularly vulnerable to these threats. Although global coordination of firefly conservation efforts has begun only recently, considerable progress has already been made. We describe work by the IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group to identify species currently facing elevated extinction risks and to devise conservation strategies to protect them. To date, IUCN Red List assessments have been completed for 150 firefly taxa, about 20% of which face heightened extinction risks. The conservation status for many species has yet to be determined due to insufficient information, although targeted surveys and community science projects have contributed valuable new data. Finally, we highlight some examples of successful firefly habitat protection and restoration efforts, and we use the framework of the IUCN SSC Species Conservation Cycle to point out high-priority actions for future firefly conservation efforts.

show abstract

A new species of Afrodiaphanes Geisthardt, 2007 (Coleoptera, Lampyridae), the first firefly described from the Central African Republic

Abstract: A new species of firefly, Afrodiaphanes pulcher sp. nov., is described, diagnosed and illustrated. This is the first species of Afrodiaphanes described from the Central African Republic as well as the first firefly described from this nation.

Cited by 2 publications

References 5 publications

Morphological and Molecular identification of firefly (<i>Abscondita</i> sp.) from Nsukka Nigeria

Morphological and Molecular identification of firefly (<i>Abscondita</i> sp.) from Nsukka Nigeria

Illuminating Firefly Diversity: Trends, Threats and Conservation Strategies

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About