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
The reliquary of Jacques de Vitry, a prominent clergyman and theologian in the early 13th century, has experienced several transfers over the last centuries, which seriously question the attribution of the remains to the late Cardinal. Uncertainty about the year of his birth poses an additional question regarding his age at death in 1240. The reliquary, located in the Saint Marie d’Oigines church, Belgium, was reopened in 2015 for an interdisciplinary study around his relics as well as the Treasure of Oignies, a remarkable cultural heritage notably built from Jacques de Vitry’s donation. Anthropological, isotopic and genetic analyses were performed independently on the remains found in the reliquary. Results of the analyses provided evidence that the likelihood that these remains are those of Jacques de Vitry is very high: the remains belong to the same human male individual and the historical tradition about his age is confirmed. In addition, a separate relic (left tibia) was analysed and found to match with the remains of the reliquary (right tibia). The unique Jacques de Vitry’s mitre, made of parchment, was sampled non-destructively and the extracted parchment collagen was analysed by a proteomic method in order to determine the animal species. The results showed that, surprisingly, not all parts of the mitre were made from the same species. All together, these findings are expected to fertilize knowledge carried by historical tradition around the relics of Jacques de Vitry and his related cultural heritage.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2019
