taxonID	type	description	language	source
1D5087DAFFE2214DFF1EFEFE4107FDDF.taxon	discussion	Remarks. (1) In his fundamental work, Krüger (2015) provided a detailed description of the genus Archithosia sensu lato but the diagnosis was not informative and the only important diagnostic feature mentioned was the presence of a basal saccular process called the ‘ free valvella’ by the author, which is unique among the Afrotropical Lithosiina. (2) Archithosia gilvafrons described from Nigeria based on a single female specimen was included by Krüger (2015) in the genus Archithosia without its subgeneric placement being specified as its female genitalia are substantially different from those of all lineages in the complex. After comparing its genitalia structures illustrated by Durante & Panzera (2002) with other genera of Afrotropical Lithosiina, they proved to express diagnostic characters typical of the genus Coniopsyche Krüger, 2015 therefore the name gilvafrons is excluded from Archithosia and transferred to Coniopsyche in the present paper (see below).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE2214DFF1EFEFE4107FDDF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Species of the Archithosia generic complex range from medium-sized to relatively large footman moths with forewing ground colour varying from ochreous yellow to brown or fuscous and forewing pattern expressed as two dark spots on the costal margin and anal vein postmedially, which are in many species enclosed by a strongly angled transverse fascia. The male genitalia of the Archithosia generic complex are characteristic among the Afrotropical Lithosiini due to the presence of the basal saccular process (called the ‘ valvella’ by Birket- Smith (1965) and Krüger (2015 )), which is apparently a plesiomorphic feature of the group. This process is narrow, spike- or rod-shaped, and its base protrudes into the diaphragm and is fused with it along the lateral margin of the juxta but separated from the latter by a narrow membranous or gelatinous strip. In addition to the basal saccular process, the male genitalia of the Archithosia generic complex are characterised by the combination of the following characters. (1) The uncus is thick and in certain groups proximally swollen. (2) The scaphium is present, string- or narrow plate-like, weakly sclerotised, and in certain groups partly gelatinous. (3) The editum is present, plate- or fold-like, and in certain groups bears a distal ampulla. (4) The ventral margin of the costa is fused with the dorsal margin of the editum proximally or along its whole length forming an editum-costa complex. The latter can bear a distal process (in Acanthosia and Architesma), which topographically belongs rather to the ventral, editum side of the complex and therefore it is also herein suggested it be referred to as the ampulla. (5) The valvula is long and broad, has weak secondary sclerotisation (only its ventro-basal part is membranous) and forms the distal part of the dorsal section of the valva (‘ supravalva’ sensu Birket-Smith (1965 )). (6) The sacculus is well-sclerotised and well-separated from the dorsal section of the valva. (7) The phallus is cylindrical with a ventral carina protruding into the base of the vesica but not forming a free process. (8) The vesica has one or two subbasal diverticula and a longer distal diverticulum; the vesica ejaculatorius originates from the proximal section of the vesica. The female genitalia of the Archithosia generic complex are characterised by the combination of the following features. (1) The sterigma is fully developed and consists of the fold-like antevaginal plate edging the ostium bursae anteriorly or covering it ventrally (in certain species of Architesma), and the long and broad postvaginal formation which can be entirely plate-like with rugose margins, or plate-like medially with swollen lateral parts, which are fused with the antevaginal plate laterally. In their paper, Durante et al. (2024) erroneously called the lateral swollen parts of the postvaginal formation of A. henricus the ‘ VIII sternite’ while also referring to the medial, weakly sclerotised and finely scobinate part as the ‘ membranous caudal portion of ostium bursae. ’ However, the 8 th sternite in the Archithosia generic complex, as well as in most other Lithosiini, is membranous or finely scobinate (except Archithosia, the sternite of which has lateral sclerotised plates articulated with the apophysis anterior), while the sterigma is a derivative of the enlarged ventral section of the intersegmental membrane between the 7 th and 8 th sternites (well-recognisable in Archithosia and the morphologically similar Tesma Birket-Smith, 1965). (2) The corpus bursae is clearly subdivided into the anterior and posterior sections, of which the former is broad, elliptical or nearly globular, granulose or finely scobinate, and bears a single small signum, which can be elliptical, rounded or teardrop-shaped. The posterior section is narrow and duct-like, and in most genera (except Asbolopsyche) bears sclerotised areas of various shapes and sizes, which are genus- and species-specific. (3) The appendix bursae is very short or completely reduced and situated in the posterior end of the posterior section of the corpus bursae dorsally near the connection with the ductus bursae (or the ostium bursae in groups with a reduced ductus bursae). The genitalia of the Archithosia generic complex are morphologically similar to the genus Tesma but besides the presence of the basal saccular process, differ in the thin and weakly sclerotised scaphium, which is heavily sclerotised and broadly triangular plate-like in Tesma (see: Krüger 2015). The female genitalia of Architesma are distinguished from Tesma by the larger and more complex sterigma, and the reduced appendix bursae, which is well-developed and utricular or conical in Tesma (see: Krüger 2015).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE2214DFF1EFEFE4107FDDF.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The Archithosia generic complex is widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most species are distributed in the Congolian Region and associated with rain forests but a number of taxa also occur in the Zambezian and Ethiopian Regions, where they inhabit Afromontane and gallery forests.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE3214DFF1EFC8845D1FB82.taxon	description	– A. pervolgata sp. n. – A. kruegeri sp. n.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE3214DFF1EFD724669FCD1.taxon	description	= Sozuza decipiens Holland, 1893 = Eilema quadripunctata Rothschild, 1912	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE3214DFF1EFB78459EFAD7.taxon	description	– A. nyungwe sp. n. – A. acanthosioides sp. n.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE3214AFF1EFA8E45E6FF31.taxon	description	– A. angulifascia (Strand, 1913), comb. n.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE3214AFF1EFA8E45E6FF31.taxon	description	– A. nkwaji sp. n. – A. diffusa sp. n.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE3214AFF1EFA8E45E6FF31.taxon	description	– A. bassa sp. n. – A. turlini sp. n. – A. odzala sp. n. – A. ndoki sp. n. – A. dolgomoides sp. n. – A. smithi sp. n. – A. inermis sp. n.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE4214BFF1EFE5E4540FC08.taxon	discussion	Remarks. (1) Species of the genus are variable in their size, forewing shape and ground colour (varying from ochreous to greyish-brown) as well as the degree of the transverse line expression, which is in most specimens represented by two spots on the costal margin and the anal vein but can also be continuous. Dark specimens are externally very similar to members of the genus Acanthosia and even the clarification of their generic placement in many cases requires the examination of the genitalia structures, which are clearly different in the two genera. The male genital capsule is very uniform within Archithosia and the main diagnostic characters are found in the vesica configuration while in the female genitalia, the shape and size of the sclerotised posterior section of the corpus bursae are diagnostic. (2) The genus comprises several species with partly overlapping ranges, which, along with the high individual polymorphism, requires dissection of all specimens examined for accurate identification, while the reliable matching of males and females is possible only with molecular methods or breeding experiments. For these reasons, the taxonomy of Archithosia is problematic as the neotype of its type species is a female (Birket-Smith 1965), and an integrative revision of the genus will be published later in a separate paper (Volynkin, in prep.).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE4214BFF1EFE5E4540FC08.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Species of Archithosia (Figs 1, 2) are medium-sized moths with forewing ground colour varying from ochreous yellow to brown and the forewing pattern expressed as two dark spots on the costal margin and anal vein postmedially, which are in certain species enclosed in an angled transverse fascia. The genital structures of Archithosia are characterised by the combination of the following features. Male (Fig. 89). (1) The uncus is short and cylindrical (similar to Asbolopsyche and Macrodicella whereas it is proximally swollen in Acanthosia and most Architesma). (2) The scaphium is string-like and gelatinous with only the basal section weakly sclerotised (it is fully sclerotised in other similar genera). (3) The tegumen is downcurved, its arms are anteriorly strongly dilated and fused in their anterior two-thirds (similar to Acanthosia with its arms of the tegumen fused in their anterior half whereas in Asbolopsyche, Macrodicella and Architesma the tegumen is straighter and its arms are anteriorly narrower and fused only in their anterior third or less). The ventral ends of the arms of the tegumen are rounded and swollen whereas they are flattened and tapered in other similar genera. (4) The arms of the vinculum are narrow but heavily sclerotised (vs. broader, strip-like arms in other similar genera). (5) The valva is short, approximately as long as the tegumen-vinculum complex (similar to Acanthosia, which has, however, a longer distal saccular process, whereas the valva is considerably longer than the tegumen-vinculum complex in Asbolopsyche, Macrodicella and Architesma). (6) The costa is short and occupies only the basal section of the dorsal margin of the valva. (7) The editum is elongate and narrow, ca. half of the valva length, directed to the center of the valva at an acute angle to its dorsal margin, basally fused with the costa, and bears a conical ampulla apically. (8) The tendon is present but very short. The main part of the diaphragmal section of the transtilla is membranous. (9) The basal saccular process is robust and relatively long, reaching the dorsal corner of the basis valvae or exceeding it. (10) The dorsal margin of the saccular pocket possesses an irregularly dentate, crest-like process medially whereas the sacculus of Acanthosia, Macrodicella and Architesma is smooth and only in Asbolopsyche is it scobinate or spinulose. (11) The distal saccular process is short and leaf-shaped, with irregularly dentate margins, flattened and with a setose crest on its inner surface. (12) The ental ends of the sacculi are elongate but fully separated from each other by the intersaccular membrane (similar to Asbolopsyche whereas in other genera of the complex the sacculi are articulated by the gelatinous intersaccular bridge). (13) The juxta is solid and separated from the ental ends of the sacculi by a thin membrane (whereas in other similar genera the juxta is articulated with the ental ends of the sacculi, except for Asbolopsyche, in which, however, the juxta consists of two plates articulated by a thick membranous fold). (14) The anellus is membranous with thin and weakly sclerotised, ribbon-like transverse plates dorsally and ventrally. (15) The phallus is large and broad in proportion to the genital capsule, the largest in the generic complex, with a broad and rounded coecum. (16) The vesica possesses one or two subbasal diverticula, the largest, tubular distal diverticulum with a short subdiverticulum in its distal half, which bears a claw-shaped cornutus. Female (Fig. 150). (1) The 8 th tergite is moderately sclerotised and band-like whereas the 8 th sternite is medially membranous and finely scobinate but with trapezoidal lateral sclerotised plates (a feature unique within the generic complex), the postero-lateral, tapered ends of which are articulated with the bases of the apophyses anteriores while their anterior and dilated ends are connected to the latero-posterior margins of the sterigma by the thin gelatinous folds. (2) The postvaginal formation of the sterigma consists of a smooth anterior trapezoidal plate with a postero-medial concavity anteriorly encircling the rounded and weakly gelatinous postero-medial fold. (3) The antevaginal section of the sterigma is represented by the weakly sclerotised, narrow, transverse strip-like antevaginal plate. (4) The ductus bursae is short and dorso-ventrally flattened, heavily sclerotised ventrally and membranous dorsally. (5) The posterior section of the corpus bursae is somewhat narrower than the anterior one, heavily sclerotised anteriorly and medially, and weakly gelatinous and rugose posteriorly, with a short but broad ventro-lateral pocket medially. (6) The anterior section of the corpus bursae is posteriorly gelatinous, rugose and with short lateral diverticula, while its anterior section is membranous, finely scobinate and bears a small signum dorsally (whereas in other genera of the generic complex it is entirely membranous and finely scobinate). (7) The appendix bursae is short, conical or semiglobular, membranous, covering the ductus bursae ventrally.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE4214BFF1EFE5E4540FC08.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The genus has the largest range in the generic complex, which stretches from south-eastern Guinea in the west to southern Ethiopia in the east and reaching southern Mozambique in the south.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE52148FF1EFBDE4115F812.taxon	discussion	Remarks. (1) Species of the genus are externally polymorphic and no reliable diagnostic external features were found. As the species’ ranges are overlapping, identification requires the dissection of all specimens examined. In the male genitalia structures, a significant range of intraspecific variability was found in the length and width of the distal saccular process and its proximal lobe, which was observed even within the same population and therefore has no taxonomic value. (2) The only species of the genus unstudied during the present work is A. similis Birket-Smith, 1965 described from Mount Cameroon. According to the original description (Birket-Smith 1965), it has a male genital capsule ground plan very similar to A. tryphosa with the only difference between the two species being the ampulla shape, which is more elongate, thorn-shaped, and dentate in A. similis but short and crest-like in A. tryphosa. In the ANHRT collections, there is a short series of Acanthosia specimens from northern Malawi (Mzuzu Wildlife Sanctuary) with the male genital capsule clearly matching the original description of A. similis. However, considering the geographic remoteness and the fact that the vesica structure of A. similis remains unknown, it is currently impossible to identify the Malawian population until Cameroonian specimens of A. similis are examined. (3) Birket-Smith (1965) placed Phryganopsis flavifrontella Strand, 1912 in Archithosia sensu lato based on the incorrect treatment of the taxon, which was caused by the erroneous identification of certain Acanthosia species as flavifrontella. This treatment was followed by Krüger (2015), who associated flavifrontella with his new subgenus Acanthosia of Archithosia. Nevertheless, the type specimen of flavifrontella is clearly not congeneric with the type species of Acanthosia and therefore this species is excluded from Acanthosia and placed in a new genus Flavifronthosia gen. n. described below in the present paper. In turn, the “ Archithosia flavifrontella ” sensu Birket-Smith (1965) and Krüger (2015) is an Acanthosia species new to science and is also described below in the present paper as Acanthosia pervolgata sp. n.