Between 2015 and 2022, over 200 wells were sampled in four catchment areas of Benin, using both Cvetkov plankton nets (funnel 200 μm mesh size, 150 μm below valve) and baited traps. As artificial wells serve as ecotones (interfaces between surface and groundwater ecosystems), the ostracod fauna is mostly represented by two families; Cyprididae (mainly epigeic) and Candonidae (hypogeic). Here, we describe a new subfamily of Candonidae from the wells in Benin, the Benincandoninae subfam. nov. Hotèkpo & Martens, represented by one genus, Benincandona gen. nov. Hotèkpo & Martens. we found 35 species belonging to this evolutionary radiation, of which we describe five new species: Benincandona martini gen. et spec. nov. Hotèkpo & Martens, B. ibikounlei gen. et spec. nov. Hotèkpo & Martens, B. sakitii gen. et spec. nov. Hotèkpo & Martens, B. cebios gen. et spec. nov. Hotèkpo & Martens and B. trapezoides gen. et spec. nov. Hotèkpo & Martens. The new subfamily and genus are characterised by a unique combination of characters, such as a seven-segmented antennula and a caudal ramus with a fully developed ramus, a single apical (anterior) claw and three short setae. Species within the genus can be distinguished by their carapace and hemipenis morphology, together with some limb characteristics. whereas extensive subterranean candonid radiations have previously been reported from Europe, North and Central America and Northwest Australia (Pilbara), this is the first time such a vast radiation of subterranean candonids is reported from (west) Africa.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2024
We report a new genus and species of herbivorous mammal, Pahelia mysteriosa, from the early Eocene Cambay Shale Formation, Tadkeshwar Lignite Mine, Gujarat, India. The new taxon, approximately the size of a small phenacodontid (e.g. Ectocion parvus), is represented by three mandibular fragments, the most complete of which documents nearly the entire symphysis and mandibular body plus P3–M3. Pahelia has incipiently selenolophodont molars with strong exodaenodonty, absent paraconids, weak but distinct entolophids, and prominent ectostylids. Molar size increases distally, but M3 does not develop a prominent third lobe. Premolars are simple, with prominent protoconids and short talonids but little development of other trigonid cusps. The mandibular symphysis is strongly fused, and there is an enlarged alveolus for an anterior tooth. The combination of features present in the new taxon does not closely match that of any known mammal, but there are some similarities to a diversity of ungulates from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. Preserved morphology is insufficient to assess the affinities of the new taxon with confidence, but a link to Quettacyonidae, also endemic to the Indian subcontinent, is morphologically and biogeographically plausible. If this scenario is correct, it suggests that P. mysteriosa could be a part of the endemic mammalian fauna of India prior to its initial faunal contact with Asia.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2018
