Spatulosia smithi Volynkin, 2025, sp. n.

A new species of moth, Spatulosia smithi, has been discovered within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua. This species is distinguished by its relatively large size (forewing length 8.5–9.5 mm) and deep ochreous brown forewing ground color, setting it apart from similar congeners like S. pringlei and S. clavata. Key diagnostic features include the configuration of the male genital capsule and a uniquely structured phallus with a long, heavily sclerotized ventral carina bearing a massive claw-shaped process. The discovery was made through entomological expeditions in the Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda, utilizing MV light traps to collect specimens. Molecular data for this species are currently unavailable, but its distribution spans these three countries, contributing to our understanding of biodiversity within this critical World Heritage Site.

Volynkin, A. V. (2025). Spatulosia smithi Volynkin, 2025, sp. n. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.20166207