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE52148FF1EFBDE4115F812.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Members of the genus (Figs 3 – 33) are medium-sized moths with forewing ground colour varying from ochreous brown to dark brown and the forewing pattern expressed as two irregular dark spots on the costal margin and anal vein postmedially, and fuscous suffusion between them, which sometimes forms a diffuse, angled transverse fascia. The genital structures of Acanthosia are characterised by the combination of the following features. Male (Figs 90 – 109). (1) The uncus has a swollen proximal section and a narrow and straight distal section terminating with a small, claw-shaped tip (reminiscent of Architesma, in which, however, the swollen uncus is gradually tapered and downcurved distally). (2) The scaphium is string-like and weakly sclerotised. (3) The tegumen is downcurved and its arms are anteriorly strongly dilated and fused in their anterior half (vs. two-thirds in Archithosia). The dorsal ends of the arms have narrow sclerotised plates extending dorso-posteriad into the base of the tuba analis towards the base of the scaphium (similar to Architesma). The ventral ends of the arms of the tegumen are flattened and tapered (unlike Archithosia, in which they are rounded and swollen). (4) The vinculum has laterally flattened and strip-like arms. (5) The dorsal section of the valva is deeply separated from the sacculus and fused with it only in the basal section of the valva (a feature unique within the generic complex). The dorsal section is elongate and narrow with almost parallel margins, and soft as it is built by the valvula with weak secondary sclerotisation (except for the base, which is supported by the editum-costa complex and the crest connecting it with the sacculus). The secondary sclerotisation is absent only in the proximal ventral region of the valvula (near the junction with the sacculus), which is membranous and folded. (6) The tendon is very short, flattened, trapezoidal and well-sclerotised, while the main part of the diaphragmal section of the transtilla is membranous and fold-like. (7) The costa is short and mostly supports the basal section of the outer wall of the dorsal section of the valva while on the inner wall, at the dorsal corner of the valva base, the costa is fused with the very short editum forming an editum-costa complex with a membranous medial part and bearing a short, crest- or thorn-shaped ampulla directed inwards (a feature unique within the generic complex). (8) The editum-costa complex is connected to the sacculus by the transverse weakly sclerotised crest, the nature of which is unclear. Most probably, it is a ventral protrusion of the editum but it may also be homologous to the lamella centralis of a number of other Lithosiina genera. (9) The basal saccular process is thin and weakly sclerotised, its proximal half is fused with the intersaccular membrane along the lateral margin of the juxta, while the distal (free) section arises above the top of the juxta and stretches along the phallus. (10) The distal saccular process is large, well-separated from the valvula, heavily sclerotised and with a densely scobinate inner surface of its distal (main) lobe. Its proximal section is dilated and its dorsal margin bears a sparsely serrulate proximal process directed dorsad. (11) The ental ends of the sacculi are elongate and connected by a gelatinous or weakly sclerotised intersaccular bridge (similar to Architesma). (12) The juxta is small and weakly sclerotised, consisting of two plates apically connected by a thick membrane. The ventral corner of the juxtal plate is articulated with the base of the sacculus by a gelatinous suture. (13) The anellus is membranous. (14) The phallus is relatively narrow, shorter than the tegumen-vinculum complex, with a broad and rounded coecum and a ventral plate-like carina extending into the base of the vesica and slightly protruding apically. (15) The vesica is membranous and has a large, sack-like or utricular ventral subbasal diverticulum and a distal (main) diverticulum with one or two small subdiverticula, and bearing a small thorn-shaped terminal cornutus apically. Female (Figs 151 – 155). (1) The 8 th tergite is moderately sclerotised and band-like while the 8 th sternite is membranous and connected to the sterigma by the gelatinous folds. (2) The postvaginal formation of the sterigma is broad and long with a flattened and smooth medial plate and swollen lateral margins, which are fused with the antevaginal part of the sterigma, which is a swollen, weakly sclerotised and rugose, semilunar fold encircling the ostium bursae ventrally. The structure of the sterigma of Acanthosia is similar to Architesma but in the latter the posterior section of the postvaginal formation is finely scobinate and in most species swollen whereas it is smooth in Acanthosia. (3) The ductus bursae is very short, dorso-ventrally flattened and sclerotised (unlike in Archithosia, in which only the ventral side of the ductus bursae is sclerotised). (4) The posterior section of the corpus bursae is considerably narrower than the anterior one, tubular (somewhat posteriorly dilated in certain species), and has a broad area of sclerotisation laterally or around its entire circumference. An additional narrow area of weak sclerotisation may be present posteriorly at the base of the appendix bursae. (5) The anterior section of the corpus bursae is elliptical or globular, membranous and finely scobinate, and with a small signum dorsally. (6) The appendix bursae is short, conical or semiglobular, membranous, covering the ductus bursae ventrally.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE52148FF1EFBDE4115F812.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The genus is widespread in the Congolian and Zambezian Regions from south-eastern Guinea in the west to eastern Tanzania in the east, and reaching northern Malawi in the south.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE72149FF1EFF2B4523FABB.taxon	description	(Figs 3 – 7, 90 – 94, 151)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE72149FF1EFF2B4523FABB.taxon	materials_examined	Type material examined. Holotype (Figs 3, 90): “ Uganda. | Ruwenzori Range. | xii. 1934 – i. 1935. | B. M. E. Afr. Exp. | B. M. 1935 - 203. ” / “ Bwamba Pass. | (West side.) | 5,500 – 7,500 ft. | F. W. Edwards. ” / “ S. G. Kiriakoff det .. 1955 | Phryganopsis | tryphosa sp. n. ” / red ring “ Type ” label / “ Arctiidae | genitalia slide | No. 44 ” / QR- code label with unique ID “ NHMUK 015057257 ” (NHMUK). Additional material examined. UGANDA: Paratype: male, Uganda, Ruwenzori Range, Bundibugyo, 3400 ft., 22. viii. – 3. ix. 1952, D. S. Fletcher [leg.] / Ruwenzori Exped. B. M. 1952 – 566 / yellow ring “ Paratype ” label / Arctiidae genitalia slide No. 46 / QR- code label with unique ID: NHMUK 015057258 (NHMUK). Non-paratype: 2 males, 2 females, 1700 m, Bwindi Impenetrable N. P., Cuckooland Lodge, 01 ° 00 ' 17 '' S, 29 ° 43 ' 06 '' E, 28 – 29. vi. 2022, Naumann, S., Ott, E., Schintlmeister, A., Sulak, H. leg., gen. slide Nos: AV 9072 ♂, AV 9073 ♂, AV 9074 ♀, AV 9075 ♀ (ANHRT). DRC: 1 male, 950 m, Mamove, Nord-Kivu, 0 ° 49 ' N 29 ° 27 ' E, v. 2017, ex A. Colley, gen. slide No.: AV 8969 (ANHRT).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE72149FF1EFF2B4523FABB.taxon	discussion	Remark. The dissected female paratype (‘ allotype’) of A. tryphosa (slide No. BMNH Arctiidae 35) has genitalia very similar to A. pervolgata sp. n. and is highly likely conspecific with it. However, to confirm the occurrence of A. pervolgata sp. n. in Uganda the examination of additional, male specimens is necessary.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE72149FF1EFF2B4523FABB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 12.0 – 13.5 mm in males and 13.5 – 15.0 mm in females. In the male genitalia, A. tryphosa differs from other congeners (except for A. similis: see Remark 2 under the genus Acanthosia) in the large, spike-like proximal lobe of the distal saccular process situated at the base of the latter making it proportionally very long. The female genitalia of A. tryphosa differ from A. reducta sp. n. and A. pervolgata sp. n. in the reduced, extremely short ductus bursae and the sclerotised area of the posterior section of the corpus bursae situated latero-posteriorly whereas it is situated mediolaterally in A. reducta sp. n. and broad belt-like in the posterior section of the corpus bursae in A. pervolgata sp. n.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE72149FF1EFF2B4523FABB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The nominate subspecies is currently known from Uganda and north-eastern DRC. Unfortunately, the author of the present paper had no chance to examine Acanthosia specimens from Kakamega Forest (western Kenya), which were reported by Kühne (2008) as ‘ Phryganopsis tryphosa ’, therefore the taxonomic assignment of this population remains unclear and requires further clarification.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE72147FF1EFA714643FC6D.taxon	description	(Figs 8 – 18, 95 – 100, 152)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE72147FF1EFA714643FC6D.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (all in ANHRT). GUINEA: 81 males, 540 – 600 m, 619 km ESE of Conakry, Nzerekore Region, Prefecture Lola, Ziela env., x. 2017, 7 ˚ 42 ' N, 8 ˚ 21 ' W, Local collectors leg.; 15 males, 690 m, Guinée Forestiére, Bossou Forest and Institut de Recherche Environmentale de Bossou (Lowland Forest-Farmland), 07 ˚ 38 ' 32 '' N, 08 ˚ 30 ' 30 '' W, 24 – 31. vi. 2019, MV light trap, Dérozier, V., Suah Dore, J., Koivagui, S., Miles, W., Sáfián, Sz., Warner, R. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9061 ♂; 4 males, 1400 – 1725 m, Guinée Forestiére, Monts Nimba UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont Richard Molard camp and ridge (high-altitude grassland and forest), 07 ° 36 ' 19 '' N, 08 ° 25 ' 30 '' W, 1 – 7. vii. 2019, 250 W blended light trap, Dérozier, V., Miles, W., Sáfián, Sz. leg.; 1 male, 435 m, Geipa Camp, Forêt de Diecké, 7 ° 26 ' 7.06 '' N, 8 ° 50 ' 47.87 '' W, 5 – 14. iv. 2019, light trap, blended bulb (250 W), Sáfián, Sz., Koivagui, S. leg.; 3 females, 700 m, Nimba Mts, SMFG concession area (Société des Mines de Fer de Guineé), Cité 1, 7 ° 42 ' 2.83 '' N 8 ° 23 ' 58.60 '' W, 16 – 25. vii. 2017, General coll. at Light, Sáfián, Sz. leg. LIBERIA: 30 males, 4 females, 494 m, Nimba County, Nimba Mts., ENNR, Grassfield FDA Field Station, 7 ˚ 29 ' 32.45 '' N, 34 ˚ 34 ' 54.05 '' W, 22. xi. 2018, light trap, Blended Bulb (250 W), Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. leg., gen. slide Nos: AV 9043 ♀, AV 9044 ♀, AV 9062 ♂, AV 9063 ♂; 12 males, 10 females, 611 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts, base camp forest, 8 ˚ 07 ' 17 '' N, 9 ˚ 57 ' 42 '' W, 20. xi. – 01. xii. 2017, MV light trap (125 w), Aristophanous, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. & Smith, L. leg., gen. slide Nos: AV 9035 ♀, AV 9036 ♀; 7 males, 4 females, 883 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts., Ridge Camp 2, 8 ˚ 7 ' 20.79 '' N, 9 ˚ 56 ' 50.75 '' W, 22 – 31. xi. 2018, blended bulb (250 W) and cold cathode (8 W) light traps, Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. leg.; 1 male, 5 females, 585 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts, Rosewood Camp, 8 ˚ 06 ' 14.9 '' N, 9 ˚ 58 ' 27.3 '' W, 18. xi. – 1. xii. 2018, LepiLED light trap, Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. leg.; 1 male, 1 female, 865 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts, Ridge camp, 807 ' 10 '' N, 9 ˚ 57 ' 11 '' W, 24 – 29. xi. 2017, light trap (blended bulb 250 W), Aristophanous, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. & Smith, L. leg.; 2 males, 1 female, 103 m, Sinoe County, 6.5 km NW of Jacksonville, forest near Solve Problem Village, 5 ˚ 26 ' 25 '' N, 9 ˚ 7 ' 39.9 '' W, 23 – 27. i. 2018, MV light trap, Geiser, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. leg.; 1 male, 2 females, 140 m, Sinoe County, Krahn-Bassa Reserve, Juboe River, 7.5 km SW Pellokon Town, 5 ˚ 39 ' 4 '' N, 8 ˚ 39 ' 4 '' W, 14 – 20. i. 2018, light trap (blended bulb 250 W), Geiser, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. leg.; 2 males, 4 females, 1165 m, Nimba Mts, camp, ENNR, Nimba County, 7 ˚ 31 ' 45 '' N, 8 ˚ 31 ' 37 '' W, 3 – 13. xii. 2017, MV light trap (125 W), Aristophanous, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. & Smith, L. leg.; 1 male, 1000 – 1100 m, Nimba County, Nimba Mts., ENNR, Cellcom Road, 7 ˚ 32 ' 45.88 '' N, 8 ˚ 31 ' 21.04 '' W, 16 – 28. xii. 2018, cold cathode UV light trap (8 w), Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, H. leg.; 1 male, 1000 – 1100 m, Nimba Mts, East Nimba Nature Reserve, Cellcom Road, 7 ° 32 ' 45.88 '' N, 8 ° 31 ' 21.04 '' W, 12 – 16. iii. 2017, bucket traps 8 W cold cathode UV light, Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, H. leg.; 1 male, 1250 – 1350 m, ENNR, Nimba Mountains, Cellcom Road, little stream, 7 ˚ 31 ' 28 '' N, 8 ˚ 30 ' 39.9 '' W, 14 – 15. iii. 2017, light trap (250 W blended bulb) & cold cathode UV light bucket trap (8 W), Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, H. leg. IVORY COAST: 2 males, 2 females, 174 m, Taï NP, Taï Research Station (SRET), 05 ˚ 49 ' 59.8 '' N, 07 ˚ 20 ' 32.0 '' W, 14 – 23. xi. [20] 15, light trap, Aristophanous, M., Moretto, P., Ruzzier, E. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 3262 ♂; 2 males, 1 female, same locality and collectors but 5 – 10. vii. [20] 15; 12 males, 1 female, 1171 m, Mt. Tonkoui Peak, 07 ˚ 27 ' 15.2 '' N, 07 ˚ 38 ' 12.5 '' W, 01 – 08. xi. [20] 15, light trap, Aristophanous, M., Moretto, P., Ruzzier, E. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 8970 ♂; 2 males, same locality and collectors but 12 – 18. vii. [20] 15. CAMEROON: 1 male, 2 females, 1100 m, Bokwaongo, Mt. Cameroon, 04 ° 08 ' 0.33 '' N, 09 ° 12 ' 36.83 '' E, 03 – 06. iii. 2018, MV light trap, Ishmael, K., Miles, W., Sáfián, S. leg., gen. slide Nos.: AV 9077 ♂, AV 9078 ♀, AV 9079 ♀. REPUBLIC OF CONGO: 7 males, 372 m, NNNP, Mbeli camp, 02 ° 14 ' 23.8 '' N, 16 ° 23 ' 52.1 '' E, 14 – 20. ii. 2023, MV and LepiLED light traps, Bakala, N., M., Dérozier, V., Kirk-Spriggs, A., László, G. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 8961 ♂; 1 male, 377 m, Likouala Prov., NNNP, Makao camp (Secondary forest), 02 ° 35 ' 42.2 '' N 17 ° 10 ' 08.3 '' E, 23 – 29. ix. 2022, MV light trap, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9060 ♂; 1 male, 352 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Ndoki formation (Secondary forest), 02 ° 12 ' 47.7 '' N, 16 ° 23 ' 45.8 '' E, 29. ix. – 1. x. 2022, MV light trap, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg.; 1 male, 1 female, 352 m, NNNP, Mombongo camp, 02 ° 10 ' 30.7 '' N 16 ° 8 ' 37.7 '' E, 02 – 07. ii. 2023, MV light trap, Bakala, N., M., Dérozier, V., Kirk-Spriggs, A., László, G. leg.; 2 males, 2 females, 341 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Bomassa camp, 02 ° 12 ' 36.9 '' N, 16 ° 11 ' 30.2 '' E, 16 – 23. ix. 2022, MV light trap, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg.; 1 male, 2 females, 358 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Bomassa forest (Secondary forest), 02 ° 11 ' 58.1 '' N, 16 ° 11 ' 16.9 '' E, 17 – 23. ix. 2022, LepiLED and actinic light traps, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg.; 1 male, 1 female, 365 m, Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Mondika camp, 02 ° 21 ' 50.63 '' N 16 ° 16 ' 25.82 '' E, 27. iv. – 6. v. 2023, LepiLED, Dérozier, V., Kirk-Spriggs, A., László, G., Mvouende, S. leg.; 63 males, 2 females, 480 m, OKNP, Imbalanga Camp, 00 ° 45 ' 47 '' N, 15 ° 15 ' 39 '' E, 05 – 11. iv. 2024, MV, LepiLED and actinic light traps, Bashford, M., László, G., Talani, M., Yaba Ngouma, S. leg., gen. slide Nos: AV 9038 ♀, AV 9039 ♀; 17 males, same locality as previous, 04 – 05. ix. 2024, actinic light trap, Bashford, M., László, G., Talani, M., Volynkin, A. leg.; 10 males, 490 m, OKNP, Camp Imbalanga, 00 ° 45 ' 59 '' N, 15 ° 15 ' 20 '' E, 13 – 20. ix. 2024, MV light trap, Bashford, M., László, G., Talani, M., Volynkin, A. leg.; 5 males, 570 m, OKNP, Mbomo Headquarters, 00 ° 26 ' 13 " N, 14 ° 42 ' 01 " E, 19 – 22. iv. 2024, MV light trap, Bashford, M., László, G., Talani, M., Yaba Ngouma, S. leg.; 4 males, 2 females, same locality as previous but 28. ix – 01. x. 2024, MV and actinic light traps, Bashford, M., László, G., Talani, M., Volynkin, A., Yaba Ngouma, S. leg.; 2 males, 540 m, OKNP, Kokoua base, 01 ° 28 ' 39 '' N, 15 ° 16 ' 42 '' E, 05 – 13. ix. 2024, MV light trap, Bashford, M., László, G., Talani, M., Volynkin, A., leg.; 1 male, 1 female, 379 m, OKNP, Lekoli River near Mboko, 00 ° 37 ' 04.79 '' N, 14 ° 54 ' 27.32 '' E, 22 – 23. ix. 2024, actinic light trap, Bashford, M., László, G., Talani, M., Volynkin, A., Yaba Ngouma, S. leg.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE72147FF1EFA714643FC6D.taxon	discussion	Remarks. (1) Birket-Smith (1965) described duplicata as a species distinct from A. tryphosa based on the difference in the proximal lobes of the distal saccular processes: “ It [A. tryphosa] differs from both A. similis n. sp. and A. duplicata n. sp. in the male genitalia by having the basal pointed process of valva bent mesad near its base, the bend being slightly swollen, knee-like ”. However, the shape of the proximal lobe of the distal saccular process including the width of its base is variable in Archithosia species including A. tryphosa, and the angle at which it is bent in A. tryphosa depends on the way the valvae are spread and pressed by the cover slip. Reliable recognisable genital differences between duplicata and tryphosa are minor therefore duplicata is herein downgraded to a subspecies of tryphosa. (2) The female genitalia of the ‘ allotype’ illustrated by Birket- Smith (1965: fig. 17) belong to A. pervolgata sp. n.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE72147FF1EFA714643FC6D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 11.5 – 13.0 mm in males and 12.5 – 14.0 mm in females. In the male genitalia, A. t. duplicata differs from the nominate subspecies by the shorter distal diverticulum. The distal saccular process of A. t. duplicata is usually somewhat longer than in A. t. tryphosa (noticeably exceeding the tip of the dorsal section of the valva) but the holotype of the latter has a similarly long process while some of the dissected specimens of A. t. duplicata have equally short processes like those of A. t. tryphosa. Thus, the length of the distal saccular process cannot be accepted as a reliable diagnostic feature between the two taxa. The female genitalia of the two subspecies display no remarkable differences.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE72147FF1EFA714643FC6D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The subspecies is widely distributed from Ziama Massif in the west to the western Congo Basin in the east, and is currently known from Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and Republic of Congo.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE92147FF1EFC234488F859.taxon	description	(Figs 19, 20, 101, 153)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE92147FF1EFC234488F859.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 19, 101): male, “ Tanzania: | Amani | Malaria Institute | G. Pringle coll. | BM 1966 - 281 ” / “ Amani | P 268 | 4 / 61 ” / “ G. Pringle Coll. | B. M. 1966 - 281. ” / QR- code label with unique ID: NHMUK 010914603 ” / “ Slide | NHMUK 010313056 ” [prepared by M. Krüger] (NHMUK). Paratype: female, Tanzania: Amani, Malaria Institute, G. Pringle coll., BM 1966 - 281 / Mal. Inst. Amani P. 268 8 / 63 / G. Pringle Coll. B. M. 1966 - 281, unique ID: NHMUK 010914604, gen. slide No.: NHMUK 010313057 [prepared by M. Krüger] (NHMUK).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE92147FF1EFC234488F859.taxon	discussion	Remark. As the vesica structure of this population from the East Usambara Mountains remains unstudied, it is herein described as a subspecies of A. tryphosa, to which this taxon is very similar morphologically, and the clarification of its status will be possible in the future after the examination of additional specimens.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE92147FF1EFC234488F859.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 12.5 mm in the male holotype and 15.0 mm in the female paratype. Acanthosia tryphosa pringlei ssp. n. differs from the two other subspecies of A. tryphosa in the more postmedially convex costal margin of the forewing and the more ochreous forewing ground colour. The male genital capsule of the new subspecies differs from A. t. tryphosa and A. t. duplicata in the proximally broader distal lobe of the distal saccular process, the basally narrower proximal lobe of the distal saccular process, and the somewhat longer juxta. Additionally, the cornutus in the vesica of A. t. pringlei ssp. n. is somewhat smaller than in the two other subspecies. The female genitalia of the new subspecies are very similar to A. t. tryphosa and A. t. duplicata but the ostium bursae is somewhat narrower, the sclerotised area of the posterior section of the corpus bursae is displaced ventrally, and the signum bursae is slightly smaller than the corresponding structures of two other subspecies of A. tryphosa.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE92147FF1EFC234488F859.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The subspecies is currently known only from the East Usambara Mountains in north-eastern Tanzania.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFE92147FF1EFC234488F859.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The new subspecies is named after the collector of its type specimens, Dr Gerry Pringle, former director of the Malaria Institute in Amani, Tanzania. The name is a noun in the genitive case.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEA2144FF1EFF2B46E8F8E2.taxon	description	(Figs 22 – 24, 102 – 104, 154)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEA2144FF1EFF2B46E8F8E2.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 22, 102): male, “ Sierra Leone 120 m | Tiwai Island, Moa River | N 07 ˚ 33 ' 00 ''; W 11 ˚ 21 ' 09 '' | 17 – 22. vi. 2016 Light Trap | leg. Takano, Miles & Goff | ANHRT: 2017.18 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 00020581 ” / ‘ Slide | AV 8971 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT). Paratypes (38 males, 28 females, all in ANHRT). SIERRA LEONE: 16 males, 2 females, same data as in holotype, gen. slide Nos: AV 9026 ♀, AV 9027 ♀; 1 male, 3 females, 373 m, Kono Province, Gori Hills, near Giehum, 08 ° 27 ' 47 '' N, 10 ° 46 ' 17 '' E, 3 – 12. ii. 2020, Kalnoi, G., Sinyaev, V. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9047 ♀; 2 males, 2 females, 375 m, Kono Province, Gori Hills, near Giehum, 08 ° 27 ' 47 '' N, 10 ° 46 ' 17 '' W, 22 – 29. ii. 2020, Kalnoi, G., Sinyaev, V. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9016 ♂; 1 female, 685 m, Kono Province, Gori Hills, near Giehum, 08 ° 27 ' 45 '' N, 10 ° 48 ' 07 '' W, 11 – 15. iii. 2020, Kalnoi, G., Sinyaev, V. leg.; 1 female, 380 m, Kono Province, Gori Hills, near Giehum, 08 ° 27 ' 48 '' N, 10 ° 46 ' 17 '' W, 14 – 21. ii. 2020, Kalnoi, G., Sinyaev, V. leg.; 1 male, 470 m, Kenema Province, Gori Hills, near Moimandu, 08 ° 14 ' 51 '' N, 10 ° 58 ' 17 '' W, 2 – 9. iii. 2020, Kalnoi, G., Sinyaev, V. leg.; 1 female, 370 m, Kono Province, Gori Hills, near Bongema, 08 ° 29 ' 19 '' N, 10 ° 46 ' 26 '' W, 1 – 9. i. 2020, Kalnoi, G., Sinyaev, V. leg.; 4 females, same data as previous but 13 – 20. i. 2020; 4 females, same data as previous but 16 – 28. xii. 2019; 3 females, 385 m, Kono Province, Gori Hills, near Bodu, 08 ° 28 ' 36 '' N, 10 ° 44 ' 33 '' W, 21 – 30. i. 2020, Kalnoi, G., Sinyaev, V. leg. LIBERIA: 1 male, 2 females, 585 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts, Rosewood Camp, 8 ˚ 06 ' 14.9 '' N, 9 ˚ 58 ' 27.3 '' W, 18. xi. – 1. xii. 2018, LepiLED light trap, Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 8973 ♂; 13 males, 4 females, 530 m, Lofa County, Foya Proposed Protected Area, 7 ˚ 56 ' 36 '' N, 10 ˚ 16 ' 36 '' W, 10 – 19. xi. 2017, MV (125 W), 8 W actinic, and cold cathode light traps, Aristophanous, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G., & Smith, L., leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9028 ♀; 2 males, 865 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts, Ridge camp, 807 ' 10 '' N, 9 ˚ 57 ' 11 '' W, 24 – 29. xi. 2017, light trap (blended bulb 250 w), Aristophanous, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. & Smith, L. leg.; 1 male, 611 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts, base camp forest, 8 ˚ 07 ' 17 '' N, 9 ˚ 57 ' 42 '' W, 20. xi. – 01. xii. 2017, MV light trap (125 w), Aristophanous, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. & Smith, L. leg.; 1 male, 1 female, 883 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts., Ridge Camp 2, 8 ˚ 7 ' 20.79 '' N, 9 ˚ 56 ' 50.75 '' W, 22 – 31. xi. 2018, light trap blended bulb (250 W), Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. leg.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEA2144FF1EFF2B46E8F8E2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 12.0 – 12.5 mm in males and 12.5 – 14.0 mm in females. The male genital capsule of A. reducta sp. n. is similar to A. tryphosa with its strongly elongate distal saccular process but can be easily distinguished by the proximal lobe of the distal saccular process reduced to an irregularly spinulose crest and the irregularly dentate dorsal margin of the proximal section of the sacculus. In addition, the uncus of the new species is more proximally swollen and distally thicker than in A. tryphosa. The phalluses of the two species display no remarkable differences. The vesica of A. reducta sp. n. is similar to A. tryphosa but distinct with its distal diverticulum, which is longer, having small dorsal subdiverticula but lacking the distal hook-like curved lobe, and bearing a cornutus on its ventral side whereas it is situated dorsally in A. tryphosa. The female genitalia of A. reducta sp. n. differ from A. tryphosa in the narrower swollen sclerotised plates of the postvaginal region of the sterigma, the longer and ventrally sclerotised ductus bursae (it is membranous and reduced in the congener), the sclerotised posterior end of the posterior section of the corpus bursae, and the longer and anteriorly more dilated lateral sclerotised area of the posterior section of the corpus bursae, which is situated slightly more anteriorly than in A. tryphosa.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEA2144FF1EFF2B46E8F8E2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known from Sierra Leone and Liberia.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEA2144FF1EFF2B46E8F8E2.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin ‘ reduco’ meaning ‘ to reduce’ and refers to the reduced proximal lobe of the distal saccular process of the new species. The name is a noun in the nominative singular in apposition.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEA2143FF1EF8A34171FA0E.taxon	description	(Figs 25 – 33, 106 – 109, 155)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEA2143FF1EF8A34171FA0E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 11.0 – 13.0 mm in males and 10.0 – 14.0 mm in females. In the male genital capsule, the new species differs from the sympatric A. tryphosa in the markedly more proximally swollen uncus, the dorsally broader arms of the tegumen, the subbasally concave dorsal margin of the valva (it is straight in A. tryphosa), the more rounded editum-costa complex, and the shorter and basally broader proximal lobe of the distal saccular process, which is displaced distally, to the middle of the process. The phalli of the two species are very similar but in A. pervolgata sp. n. it has a somewhat broader coecum. The vesica of the new species is clearly different from A. tryphosa in the longer distal diverticulum with two small subdiverticula and bearing a cornutus apically whereas in A. tryphosa it is situated dorsally while the tip of the diverticulum is hook-like curved ventrad. The female genitalia of A. pervolgata sp. n. can be easily distinguished from A. tryphosa by the ventrally sclerotised ductus bursae (it is membranous in the congener), and the longer and broader sclerotised area of the posterior section of the corpus bursae, which is situated anteriorly and forms a belt around its entire circumference (vs. postero-lateral position in its congener). Additionally, the signum of the new species is slightly larger than in A. tryphosa.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEA2143FF1EF8A34171FA0E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is widely distributed from the Ziama Massif in the west to the western Congo Basin and north-western Zambia in the east and south-east, respectively, and is currently known from Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of Congo, DRC and Zambia. The species possibly reaches Uganda in the east (see above Remark under A. tryphosa tryphosa) but clarification of the eastern limits of its range requires the examination of additional material.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEA2143FF1EF8A34171FA0E.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin ‘ pervolgo’ meaning ‘ to publish’ and refers to the fact that after six decades of confusion with Flavifronthosia flavifrontella comb. n. a name for this species is finally published. The name is a participle in apposition to the genus name.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFED2140FF1EF9C34488FE67.taxon	description	(Figs 21, 105)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFED2140FF1EF9C34488FE67.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 21, 105): male, [Equatorial Guinea, Bioko Island] “ Fernando Po: | Moka. | 28. i. – 3. ii. 1933. | W. H. T. Tams. | B. M. 1933 - 39. ” / QR- code label with unique ID: “ NHMUK 010914608 ” / “ Slide | NHMUK 010313061 ” [prepared by M. Krüger] (NHMUK).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFED2140FF1EF9C34488FE67.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 13.0 mm in the male holotype. The male genital capsule of A. kruegeri sp. n. is similar to A. pervolgata sp. n. but differs in the proximally narrower uncus, the thinner and shorter basal saccular process, and the markedly longer and thinner proximal lobe of the distal saccular process. As the vesica of the single holotype specimen was not fully everted, it is currently impossible to compare the vesica structures of the two species but in A. kruegeri sp. n. the cornutus has a remarkably broader base than in A. pervolgata sp. n. The female is unknown.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFED2140FF1EF9C34488FE67.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known only from its type locality on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFED2140FF1EF9C34488FE67.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The new species is dedicated to the memory of the late Dr Martin Krüger (1963 – 2019), an outstanding taxonomist specialising in the African Geometridae and Lithosiina and author of the generic classification of Afrotropical Lithosiina (Krüger 2015). The name is a noun in the genitive case.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEE2140FF1EFE3D46A6F83A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Species of the genus (Figs 34 – 42) are externally reminiscent of the genus Architesma and the genus identification requires the examination of the genitalia structures, which in Asbolopsyche are characterised by the combination of the following features. Male (Figs 110 – 113). (1) The uncus is thick and of uniform width, similar to Archithosia, in which, however, the uncus is remarkably shorter and thinner. (2) The scaphium is thin, string-like and sclerotised. (3) The tegumen is only slightly downcurved, its arms are narrower than in other similar genera and only somewhat dorsally dilated and fused in their dorsal quarter or fifth. (4) The vinculum has laterally flattened, strip-like arms. (5) The dorsal section of the valva is elongate (markedly longer than in Archithosia and Acanthosia) and distally tapered, mostly consisting of the weakly sclerotised valvula, which is membranous only ventro-basally at the junction with the sacculus (similar to Acanthosia). (6) The costa is short, occupying only the basal section of the dorsal margin of the valva, its ventral margin is fused with the dorsal margin of the editum. (7) The editum is fold-like, cellular-setose (unique within the generic complex), distally tapered, stretching along the dorsal margin of the valva and reaching its middle part. (8) The tendon is very short and gelatinous while the diaphragmal section of the transtilla is membranous. (9) The basal saccular process is robust, straight spike- or hook-shaped, its base is thin while the proximal section is dilated and fused with the intersaccular membrane along the lateral margin of the juxta. (10) The base of the main pocket of the sacculus is lobe-like dilated and therefore separated from the ental base of the sacculus (this feature is unique in the generic complex). (11) The dorsal margin of the sacculus as well as the distal saccular process are densely serrulate or spiky (reminiscent of Acanthosia). (12) The bases of the sacculi are free (similar to Archithosia whereas the sacculi are articulated by a gelatinous or weakly sclerotised intersaccular bridge in other similar genera). (13) The juxta consists of two plates articulated by the thick membranous fold. The ventral corners of the juxtal plates are not articulated with the bases of the sacculi. (14) The anellus is weakly scobinate (similar to Architesma but in the latter it is markedly broader and more densely and heavily scobinate). (15) The phallus is cylindrical, somewhat upcurved medially and with a plate-like ventral carina extending into the base of the vesica but not protruding beyond its surface (whereas in Acanthosia and Architesma it protrudes). The coecum is flat and plate-like (a unique feature) whereas it is swollen and rounded in other genera of the complex. (16) The vesica ground plan is reminiscent of Acanthosia and Architesma but the basal section is somewhat longer and the distal diverticulum lacks the terminal cornutus. Female (Figs 156 – 158). (1) The 8 th tergite is broad and heavily sclerotised whereas the sternite is narrow, membranous, or swollen and finely scobinate. (2) The dorsal section of the intersegmental membrane between the 7 th and 8 th segments is gelatinous and folded, causing the ovipositor to be invaginated into the 7 th segment to a depth of up to half the 8 th segment. (3) The sterigma is narrow, swollen, heavily sclerotised and cup-shaped with the ostium bursae invaginated within (this feature is unique within the generic complex). (4) The ductus bursae is short but heavily sclerotised, fused with the base of the sterigma. (5) The posterior section of the corpus bursae is duct-like and membranous whereas in other similar genera it bears areas of sclerotisation. (6) The anterior section of the corpus bursae is membranous and sparsely and finely scobinate (similar to those of Acanthosia, Architesma and Macrodicella, whereas in Archithosia its posterior part is gelatinous, rugose and lacks the scobination).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEE2140FF1EFE3D46A6F83A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Species of the genus are found in rainforests of the Congolian Region reaching Kakamega Forest, western Kenya, in the east.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEF2141FF1EFC6F479CF886.taxon	description	(Figs 36, 37, 111, 157)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEF2141FF1EFC6F479CF886.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 36, 111): male, “ Zambia 1340 m | Jiwundu Swamp | 11 ˚ 51 ' 54 '' S, 25 ˚ 33 ' 20 '' E | 25 – 30. x. 2017 MV Light Trap | Carter, M., Lloyd, A., Miles, W., | Oram, D., Smith, R. Leg. | ANHRT: 2017.32 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 001220531 ” / “ Slide | AV 8987 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT). Paratypes (1 male, 2 females, all in ANHRT): ZAMBIA: 1 male, same data as in holotype, gen. slide No.: AV 9068 ♂; 2 females, same locality as previous, Miombo / Riverine forest mosaic, 29. x. – 4. xi. 2018, MV and actinic light traps, Aristophanous, M., Dérozier, V., László, G., Oram, D. leg., gen. slide Nos: AV 8988 ♀, AV 9050 ♀.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEF2141FF1EFC6F479CF886.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 14.5 – 15.0 mm in males and 16.0 – 17.0 mm in females. Asbolopsyche jiwundu sp. n. is externally reminiscent of Architesma smithi sp. n., which also occurs in north-western Zambia, but can be distinguished by its more elongate forewing with a subapically less convex costal margin. Among members of the genus Asbolopsyche, A. parasordida is most similar to A. jiwundu sp. n., from which it differs by the more convex costal margin of the forewing, the more brownish forewing ground colour, and the broader and more distinct transverse line. In the male genital capsule, A. jiwundu sp. n. is distinct from A. parasordida by the shorter and apically broader valvula, the longer and proximally thicker basal saccular process, the dorsal margin of the sacculus covered with robust spinules (whereas it is setose in A. parasordida), and the markedly shorter distal saccular process. The phallus of A. jiwundu sp. n. is more S-shaped than in A. parasordida. Compared to A. parasordida, the vesica of A. jiwundu sp. n. has markedly shorter lobes of the distal diverticulum. The female genitalia of A. jiwundu sp. n. differ from A. parasordida in the shorter and narrower, belt-like antevaginal plate (it is V-shaped in its congener), the gelatinous ductus bursae with a ring-like sclerotised anterior end (it is fully sclerotised in A. parasordida), the shorter but broader posterior section of the corpus bursae, and the somewhat smaller signum bursae.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEF2141FF1EFC6F479CF886.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known only from its type locality in north-western Zambia.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEF2141FF1EFC6F479CF886.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the type locality of the new species, Jiwundu Swamp. The name is a noun in the nominative singular in apposition.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEF2141FF1EFF2B412EFCDA.taxon	description	(Figs 34, 35, 110, 156)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEF2141FF1EFF2B412EFCDA.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. KENYA. Paratypes: 1 male, Kakamega Forest N. R., prim. forest, 1600 m, 27. ix. 2001 (Lich [t] falle [light trap]) 1 (1), 0.21,34 N; 34.51,39 E [0 ° 21.34 ' N, 34 ° 51.39 ' E], leg. L. Kühne, J. Holstein, MfN gen. slide No. 415 ♂, ex prep. in glycerol by L. Kühne (MfN); 1 male, Kakamega FST. 00 ° 20 ['] N 034 ° 51 ['] E, 1630 m, 13. x. 2001, leg. Ugo Dall’Asta, unique ID: RMCA ENT 000049703, gen. slide No.: AV 8843 ♂ (RMCA); 1 female, same locality and collector as previous but 1590 m, 15. x. 2001, unique ID: RMCA ENT 000049704, gen. slide No.: AV 8844 ♀ (RMCA). Non-paratype: 1 male, Kakamega Forest, 1590 m, 00 ° 21 ' N 34 ° 51 ' E, 28. iii. 2003, J. & W. De Prins leg., unique ID: RMCA ENT 000049702, gen. slide No.: AV 8842 ♂ (RMCA).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEF2141FF1EFF2B412EFCDA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 15.0 mm in males and 17.5 mm in the female examined. The species is similar to the allopatric A. jiwundu sp. n. and a detailed comparison is provided below in the diagnosis of the latter species.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFEF2141FF1EFF2B412EFCDA.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The species is currently known only from Kakamega Forest in western Kenya.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF0215EFF1EFF2B47ADFBC8.taxon	description	(Figs 38, 39, 112)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF0215EFF1EFF2B47ADFBC8.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 38, 112): male, “ Rwanda | Nyungwe | Rte Delvaux | B. Turlin [leg.] | 2000 m, 19 - X- [19] 74 ” / “ Slide | ZSM Arct. | 2021 - 530 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ZSM). Paratype: RWANDA: 1 male, same data as in holotype, gen. slide No.: ZSM Arct. 2021 - 529 ♂ (prepared by A. Volynkin) (ZSM).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF0215EFF1EFF2B47ADFBC8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 15.0 mm in males. Asbolopsyche nyungwe sp. n. is externally reminiscent of Archithosia nouabaleana sp. n. and A. henricus and reliable identification requires the examination of the genitalia structures, which are fundamentally different in A. nyungwe sp. n. The male genitalia structure of A. nyungwe sp. n. is most similar to A. acanthosioides sp. n. and a detailed comparison is provided below in the diagnosis of the latter species. Another morphologically similar species is A. jiwundu sp. n., from which the male genital capsule of A. nyungwe sp. n. differs in the shorter but more heavily sclerotised juxta, the apically hook-like curved basal saccular process having its base fused with the diaphragmal membrane near the juxta, the proximally broader sacculus bearing thinner but denser spinules, and the longer, thumb-shaped and evenly setose distal saccular process bearing a cluster of robust spines of various sizes on its inner surface basally (whereas the distal saccular process of A. jiwundu sp. n. is triangular, flattened, and bears setae only on its margins). The phallus of A. nyungwe sp. n. is shorter but broader than in A. jiwundu sp. n. In the vesica of A. nyungwe sp. n., the proximal section is shorter than in A. jiwundu sp. n. and the distal lobe of the distal diverticulum is markedly longer and utricular whereas it is conical in its congener. The female is unknown.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF0215EFF1EFF2B47ADFBC8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known from its type locality in Rwanda.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF0215EFF1EFF2B47ADFBC8.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the type locality of the new species, Nyungwe Forest. The name is a noun in the nominative singular in apposition.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF0215FFF1EFB9D40FEFDDF.taxon	description	(Figs 40 – 42, 113, 158)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF0215FFF1EFB9D40FEFDDF.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 40, 113): male, “ Liberia 585 m | Lofa County, Wologizi Mts., | Rosewood Camp | 8 ˚ 06 ' 14.9 '' N, 9 ˚ 58 ' 27.3 '' W | 18. xi. – 1. xii. 2018 | LepiLED Light Trap | Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. Leg. | ANHRT: 2018.43 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 00102275 ” / “ Slide | AV 9064 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT). Paratypes (34 males, 47 females, all in ANHRT). LIBERIA: 9 males, 31 female, same data as in holotype, MV, LepiLED and cold cathode UV (8 W) light traps, gen. slide Nos: AV 8972 ♂, AV 9051 ♀; 2 females, 551 m, Wetezu camp, Wonegizi Nature Reserve, Lofa County, 8 ° 4 ' 57.11 '' N 9 ° 34 ' 47.86 '' W, 19 – 27. iii. 2019, light trap Blended Bulb (250 W), Sáfián, Sz., Koivogui, S. leg.; 12 males, 7 females, 530 m, Lofa County, Foya Proposed Protected Area, 7 ˚ 56 ' 36 '' N, 10 ˚ 16 ' 36 '' W, 10 – 19. xi. 2017, MV (125 W), 8 w actinic, and cold cathode light bucket traps, Aristophanous, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G., & Smith, L., leg.; 12 males, 3 females, 611 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts, base camp forest, 8 ˚ 07 ' 17 '' N, 9 ˚ 57 ' 42 '' W, 20. xi. – 01. xii. 2017, MV light trap (125 W), Aristophanous, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. & Smith, L. leg. 1 male, 4 females, 883 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts., Ridge Camp 2, 8 ˚ 7 ' 20.79 '' N, 9 ˚ 56 ' 50.75 '' W, 22 – 31. xi. 2018, blended bulb (250 W) and cold cathode UV (8 W) light traps, Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. leg.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF0215FFF1EFB9D40FEFDDF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 12.0 – 13.5 mm in males and 14.5 – 15.5 mm in females. Asbolopsyche acanthosioides sp. n. is the smallest and most narrow-winged species in the genus, that is more reminiscent of Acanthosia, from which, however, it differs in the somewhat more elongate forewing with a darker, more greyish ground colour. The male genitalia of A. acanthosioides sp. n. are most similar to A. nyungwe sp. n., from which A. acanthosioides sp. n. is distinguished by the distally broader and more tapered valvula, the proximally narrower sacculus with a longer but narrower and distally upcurved distal process bearing a short ventral spiky lobe basally whereas A. nyungwe sp. n. bears a cluster of larger spines subbasally instead. Additionally, the basal saccular process of A. acanthosioides sp. n. is considerably longer and thicker than in A. nyungwe sp. n. The phallus of A. acanthosioides sp. n. is remarkably narrower than in A. nyungwe sp. n. and the vesica has a markedly shorter and narrower distal diverticulum. As the female of A. nyungwe sp. n. is unknown, the female genitalia of A. acanthosioides sp. n. were compared with A. parasordida and A. jiwundu sp. n. instead, and A. acanthosioides sp. n. differs clearly from both its congeners in the heavily sclerotised, trapezoidal and strongly swollen sterigma, the ductus bursae reduced to a thin sclerotised ring connecting the sterigma with the posterior section of the corpus bursae, and the thicker gelatinous intersegmental membrane between the 7 th and 8 th sternites.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF0215FFF1EFB9D40FEFDDF.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known from Liberia.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF0215FFF1EFB9D40FEFDDF.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the external similarity of the new species to members of the genus Acanthosia. The name is an adjective in apposition to the genus name.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF1215CFF1EFD944780F9A9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. (1) The genitalia morphology of Architesma is most similar to Acanthosia in many aspects. However, these two lineages are clearly recognisable by their morphology without any transitional taxa of unclear placement being known. Considering this fact along with some important morphological differences in male genitalia such as the structure of the juxta, anellus, editum-costa complex, basal saccular process and the valva itself, Architesma and Acanthosia are accepted as distinct genera in the present paper. (2) Krüger (2015) erected the subgenus Eurythosia to include species with ‘ plica centripetalis absent’ i. e., the relatively short editum- costa complex, as opposed to the type species of Architesma, A. sordida having an elongate editum-costa complex bearing a distal ampulla. Considering the morphological diversity of species demonstrated in the present paper, it became clear that the length of the editum-costa complex as well as the presence or absence of the ampulla are not generic characters as the counterparts occur even in pairs of species with very similar genitalia morphology in all other aspects (e. g., A. sordida and A. diffusa sp. n.). Thus, Eurythosia is herein synonymised with Architesma. (3) Four nominal taxa of Architesma are not considered in the present paper, viz. A. makomensis (Strand, 1912) with its junior subjective synonym Eilema fuscicorpus Hampson, 1914, A. angulifascia (Strand, 1913) and A. jaundeana (Strand, 1912). The current treatment of these taxa (Birket-Smith 1965; Kühne 2007; Krüger 2015; Durante et al. 2024) is erroneous due to confusion with the type specimens and their genitalia preparations, and their identity will be clarified later in a separate paper (Volynkin, in prep.). (4) In his book, Krüger (2015) associated “ Phryganopsis ” kinuthiae Kühne, 2007 described from Kakamega Forest with his subgenus Eurythosia of Archithosia. However, this species lacks the basal saccular process and its male and female genitalia ground plan as well as the external morphology are most similar to the genus Hyleilema Krüger, 2015 therefore this species is transferred to Hyleilema in the present paper: Hyleilema kinuthiae (Kühne, 2007), comb. n., and its relationships within the genus will be clarified later in the revision of Hyleilema (Volynkin, in prep.).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF1215CFF1EFD944780F9A9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Most species of the genus (Figs 43 – 80) are relatively large and externally similar to Asbolopsyche therefore reliable genus identification requires the examination of genitalia structures. Certain species of Architesma (Figs 81 – 83) are also reminiscent of the genus Tesma (see: Krüger 2015), but can be distinguished by their larger size. The differences in the genitalia structures of the genera are discussed above in the diagnosis of the Archithosia generic complex. The genital structures of Architesma are characterised by the combination of the following features. Male (Figs 114 – 145). (1) The uncus is downcurved, strongly proximally swollen and gradually tapered distally (except for A. frondosa sp. n.) whereas in Acanthosia its distal section is narrower and straight. (2) The scaphium is weakly sclerotised but with a gelatinous base, thin plate-like, and in certain species apically bifurcate, whereas the scaphium of Acanthosia is string-like. (3) The arms of the tegumen are moderately dilated dorsally, and fused in their distal halves or somewhat less (except for A. frondosa sp. n.). The dorsal ends of the arms have sclerotised plates extending dorso-posteriad into the base of the tuba analis towards the base of the scaphium (a feature in common with Acanthosia which have, however, narrower and more elongate plates). (4) The vinculum has laterally flattened, strip-like arms. (5) The dorsal section of the valva is elongate, narrow with nearly parallel margins, apically rounded, and fused with the sacculus in its proximal third or half whereas in Acanthosia these two regions of the valva are deeply separated and fused only in the basal section of the valva. (6) The dilated part of the costa occupies the base of the outer wall of the valva while its thin distal section stretches along the dorsal margin of the valva, and on the inner wall it is fused with the editum forming an editum-costa complex. The ventral side of the complex belonging to the editum is fold-like or swollen and smooth (unlike in Asbolopsyche, which has a cellular-setose surface of the editum). In certain species, the editum-costa complex bears a distal ampulla, which has a spinulose or scobinate ventral side and apex, indicating they belong mostly to the editum component. (7) The tendon is present but very diverse in its structure and in different species it varies from a very short process almost not protruding into the diaphragm to a long gelatinous string fused with its counterpart. (8) The basal saccular process is robust thorn-like with a thick base at the junction with the main surface of the sacculus (whereas its base is thin and weakly sclerotised in Acanthosia). The ental side of the dilated base of the process is fused with the intersaccular membrane along the lateral margin of the juxta whereas in Acanthosia the proximal section of the process fused with the intersaccular membrane is considerably longer and thinner. (9) The distal saccular process varies in its length and shape in different species but does not exceed the dorsal part of the valva in its length. (10) The juxta is solid, short but broad, trapezoidal or belt-shaped (whereas it is small and consists of two plates in Acanthosia), its ventral corners are articulated with the bases of the sacculi. (11) The anellus is broad and densely scobinate whereas it is narrow and membranous in Acanthosia. (12) The phallus structure is similar to Acanthosia with its plate-like ventral carina, and broad and rounded coecum but the phallus of Architesma is larger in proportion to the genital capsule. (13) The vesica configuration of Architesma is similar to Acanthosia but the distal diverticulum is markedly longer while the dorsal one is short. Female (Figs 159 – 170). (1) The 8 th tergite is moderately sclerotised and band-like while the 8 th sternite is membranous. (2) The sterigma is large, its postvaginal formation consists of the medial section, which is in most species posteriorly swollen, postero-medially concave, finely scobinate and forming a fold covering the membrane of the 8 th sternite, and the lateral swollen and heavily sclerotised plates forming folds covering the membrane connecting the sterigma with the 7 th sternite. The antevaginal plate is swollen and heavily sclerotised, either fold-shaped and encircling the ostium bursae anterio-ventrally, or plate-like, protruding posteriorly and covering the ostium bursae ventrally. (3) The ductus bursae is reduced in most species, but can be represented by a thin sclerotised ring connecting the sterigma and the posterior end of the corpus bursae, or (in A. frondosa sp. n.) fully developed, and heavily sclerotised. (4) The posterior section of the corpus bursae is shorter and considerably narrower than the anterior one, heavily scobinate with a lateral protrusion-like diverticulum. (5) The anterior section of the corpus bursae is membranous, and sparsely and finely scobinate. (6) The appendix bursae is vestigial (in such a case the ductus seminalis originates from the dorsal side of the posterior end of the posterior section of the corpus bursae) or can be present but very short, semiglobular and covering the ostium bursae ventrally (similar to Archithosia and Acanthosia).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF1215CFF1EFD944780F9A9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The genus is widely distributed in the Congolian and Zambezian Regions from south-eastern Guinea in the west to western Kenya and north-western Zambia in the east and south, respectively, and its species are associated with humid forest habitats.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF2215DFF1EF97E45EAFA93.taxon	description	(Figs 43, 44, 114, 159)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF2215DFF1EF97E45EAFA93.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 43, 114): male, “ Guinea 771 m | Ditinn, Chute de Ditinn | 10 ° 49 ' 08 '' N, 12 ° 11 ' 30 '' W | 18 – 25. ix. 2019 MV Light Trap | Geiser, M., Leno, M., | Koivagui, S., Miles, W., | Mulvaney, L., Sáfián, Sz. Leg. | ANHRT: 2019.19 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 00177832 ” / “ Slide | AV 9010 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT). Paratypes: GUINEA: 6 males, 2 females, same data as in holotype, gen. slide Nos: AV 9011 ♂, AV 9056 ♀ (ANHRT).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF2215DFF1EF97E45EAFA93.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 15.0 – 15.5 mm in males and 19.0 mm in females. Architesma frondosa sp. n. is most externally reminiscent of A. ampullaria sp. n. and differs only in its somewhat more elongate distal section of the forewing. The reliable identification requires the examination of the genitalia structures. Despite the external similarity, the genitalia of both sexes of these two species are fundamentally different and the genitalia morphology of A. frondosa sp. n. might seem transitional between the genera Asbolopsyche and Architesma with its narrow uncus, dorsally narrow arms of the tegumen and serrulate dorsal margin of the sacculus in the male and the well-developed and sclerotised ductus bursae in the female. Nevertheless, the genitalia of A. frondosa sp. n. display a complex of characters typical of Architesma making its generic placement doubtless, namely the broad and densely scobinate anellus, the short and solid juxta, the flat, well-sclerotised and smooth editum, and the broad and rounded phallus coecum in the male, and the ovipositor not invaginated into the 7 th segment and having a large postvaginal formation with a broad and setose postero-medial region in the female. Compared to other species in the genus Architesma, the male genital capsule of A. frondosa sp. n. is most similar to A. henricus but distinguished by the proximally narrower uncus, the longer valva with a broader editum-costa complex bearing a short ampulla (the ampulla is absent in A. henricus), the longer basal saccular process having a medial branch (a feature unique within the whole Archithosia generic complex), and the markedly longer and more serrulate distal saccular process with a longer spike-like tip. Compared to A. henricus, the phallus of A. frondosa sp. n. has a straighter ventral wall and a longer ventral carina. In the vesica, A. frondosa sp. n. differs from A. henricus in the considerably shorter distal diverticulum bearing a markedly smaller terminal cornutus. The female genitalia of A. frondosa sp. n. differ from A. henricus (illustrated by Durante et al. 2024: fig. 8 A) in the longer apophyses anteriores, the shorter postvaginal formation with a narrower and V-shaped posterior depression (U-shaped in A. henricus) and markedly shorter, narrower and flattened lateral plates (swollen in A. henricus), and the well-developed and heavily sclerotised, pot-shaped ductus bursae (it is very short and sclerotised only ventrally in A. henricus), the narrower posterior section of the corpus bursae with a shorter lateral diverticulum, the smaller signum in the anterior section of the corpus bursae, and the markedly shorter appendix bursae. The antevaginal plate of A. frondosa sp. n. is a narrow and fold-like continuation of the ventral margin of the sclerotised ductus bursae whereas it is markedly larger, trapezoidal with rounded corners and swollen in A. henricus. Additionally, in A. frondosa sp. n., the pockets between the swollen margins of the sterigma and the 7 th sternite are considerably narrower than in A. henricus, and the postero-lateral sclerotisations of the 7 th sternite are broader and have diffuse anterior and lateral margins, which are distinct in A. henricus.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF2215DFF1EF97E45EAFA93.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known only from its type locality in Guinea.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF2215DFF1EF97E45EAFA93.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin ‘ frondosus’ meaning ‘ branchy’ and refers to the branchy basal saccular process of the new species. The name is an adjective in apposition to the genus name.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF3215AFF1EFA294779FDDF.taxon	description	(Figs 45, 115)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF3215AFF1EFA294779FDDF.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 45, 115): male, “ Gabon 10 m | Nyonié (Lowland forest) | 0 ˚ 2 ' 22 '' S, 9 ˚ 20 ' 25 '' E | 23 – 28. viii. 2019 MV Light Trap | Albert, J. - L., Aristophanous, M. | Bie Mba, J., Dérozier, V., | Moretto, P. Leg. | ANHRT: 2019.17 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 00155741 ” / “ Slide | AV 8989 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF3215AFF1EFA294779FDDF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 15.0 mm in the male holotype. Architesma nyonie sp. n. is externally distinct from the other taxa in the genus Architesma due to its dark brown forewing ground colour and reduced pattern consisting of two black dots (vs. an angular transverse line in other Architesma), and is most reminiscent of species of the genus Acanthosia, but considerably larger and has a darker, greyish-brown abdomen with a pale, ochreous tip whereas the males of Acanthosia have a more unicolorous ochreous brown abdomen. Compared to species of the genus Asbolopsyche, to which the new species is also similar, A. nyonie sp. n. has a pale ochreous tip of the male abdomen, which is dark fuscous with an admixture of ochreous scales in Asbolopsyche. The male genital capsule of A. nyonie sp. n. is most similar to the recently described and externally dissimilar A. henricus (Figs 46, 116) but distinguished by the longer uncus, the longer editum-costa complex, the more apically tapered valvula, the proximally thicker basal saccular process, and the longer and straighter distal saccular process, which is tapered and slightly upcurved only apically whereas it is strongly medially upcurved with a gradually distally tapered distal section in A. henricus. The phallus of the new species is somewhat narrower and less medially curved than in A. henricus. In the phallus vesica, A. nyonie sp. n. differs from A. henricus in the shorter distal diverticulum lacking the dorsal subdiverticulum, and the smaller terminal cornutus. The female is unknown.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF3215AFF1EFA294779FDDF.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known only from its type locality in Gabon.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF3215AFF1EFA294779FDDF.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the type locality of the new species. The name is a noun in the nominative singular in apposition.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF4215AFF1EFD944670FC50.taxon	description	(Figs 46, 116)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF4215AFF1EFD944670FC50.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. DRC: 1 male, 950 m, Mamove, Nord-Kivu, 0 ° 49 ' N 29 ° 27 ' E, v. 2017, ex A. Colley, gen. slide No.: AV 9012 ♂ (ANHRT).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF4215AFF1EFD944670FC50.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The species is currently known from Uganda (type locality) and north-eastern DRC (new country record).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF4215BFF1EFBE5403FFC2A.taxon	description	(Figs 47 – 50, 117 – 119, 160)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF4215BFF1EFBE5403FFC2A.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 47, 117): male, “ Republic of Congo 372 m | Sangha Prov., NouabaléNdoki | National Park, Mbeli camp | (Gilbertiodendron forest) | 02 ° 14 ' 23.8 '' N, 16 ° 23 ' 52.1 '' E | 1 – 10. x. 2022 LepiLED Light Trap | Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., | Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. Leg. | ANHRT: 2022.14 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 00404807 ” / “ Slide | AV 9013 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT). Paratypes (52 males, 15 females, all in ANHRT). REPUBLIC OF CONGO: 14 males, 1 female, same data as in holotype, MV and LepiLED light traps; 23 males, 8 females, 349 m, Likouala Prov., NNNP, Makao forest (Secondary forest), 02 ° 36 ' 42.5 '' N 17 ° 09 ' 23.8 '' E, 24 – 29. ix. 2022, Actinic and LepiLED light traps, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg., gen. slide Nos: AV 9000 ♂, AV 9058 ♀; 7 males, 352 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Ndoki formation (Secondary forest), 02 ° 12 ' 47.7 '' N, 16 ° 23 ' 45.8 '' E, 29. ix. – 1. x. 2022, LepiLED, MV and actinic light traps, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg.; 3 males, 358 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Bomassa forest (Secondary forest), 02 ° 11 ' 58.1 '' N, 16 ° 11 ' 16.9 '' E, 17 – 22. ix. 2022, actinic light trap, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg.; 2 males, 2 females, 377 m, Likouala Prov., NNNP, Makao camp (Secondary forest), 02 ° 35 ' 42.2 '' N 17 ° 10 ' 08.3 '' E, 23 – 29. ix. 2022, MV light trap, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg.; 1 male, 341 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Bomassa camp, 02 ° 12 ’ 36.9 ’’ N 16 ° 11 ' 30.2 '' E, 16 – 23. ix. 2022, MV light trap, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg.; 1 female, same data as previous but 10 – 16. x. 2022, MV light trap; 2 males, 311 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Mombongo baï (Marshland), 02 ° 10 ' 14.4 '' N 16 ° 08 ' 27.9 '' E, 28. vi. 2022, actinic light trap, Dérozier, V., Mékounou, P. leg.; 2 females, 380 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Bomassa (Secondary forest), 02 ° 12 ' 25.7 '' N, 16 ° 11 ' 39.1 '' E, 18 – 22. vi. 2022, act. light trap, Dérozier, V. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9057 ♀; 1 female, 365 m, NNNP, Mondika camp, 02 ° 21 ' 50.63 '' N 16 ° 16 ' 25.82 '' E, 27. iv. – 6. v. 2023, LepiLED [light trap], Dérozier, V., Kirk-Spriggs, A., László, G., Mvouende, S. leg.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF4215BFF1EFBE5403FFC2A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 14.0 – 16.0 mm in males and 16.5 – 17.5 mm in females. Architesma nouabaleana sp. n. is externally reminiscent of A. henricus, A. frondosa sp. n. and A. ampullaria sp. n. and identification requires examination of the genitalia structures. The male genital capsule of A. nouabaleana sp. n. is most similar to A. henricus and A. diffusa sp. n. but distinguished from the former by the broader uncus, the broader dorsal section of the valva with a longer and broader editum-costa complex with a somewhat more prominent, swollen ampulla, and the broader sacculus with a thicker basal process and a shorter, proximally broader but distally thinner distal process. Compared to A. diffusa sp. n., A. nouabaleana sp. n. has a broader uncus, a broader dorsal section of the valva with a broader editum-costa complex, and a shorter and distally narrower sacculus with a somewhat shorter basal process and a markedly shorter but proximally thicker distal process. The phallus of A. nouabaleana sp. n. has a straighter ventral wall than in the aforementioned congeners and has a shorter ventral carina than in A. diffusa sp. n. In the vesica, A. nouabaleana sp. n. differs from both these species in the shorter distal diverticulum bearing a thinner cornutus, and the somewhat shorter dorsal diverticulum. The female genitalia of A. nouabaleana sp. n. are most similar to A. diffusa sp. n. but distinguished by the trapezoidal postvaginal formation (it is pentagonal in its congener) with narrower swollen lateral plates, the more weakly sclerotised antevaginal plate, the broader posterior section of the corpus bursae, and the somewhat larger signum bursae. Additionally, the postero-lateral sclerotisations of the 7 th sternite of A. nouabaleana sp. n. are somewhat broader than in A. diffusa sp. n. Compared to A. henricus (illustrated by Durante et al. 2024: fig. 8 A), the female genitalia of A. nouabaleana sp. n. have longer apophyses anteriores, a trapezoidal postvaginal formation with narrower and less arcuate lateral plates, a short and triangular antevaginal plate protruding posteriorly (whereas it is broader, trapezoidal and protruding anteriorly in the congener), and a posteriorly narrower posterior section of the corpus bursae having a markedly smaller appendix bursae. The postero-lateral sclerotisations of the 7 th sternite of A. nouabaleana sp. n. are broader than in A. henricus.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF4215BFF1EFBE5403FFC2A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known from north-eastern Republic of Congo.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF4215BFF1EFBE5403FFC2A.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, where the new species is found. The name is a noun in the nominative singular in apposition.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF5215BFF1EFBFF411EF8E2.taxon	description	(Figs 55, 120)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF5215BFF1EFBFF411EF8E2.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 55, 120): male, “ Zambia 1316 m | Mwinilunga, Nkwaji | 11 ° 36 ' 22 '' S, 24 ° 33 ' 17 '' E | 3 – 10. xi. 2017, MV Light Trap | Carter, M., Lloyd, A., Miles, W., | Oram, D., Smith, R. Leg. | ANHRT: 2017.32 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 00201542 ” / “ Slide | AV 9089 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF5215BFF1EFBFF411EF8E2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 14.5 mm in the male holotype. Architesma nkwaji sp. n. is externally reminiscent of the sympatric A. diffusa sp. n. and A. sordida, but has a somewhat narrower forewing. However, considering the high external polymorphism of Architesma species, reliable identification is possible only thorough the examination of the genitalia structures. The male genital capsule of A. nkwaji sp. n. is similar to A. diffusa sp. n. but differs clearly in the thinner arms of the vinculum, the markedly shorter valva with a considerably shorter and more distally tapered valvula, the proximally broader and distally tapered editum-costa complex, and the shorter and narrower sacculus bearing shorter and thinner basal, and shorter and proximally narrower distal processes. The phallus of A. nkwaji sp. n. is shorter than in A. diffusa sp. n. (in proportion to the annulus length), and has a less prominent ventral carina and a noticeably broader coecum. In the vesica of A. nkwaji sp. n., the distal diverticulum is shorter and distally narrower than in A. diffusa sp. n. The female is unknown.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF5215BFF1EFBFF411EF8E2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known only from its type locality in north-western Zambia.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF5215BFF1EFBFF411EF8E2.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the private Nkwaji Wildlife Reserve, where its unique holotype specimen was collected. The name is a noun in the nominative singular in apposition.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF62158FF1EFF2B4520F947.taxon	description	(Figs 51 – 54, 121 – 123, 161)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF62158FF1EFF2B4520F947.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 51, 121): male, “ Zambia 1400 m | Hillwood, Ikelenge | (Miombo / Riverine forest mosaic) | 11 ˚ 16 ' 02 '' S, 24 ˚ 18 ' 59 '' E | 23 – 30. xi. 2019 Actinic Light Trap | Bashford, M., Miles, W., | Mulvaney, L., Smith, R. Leg. | ANHRT: 2019.25 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 00122893 ” / “ Slide | AV 8997 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT). Paratypes (34 males, 12 females, all in ANHRT). ZAMBIA: 21 males, 4 females, same data as in holotype, MV, actinic and LepiLED light traps, gen. slide Nos: AV 8998 ♀, AV 8999 ♀; 1 male, same locality as previous but 30. x. – 3. xi. 2017, MV light trap, Carter, M., Lloyd, A., Miles, W., Oram, D., Smith, R. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9095 ♂; 1 female, same locality as previous but 25 – 27. xi. [20] 14, light trap, Smith, R. & Takano, H. leg.; 1 female, same locality as previous but 28. v. – 4. vi. 2020, MV light trap, Chizuwa, D., Choongo, W. leg.; 6 males, 3 females, 1300 m, Nyangombe Falls, 11 ˚ 48 ' 25 '' S, 24 ˚ 32 ' 12 '' E, 17 – 23. xi. 2019, actinic and MV light traps, Bashford, M., Miles, W., Mulvaney, L., Smith, R. leg., gen. slide Nos: AV 8985 ♂, AV 8986 ♀; 2 females, 1316 m, Mwinilunga, Nkwaji, 11 ° 36 ' 22 '' S, 24 ° 33 ' 17 '' E, 3 – 10. xi. 2017, MV light trap, Carter, M., Lloyd, A., Miles, W., Oram, D., Smith, R. leg.; 1 male, 1396 m, Chitunta Plain (Miombo / Dambo mosaic), 11 ˚ 29 ' 12 '' S, 24 ˚ 24 ' 18 '' E, 29. xi. – 4. xii. 2019, LepiLED light trap, Bashford, M., Miles, W., Mulvaney, L. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9094 ♂; 2 males, 1375 m, Camp near Kanyama (Miombo / Riverine / Dambo mosaic), 11 ˚ 25 ' 36 '' S, 24 ˚ 40 ' 00 '' E, 4 – 7. xii. 2019, MV and LepiLED light traps, Bashford, M., Miles, W., Mulvaney, L. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9092 ♂; 1 female, 1147 m, Lukwakwa, West Lunga NP (Cryptosepalum forest / Dambo) 12 ° 39 ' 40 '' S, 24 ° 26 ' 13 '' E, 9 – 15. xi. 2018, LepiLED light traps, Aristophanous, M., Dérozier, V., László, G., Oram, D. leg.; 3 males, 1205 m, Zambezi Rapids (Miombo / Riverine forest mosaic) 11 ° 7 ' 30 '' S, 24 ° 11 ' 6 '' E, 4 – 9. xi. 2018, MV and LepiLED light traps, Aristophanous, M., Dérozier, V., László, G., Oram, D. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9093 ♂.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF62158FF1EFF2B4520F947.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 15.0 – 16.0 mm in males and 18.0 – 19.0 mm in females. Architesma diffusa sp. n. is externally similar to the sympatric A. sordida but is somewhat larger. Reliable identification requires the examination of the genitalia structures. The genitalia of both sexes of A. diffusa sp. n. are most similar to A. nouabaleana sp. n. and the detailed comparison is provided above in the diagnosis of the latter species. Compared to A. sordida, the male genital capsule of A. diffusa sp. n. has a proximally narrower uncus, a shorter and flattened editum-costa complex lacking the distal process (whereas in the congener it is swollen and bears a thumb-shaped and apically spinulose distal process), a longer and apically broader valvula, a distally thicker basal saccular process, and a shorter but proximally broader distal saccular process. The phallus of A. diffusa sp. n. has a larger coecum, a considerably more prominent subdistal ventral protrusion, and a somewhat longer ventral carina than the corresponding structures of A. sordida. In the vesica, A. diffusa sp. n. differs from A. sordida in the narrower proximal section, the broader dorsal diverticulum, and the somewhat longer and markedly broader distal diverticulum bearing a larger terminal cornutus. As the female of A. sordida remains unknown (see below), the female genitalia of A. diffusa sp. n. were compared with another similar species, A. nouabaleana sp. n. instead (see above, in the diagnosis of the latter).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF62158FF1EFF2B4520F947.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is found in north-western Zambia.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF62158FF1EFF2B4520F947.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin ‘ diffusus’ meaning ‘ diffuse’ and refers to the diffuse forewing markings of the new species. The name is an adjective in apposition to the genus name.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF62159FF1EF91C466EFD58.taxon	description	(Figs 56, 124, 125)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF62159FF1EF91C466EFD58.taxon	materials_examined	Type material examined. Holotype (Fig. 124; the specimen was illustrated by Krüger (2015: figs 33, 216 )): male (body destroyed), “ 19. 20. | Cameroons, | Bitje, Ja River. | Oct. Wet Season. / G. L. Bates. ” / “ 74 ” / “ Joicey | Bequest. | Brit. Mus. | 1934 - 120. ” / red label “ type ” / “ Arctiidae | genitalia slide | No. 888 ” / “ Archithosio | (Architesma) | sordida | J. Birket-Smith det. 1961 | type ” / QR- code label with unique ID “ NHMUK 014172965 ” (NHMUK). Additional material examined. ZAMBIA: 2 males, 1400 m, Ikelenge, Hillwood, 11 ˚ 16 ' 02 '' S, 24 ˚ 18 ' 59 '' E, 30. x. – 3. xi. 2017, MV and actinic light traps, Carter, M., Lloyd, A., Miles, W., Oram, D., Smith, R. leg., gen. slide Nos.: AV 7139 ♂, AV 9018 ♂ (ANHRT).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF62159FF1EF91C466EFD58.taxon	discussion	Remark. The female genitalia of the ‘ conditional allotype’ illustrated by Birket- Smith (1965: fig. 19) and subsequently Krüger (2015: fig. 318) clearly do not belong to the Archithosia generic complex therefore the female of A. sordida remains unknown.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF62159FF1EF91C466EFD58.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 15.0 mm in males. The species is externally similar to A. nouabaleana sp. n. and A. diffusa sp. n. and identification requires the examination of the genitalia structures, which are most similar to A. diffusa sp. n., the detailed comparison with which is provided above in its diagnosis.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF62159FF1EF91C466EFD58.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The species is currently known from Cameroon (type locality) and north-western Zambia (new country record).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF72156FF1EFCED4107F9A9.taxon	description	(Figs 57 – 60, 126, 127, 163)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF72156FF1EFCED4107F9A9.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 57, 126): male, “ Sierra Leone 180 m | Western Area Peninsula | Forest Reserve, 6. x. [20] 15 | N 08 ° 20 ' 57 ''; W 13 ° 10 ' 42 '' | Light Trap R. Goff coll. | leg. Smith, R. & Takano, H. ” / “ African Natural History | Research Trust | ANHRT: 2018.19 ” / ANHRTUK | 00201358 ” / “ Slide | AV 9004 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT). Paratypes (110 males, 37 females, all in ANHRT). SIERRA LEONE: 9 males, 2 females, same data as in holotype; 15 males, 1 female, same data as previous but 24. x. [20] 15; 43 males, 10 females, same data as previous but 21. ix. [20] 15, gen. slide No.: AV 9053 ♀; 1 male, 375 m, Kono Province, Gori Hills, near Giehum, 08 ° 27 ' 47 '' N, 10 ° 46 ' 17 '' W, 22 – 29. ii. 2020, Kalnoi, G., Sinyaev, V. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9006 ♂; 1 female, 470 m, Kenema Province, Gori Hills, near Moimandu, 08.2474 ˚ N, 10.9713 ˚ W, 2 – 9. iii. 2020, Sinyaev, B. & Kalnoi, G. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9007 ♀; 2 males, 1 female, 80 m, Kalainkay nr. Kamabai, Northern Prov., 3 – 6. xi. [20] 15, 09 ˚ 10 ' 52 '' N, 11 ˚ 56 ' 44 '' W, light trap, R. Goff coll., Smith, R. & Takano, H. leg .. GUINEA: 6 males, 1 female, 690 m, Guinée Forestiére, Bossou Forest and Institut de Recherche Environmentale de Bossou (Lowland Forest-Farmland), 07 ˚ 38 ' 32 '' N, 08 ˚ 30 ' 30 '' W, 24 – 31. vi. 2019, MV, LepiLED, and 8 W UV cold cathode light traps, Dérozier, V., Suah Dore, J., Koivagui, S., Miles, W., Sáfián, Sz., Warner, R. leg.; 3 males, 2 females, 540 – 600 m, 619 km ESE of Conakry, Nzerekore Region, Prefecture Lola, Ziela env., x. 2017, 7 ˚ 42 ' N, 8 ˚ 21 ' W, Local collectors leg.; 1 male, 435 m, Geipa Camp, Forêt de Diecké, 7 ° 26 ' 7.06 '' N, 8 ° 50 ' 47.87 '' W, 5 – 14. iv. 2019, light trap, blended bulb (250 W), Sáfián, Sz., Koivogui, S. leg.; 12 males, 4 females, 625 m, Guinée Forestiére, Forêt Classée de Ziama, Sérédou (lowland forest / farmland), 08 ° 21 ' 26 '' N, 09 ° 17 ' 48 '' W, 9 – 16. vii. 2019, MV, LepiLED, and cold cathode light traps, Dérozier, V., Koivagui, S., Miles, W., Sáfián, Sz., Warner, R. leg.; 2 males, 1 female, 700 m, Guinée Forestiére, Monts Nimba UNESCO World Heritage Site, Serengbara Village to Yie River Valley (Lowland Forest-Farmland), 07 ° 36 ' 56 '' N, 08 ° 26 ' 54 '' W, 1 – 8. vii. 2019, UV cold cathode and 250 W belned light traps, Dérozier, V., Koivagui, S., Miles, W., Sáfián, Sz., Warner, R. leg.; 1 female, 700 m, Nimba Mountains, SMFG concession area (Société des Mines de Fer de Guineé), 7 ° 42 ' 2.83 '' N 8 ° 23 ' 58.60 '' W, 25. viii. – 05. ix. 2017, general coll., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. leg.; 7 males, 1413 m, Dalaba, Forêt de Goubel, 10 ° 39 ' 27 '' N, 12 ° 15 ' 44 '' E, 10 – 18. ix. 2019, missing collecting data, Geiser, M., Leno, M., Koivagui, S., Miles, W., Mulvaney, L., Sáfián, Sz. leg .. LIBERIA: 2 males, 1 female, 140 m, Sinoe County, Krahn-Bassa Reserve, Juboe River, 7.5 km SW Pellokon Town, 5 ˚ 39 ' 4 '' N, 8 ˚ 39 ' 4 '' W, 14 – 20. i. 2018, light trap (blended bulb 250 w), Geiser, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. leg.; 1 male, 585 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts, Rosewood Camp, 8 ˚ 06 ' 14.9 '' N, 9 ˚ 58 ' 27.3 '' W, 18. xi. – 1. xii. 2018, MV light trap, Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 8974 ♂; 1 male, 530 m, Lofa County, Foya Proposed Protected Area, 7 ˚ 56 ' 36 '' N, 10 ˚ 16 ' 36 '' W, 10 – 19. xi. 2017, MV Light Trap (125 w), Aristophanous, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G., & Smith, L., leg.; 1 female, 1165 m, Nimba Mts, camp, ENNR, Nimba County, 7 ˚ 31 ' 45 '' N, 8 ˚ 31 ' 37 '' W, 3 – 13. xii. 2017, light trap (blended bulb 250 W), Aristophanous, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. & Smith, L. leg.; 1 female, 1002 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts, Elephant Ridge, 8 ° 7 ' 1.46 '' N, 9 ° 55 ' 24.18 '' W, 23 – 26. xi. 2018, LepiLED light trap, Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. leg.; 1 female, 551 m, Wetezu camp, Wonegizi Nature Reserve, Lofa County, 8 ° 4 ' 57.11 '' N 9 ° 34 ' 47.86 '' W, 19 – 27. iii. 2019, cold cathode UV light trap (8 W), Sáfián, Sz., Koivogui, S. leg. 1 female, 750 m, ENNR, Nimba Mts., Cellcom Road, 7 ˚ 33 ' 3.8 '' N, 8 ˚ 31 ' 46.5 '' W, 10 – 12. iii. 2017, light trap (250 w blended Bulb) & cold cathode UV light bucket trap (8 w), Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, H. leg.; 1 female, 883 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts., Ridge Camp 2, 8 ˚ 7 ' 20.79 '' N, 9 ˚ 56 ' 50.75 '' W, 22 – 31. xi. 2018, light trap blended bulb (250 w), Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. leg.; 2 females, 611 m, Lofa County, Wologizi Mts, base camp forest, 8 ˚ 07 ' 17 '' N, 9 ˚ 57 ' 42 '' W, 20. xi. – 01. xii. 2017, MV light trap (125 w), Aristophanous, M., Sáfián, Sz., Simonics, G. & Smith, L. leg. IVORY COAST: 5 males, 1 female, 174 m, Taï NP, Taï Research Station (SRET), 05 ˚ 49 ' 59.8 '' N, 07 ˚ 20 ' 32.0 '' W, 14 – 23. xi. [20] 15, light trap, Aristophanous, M., Moretto, P., Ruzzier, E. leg.; 1 female, 174 m, Taï NP, Taï Research Station (SRET), 5 ° 50 ' 00 '' N, 7 ° 20 ' 32 '' W, 27 – 31. iii. 2017, canopy light trap (~ 40 m above ground), Aristophanous, A., Aristophanous, M., Geiser, M., Moretto, P. leg.; 3 males, 3 females, 60 m, Parc National d’Azagny, entrée Sonaye (Secondary forest), 05 ° 14 ' 32 '' N 04 ° 4 ° 48 ' 05 '' W, 25 – 28. xi. 2021, MV light trap, Moretto, P., Mulvaney, L., Takano, H. leg.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF72156FF1EFCED4107F9A9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 14.0 – 15.5 mm in males and 16.5 – 17.5 mm in females. Architesma ampullaria sp. n. is externally very similar to A. frondosa sp. n. and A. makomensis sensu Birket-Smith (1965) (illustrated by Krüger 2015: figs 37, 38, 218, 320) and reliable identification requires the examination of the genitalia structures, which are considerably different in many aspects in all three species. The male genitalia structure of A. ampullaria sp. n. is most similar to A. sordida and A. bassa sp. n. and the detailed comparison with the latter species is provided below in its diagnosis. Unlike in A. sordida, the male genital capsule of A. ampullaria sp. n. has a markedly longer dorsal section of the valva with a longer editum-costa complex bearing a longer, distally narrowed distal ampulla with a foot-shaped and slightly upcurved spinulose tip whereas the ampulla of A. sordida is short, straight and thumb-shaped. The sacculus of A. ampullaria sp. n. is shorter than in A. sordida and bears shorter basal, and shorter and proximally narrower distal processes. The phalluses of the two species are similar but that of A. ampullaria sp. n. is somewhat shorter and narrower than in A. sordida and has a somewhat longer ventral carina. Compared to A. sordida, the vesica of A. ampullaria sp. n. has a narrower proximal section with a somewhat shorter and semiglobular dorsal diverticulum (it is conical in its congener), and a slightly shorter and narrower distal diverticulum. As the female of A. sordida remains unknown, the female genitalia of A. ampullaria sp. n. were compared with A. bassa sp. n. instead (see below in the diagnosis of the latter). Besides A. bassa sp. n., the female genitalia of A. ampullaria sp. n. are also similar to A. henricus (illustrated by Durante et al. 2024), from which A. ampullaria sp. n. differs in the shorter postvaginal formation having a narrow and shallow V-shaped posterior incision (vs. a broad and U-shaped depression in A. henricus) and shorter, narrower and less swollen lateral plates, and the remarkably longer, broader and semi-rounded antevaginal plate, which is broader than the postvaginal formation (in A. henricus the antevaginal plate is trapezoidal with rounded corners and is narrower than the postvaginal formation).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF72156FF1EFCED4107F9A9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is known from Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and Ivory Coast.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF72156FF1EFCED4107F9A9.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the long editum of the new species bearing a large ampulla protruding beyond the valvula tip. The name is a noun in the nominative singular in apposition.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF82157FF1EF97E4779FC2A.taxon	description	(Figs 61, 62, 128, 129, 164)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF82157FF1EF97E4779FC2A.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 61, 128): male, “ Liberia 140 m | Sinoe County, Krahn- Bassa | Reserve, Juboe River, | 7.5 km SW Pellokon Town | 5 ˚ 39 ' 4 '' N, 8 ˚ 39 ' 4 '' W | 14 – 20. i. 2018 Light Trap | (Blended bulb 250 W) | Geiser, M., Sáfián, Sz., | Simonics, G. Leg. | ANHRT: 2017.33 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 00101940 ” / “ Slide | AV 9008 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT). Paratypes. LIBERIA: 3 males, 1 female, same data as in holotype, gen. slide Nos.: AV 8975 ♂, AV 9009 ♀ (ANHRT).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF82157FF1EF97E4779FC2A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 13.0 mm in males and 15.5 mm in the female. Architesma bassa sp. n. is externally very similar to the sympatric A. ampullaria sp. n. but is somewhat smaller and has a more ochreous forewing ground colour. Reliable identification requires the examination of the genitalia structures. The male genital capsule of A. bassa sp. n. is distinguished from A. ampullaria sp. n. by the narrower uncus, the shorter and distally broader valva, the proximally narrower, apically tapered, downcurved and serrulate ampulla (it is distally foot-shaped, slightly upcurved and spinulose in A. ampullaria sp. n.), and the broader sacculus with a somewhat proximally narrower basal process and a shorter and proximally broader distal process with a thorn-shaped tip (it is gradually distally tapered in A. ampullaria sp. n.). The phallus of A. bassa sp. n. is narrower than in A. ampullaria sp. n. and has a shorter ventral carina. The vesica of A. bassa sp. n. can be easily distinguished from A. ampullaria sp. n. by the markedly smaller dorsal diverticulum, the noticeably larger left subbasal diverticulum, and the shorter and downcurved distal diverticulum bearing a reduced, plate-like terminal cornutus (whereas the distal diverticulum of A. ampullaria sp. n. is nearly straight and bears a well-developed, thorn-shaped terminal cornutus). In the female genitalia, A. bassa sp. n. differs from A. ampullaria sp. n. in the weakly sclerotised and almost non-swollen postvaginal formation with shorter and narrower lateral plates, the broader ostium bursae with V-shaped ventral margin (it is U-shaped in the similar congener), and the markedly shorter and narrower, bowl-shaped antevaginal plate with a gelatinous, string-like anterior margin (whereas in A. ampullaria sp. n. it is semicircular and with an evenly sclerotised and swollen anterior margin).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF82157FF1EF97E4779FC2A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known only from its type locality in Liberia.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF82157FF1EF97E4779FC2A.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The new species is named after the Bassa people primarily native to Liberia. The specific epithet also refers to the type locality of the new species, the Krahn-Bassa Reserve. The name is a noun in the nominative singular in apposition.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF92154FF1EFBFF405EFECD.taxon	description	(Figs 63 – 66, 130, 131, 165)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF92154FF1EFBFF405EFECD.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 63, 130): male, “ Rwanda | Nyungwe | 23. X. [19] 76 | B. Turlin [leg.] | 2000 m ” / “ Slide | ZSM Arct. | 2021 - 524 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ZSM). Paratypes (2 males, 2 females, all in ZSM). RWANDA: 1 female, same data as in holotype but 23. x. [19] 76, gen. slide No.: ZSM Arct. 2021 - 528 ♀ (prepared by A. Volynkin); 1 male, Nyungwe, Rte [Route] Delvaux, B. Turlin [leg.], 2200 m, 7. v. [19] 75, gen. slide No.: ZSM Arct. 2021 - 527 ♂ (prepared by A. Volynkin); 1 female, Forêt Nyungwé, Route Delvaux km 16, 2000 m – 15.4.1977, B. Turlin [leg.], gen. slide No.: ZSM Arct. 2021 - 526 ♀ (prepared by A. Volynkin); 1 male, Nyungwe, 29. xi. [19] 75, B. Turlin [leg.].	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF92154FF1EFBFF405EFECD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 16.5 – 18.0 mm in males and 20.0 – 21.0 mm in females. The species has two colour forms occurring in the same season. The contrast form (Figs 63, 65) can be easily distinguished from other species in the genus Architesma by its forewing having ochreous distal and basal areas while the medial area is intensely suffused with dark brown. The unicolorous, brown form with diffuse forewing markings (Figs 64, 66) is reminiscent of A. nouabaleana sp. n. but its forewing has a more tapered apex and a less convex outer margin. The male genital capsule structure of A. turlini sp. n. is similar to A. bassa sp. n. but differs in the proximally broader uncus, the ventrally directed ampulla with an upcurved distal end (the ampulla of A. bassa sp. n. is smoothly medially downcurved), and the longer sacculus with longer basal and distal processes. Compared to A. bassa sp. n., the phallus of A. turlini sp. n. has a larger and more downcurved coecum, a considerably more prominent subdistal ventral protrusion, and a slightly longer ventral carina. In the vesica, A. turlini sp. n. has a markedly larger dorsal diverticulum, a somewhat longer, medially narrower and almost straight distal diverticulum, and a larger, thorn-shaped terminal cornutus (it is reduced and plate-like in its congener). The female genitalia of A. turlini sp. n. can be readily distinguished from A. bassa sp. n. by the longer and broader postvaginal formation with broad and heavily sclerotised lateral plates, the considerably shorter and narrower antevaginal plate with a posterior margin protruding posteriorly and partially covering the ostium bursae (whereas the antevaginal plate of A. bassa sp. n. has a broad, V-shaped posterior depression), and the shorter and anteriorly broader posterior section of the corpus bursae.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFF92154FF1EFBFF405EFECD.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known from Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda. Etymology. The new species is named after the renowned French lepidopterist and collector of the type series, Dr Bernard Turlin. The name is a noun in the genitive case.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFA2154FF1EFE82403FF925.taxon	description	(Figs 67 – 69, 132, 133, 166)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFA2154FF1EFE82403FF925.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 67, 132): male, “ Republic of Congo 390 m | Odzala- Kokoua National Park, | Lobo research camp | 00 ° 35 ' 04 '' N, 14 ° 53 ' 12 '' E | 23 – 25. xi. 2024, LepiLED light | trap. Bashford, M., Elliott, I., | Kirk-Spriggs, A. leg. | ANHRT: 2024.19 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 00201544 ” / “ Slide | AV 9090 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT). Paratypes (2 males, 2 females, all in ANHRT). REPUBLIC OF CONGO: 1 female, same data as in holotype but 22 – 30. xi. 2024, MV light trap, gen. slide No.: AV 9091 ♀; 2 males, 1 female, 390 m, OKNP, Lobo Research Camp, 00 ° 35 ' 04 '' N, 14 ° 53 ' 12 '' E, 20 – 27. ix. 2024, MV light trap, Bashford, M., László, G., Volynkin, A., Yaba Ngouma, S. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9071 ♂.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFA2154FF1EFE82403FF925.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 11.5 – 13.0 mm in males and 16.0 – 16.5 mm in females. Architesma odzala sp. n. is the smallest known species in the genus Architesma, which is most externally reminiscent of the sympatric A. inermis sp. n. but distinguished from it by the somewhat smaller size, the distally narrower forewing with a smoother tornus, the paler, olive brown body and forewing ground colour (vs. brownish-grey in the congener), and the diffuse and dark olive brown transverse line of the forewing, which is more distinct and black in the congener. The genitalia of the two species are fundamentally different and the male genital capsule of A. odzala sp. n. is most similar to A. turlini sp. n. and A. sordida, differing from the former species in the proximally broader uncus, the distally broader scaphium, the proximally broader and apically pointed ampulla (it is distally foot-shaped in the congener), the shorter valvula, and the shorter sacculus with less curved basal and proximally narrower and less upcurved distal processes. Compared to A. sordida, the male genital capsule of A. odzala sp. n. has a distally broader scaphium, a distally upcurved and apically pointed, setose ampulla (whereas it is straight, thumb-shaped and spinulose in A. sordida), a shorter valvula, and a shorter distal saccular process. The phallus of A. odzala sp. n. is more similar to A. turlini sp. n. but less curved proximally, while that of A. sordida is distally broader and has a smaller coecum. In the vesica, A. odzala sp. n. differs from both its congeners in the considerably longer distal diverticulum. The female genitalia of A. odzala sp. n. are clearly distinct from other known species in the genus by their longer and heavily sclerotised 8 th tergite, and the sterigma structure, which combines a large swollen posterior section of the postvaginal formation (which is similar to that of A. ampullaria sp. n. but markedly broader and longer), and a short triangular antevaginal plate covering the ostium bursae ventrally. The structure of the anterior section of the corpus bursae of A. odzala sp. n. is also unique among the Architesma species with its membranous anterior section bearing only a small area of very sparse scobination medially (whereas in all other known species the anterior section is evenly scobinate), and the heavily gelatinous anterior part of the posterior section of the corpus bursae also lacking the scobination whereas in other congeners it is more thin-walled and heavily scobinate.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFA2154FF1EFE82403FF925.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known only from its type locality in northern Republic of Congo.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFA2154FF1EFE82403FF925.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from Odzala-Kokoua National Park, where the new species is found. The name is a noun in the nominative singular in apposition.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFA2155FF1EF8FA4046F8BB.taxon	description	(Figs 70 – 72, 134, 135, 167)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFA2155FF1EF8FA4046F8BB.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 70, 134): male, “ Republic of Congo 380 m | Sangha Prov., NouabaléNdoki | National Park, Bomassa | (Secondary forest) | 02 ° 12 ' 25.7 '' N, 16 ° 11 ' 39.1 '' E | 18 – 22. vi. 2022 Act. Light Trap | Dérozier, V. leg. | ANHRT: 2022.9 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 00275245 ” / “ Slide | AV 9017 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT). Paratypes (72 males, 11 females, all in ANHRT). REPUBLIC OF CONGO: 8 males, same data as in holotype; 2 males, 341 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Bomassa camp (Secondary forest), 02 ° 12 ' 36.9 '' N 16 ° 11 ' 30.2 '' E, 11 – 16. x. 2022, Actinic and MV light traps, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg.; 5 males, 358 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Bomassa forest (Secondary forest), 02 ° 11 ' 58.1 '' N, 16 ° 11 ' 16.9 '' E, 17 – 23. ix. 2022, LepiLED and actinic light traps, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg.; 4 males, 1 female, 377 m, Likouala Prov., NNNP, Makao camp (Secondary forest), 02 ° 35 ' 42.2 '' N 17 ° 10 ' 08.3 '' E, 23 – 29. ix. 2022, MV light trap, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg., gen. slide Nos: AV 9003 ♂, AV 9059 ♀; 1 male, 375 m, NNNP, Mbeli baï (Swamp forest), 02 ° 15 ' 30.4 '' N, 16 ° 24 ' 39.5 '' E, 1 – 10. x. 2022, LepiLED light trap, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg.; 1 female, same locality as previous, 15 – 19. ii. 2023, Bakala, N., M., Dérozier, V., Kirk-Spriggs, A., László, G. leg.; 21 males, 372 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Mbeli camp (Gilbertiodendron forest), 02 ° 14 ' 23.8 '' N, 16 ° 23 ' 52.1 '' E, 1 – 10. x. 2022, LepiLED, actinic and MV light traps, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 8981 ♂; 23 males, 349 m, Likouala Prov., NNNP, Makao forest (Secondary forest), 02 ° 36 ' 42.5 '' N 17 ° 09 ' 23.8 '' E, 24 – 29. ix. 2022, LepiLED and actinic light traps and general collecting, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9001 ♂; 8 males, 8 females, 352 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Ndoki formation (Secondary forest), 02 ° 12 ' 47.7 '' N, 16 ° 23 ' 45.8 '' E, 29. ix. – 1. x. 2022, LepiLED, actinic and MV light traps, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg., gen. slide Nos: AV 8977 ♀, AV 9102 ♀; 1 female, 365 m, NNNP, Mondika camp, 02 ° 21 ' 50.63 '' N 16 ° 16 ' 25.82 '' E, 07 – 14. ii. 2023, MV light trap, Bakala, N., M., Dérozier, V., Kirk-Spriggs, A., László, G. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9067 ♀.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFA2155FF1EF8FA4046F8BB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 12.5 – 14.0 mm in males and 13.5 – 16.0 mm in females. Architesma ndoki sp. n. is morphologically most similar to the sympatric A. dolgomoides sp. n. and the detailed comparison is provided below in the diagnosis of the latter species. Among other species in the genus Architesma, the sympatric A. nouabaleana sp. n. is also reminiscent of A. ndoki sp. n. but the former is larger and has a somewhat broader forewing with a slightly straighter costal margin and a more distally prominent medial curve of the transverse line. The male genitalia of A. ndoki sp. n. are clearly different from A. nouabaleana sp. n. in their distally longer uncus, the more apically tapered valvula, the broader ampulla directed ventrad (it is directed distad in the congener), the distally narrower sacculus with a short, nearly straight, triangular and apically rounded tip (whereas it has a claw-shaped, downcurved tip in A. nouabaleana sp. n.), the longer phallus with a narrower coecum, and the broader distal diverticulum bearing a shorter, thorn-shaped terminal cornutus, which is rather claw-shaped with a plate-like base in A. nouabaleana sp. n. The male genitalia configuration of A. ndoki sp. n. is also reminiscent of A. turlini sp. n. but the latter species can be easily distinguished by its elongate ampulla, the longer sacculus with a thorn-shaped, upcurved tip, the phallus having a downcurved coecum and a larger subdistal ventral protrusion, and the narrower distal diverticulum bearing a smaller terminal cornutus. The female genitalia of A. ndoki sp. n. differ from A. nouabaleana sp. n. in the narrower postvaginal formation with broader and setose swollen lateral plates (they are smooth in the congener), the narrower and shorter postvaginal plate, the more weakly scobinate posterior section of the corpus bursa, and the somewhat larger signum bursae. Additionally, unlike in A. nouabaleana sp. n., the 7 th sternite of A. ndoki sp. n. lacks the postero-lateral sclerotisations. Compared to A. turlini sp. n., A. ndoki sp. n. has markedly longer apophyses anteriores, the anteriorly narrower postvaginal formation with nearly straight lateral margins (they are convex in A. turlini sp. n.) and broader and more heavily setose lateral swollen plates, and the shorter and narrower antevaginal plate with a more convex posterior margin.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFA2155FF1EF8FA4046F8BB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known from north-eastern Republic of Congo.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFA2155FF1EF8FA4046F8BB.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the type locality of the new species, Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. The name is a noun in the nominative singular in apposition.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFC2152FF1EFF2B45EAFA75.taxon	description	(Figs 73 – 75, 136, 137, 168)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFC2152FF1EFF2B45EAFA75.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 73, 136): male, “ Republic of Congo 352 m | Sangha Prov., NouabaléNdoki | National Park, Ndoki formation | (Secondary forest) | 02 ° 12 ' 47.7 '' N, 16 ° 23 ' 45.8 '' E | 29. ix. – 1. x. 2022 Actinic Light Trap | Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., | Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. Leg. | ANHRT: 2022.14 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 00354803 ” / “ Slide | AV 8978 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT). Paratypes (27 males, 2 females, all in ANHRT). REPUBLIC OF CONGO: 10 males, 2 females, same data as in holotype, actinic and LepiLED light traps, gen. slide Nos.: AV 8976 ♂, AV 8979 ♀; 7 males, 365 m, NNNP, Mondika camp, 02 ° 21 ' 50.63 '' N 16 ° 16 ' 25.82 '' E, 07 – 14. ii. 2023, MV light trap, Bakala, N., M., Dérozier, V., Kirk-Spriggs, A., László, G. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9049 ♂; 1 male, 349 m, Likouala Prov., NNNP, Makao forest (Secondary forest), 02 ° 36 ' 42.5 '' N 17 ° 09 ' 23.8 '' E, 24 – 29. ix. 2022, LepiLED L. T., Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9069 ♂; 2 males, 372 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Mbeli camp (Gilbertiodendron forest), 02 ° 14 ' 23.8 '' N, 16 ° 23 ' 52.1 '' E, 1 – 10. x. 2022, LepiLED and MV light traps, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg.; 5 males, same locality as previous, 14 – 20. ii. 2023, MV and actinic light traps, Bakala, N., M., Dérozier, V., Kirk-Spriggs, A., László, G. leg.; 2 males, 377 m, NNNP, Makao camp (Secondary forest), 02 ° 35 ' 42.2 '' N 17 ° 10 ' 08.3 '' E, 15 – 21. v. 2023, MV light trap, Dérozier, V., Kirk-Spriggs, A., László, G., Mvouende, S. leg., gen. slide Nos.: AV 9096 ♂, AV 9097 ♂.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFC2152FF1EFF2B45EAFA75.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 12.5 – 13.0 mm in males and 14.0 – 15.0 mm in females. Architesma dolgomoides sp. n. is externally reminiscent of the sympatric A. ndoki sp. n. but distinguished by the ochreous forewing ground colour with a more distinct transverse line, and the paler and more yellowish hindwing. The male genitalia of the two species are similar but unlike A. ndoki sp. n., A. dolgomoides sp. n. has a proximally narrower and medially straighter uncus, a somewhat narrower and apically broader valva, a longer editum bearing a less prominent short ampulla situated more distally, and a narrower sacculus with thicker basal, and narrower and shorter distal, processes. The phalluses of the two species display no remarkable differences. In the vesica, the distal diverticulum of A. dolgomoides sp. n. is markedly narrower than in A. ndoki sp. n. The female genitalia of A. dolgomoides sp. n. differ from A. ndoki sp. n. in the somewhat broader postvaginal region with an anteriorly broader, rectangular medio-posterior setose region (it is trapezoidal in A. ndoki sp. n.), and the considerably larger and more heavily sclerotised antevaginal plate with a less convex posterior margin.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFC2152FF1EFF2B45EAFA75.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is currently known from north-eastern Republic of Congo.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFC2152FF1EFF2B45EAFA75.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the external similarity of the new species to certain members of the Asiatic Lithosiina genus Dolgoma Moore, 1878. The name is an adjective in apposition to the genus name.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFC2153FF1EFA0A46BDFB81.taxon	description	(Figs 76 – 80, 138 – 141, 169)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFC2153FF1EFA0A46BDFB81.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 76, 138): male, “ Zambia 1147 m | Lukwakwa, West Lunga NP., | (Cryptosepalum forest / Dambo) | 12 ° 39 ' 40 '' S, 24 ° 26 ' 13 '' E | 9 – 15. xi. 2018 Actinic Light Trap | Aristophanous, M., Dérozier, V., | László, G., Oram, D. Leg. | ANHRT: 2018.40 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 00057134 ” / ‘ Slide | AV 8993 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT). Paratypes (55 males, 97 females, all in ANHRT). ZAMBIA: 50 males, 91 females, same data as in holotype, MV, actinic and LepiLED light traps, gen. slide Nos: AV 8994 ♂, AV 8995 ♀, AV 8996 ♀; 1 female, same locality as previous but 4 – 8. xi. [20] 13, light trap, Smith [R.], Takano [H.] & Oram [D.] leg.; 1 female, 1340 m, Jiwundu Swamp, 11 ˚ 51 ' 54 '' S, 25 ˚ 33 ' 20 '' E, 21 – 24. xi. [20] 14, light trap, Smith, R. & Takano, H. leg.; 1 male, 1460 m, Mutinondo Wilderness Area, Mpika, Northern Prov., 12 ˚ 27 ' 06 '' S, 31 ˚ 17 ' 30 '' E, 14 – 17. ii. 2019, actinic light trap, Dérozier, V., Mulvaney, L., Takano, H. leg., gen. prep. No.: AV 8984 ♂; 2 males, 4 females, 1400 m, Muchinga Province, Jombo village, 10 ° 27 ' 01 '' S, 33 ° 14 ' 30 '' E, 30. xi. – 05. xii. 2023, MV light trap, Bashford, M., Collins, A., László, G., Morgan, L., Volynkin, A. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 8990 ♀, AV 8991 ♂; 1 male, 1570 m, Muchinga Prov., Makutu Mts., gully at foot of main ridge, 10 ° 27 ' 27 '' S, 33 ° 12 ' 51 '' E, 02 – 04. xii. 2023, actinic light trap, Bashford, M., Collins, A., László, G., Morgan, L., Volynkin, A. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 8992 ♂; 1 male, 1250 m, Muchinga Prov., Benyanga village, 10 ° 40 ' 41 '' S, 33 ° 27 ' 45 '' E, 07 – 12. xii. 2023, MV light trap, László, G., Morgan, L., Volynkin, A. leg.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFC2153FF1EFA0A46BDFB81.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 13.5 – 14.5 mm in males and 16.0 – 17.0 mm in females. The species varies greatly in its forewing shape, shade of the ground colour and the degree of development of the forewing markings within the same population. Pale forms of A. smithi sp. n. are externally reminiscent of the sympatric A. diffusa sp. n. but differ in the somewhat shorter forewing. The dark forms are similar to A. jiwundu sp. n. also occurring in north-western Zambia. In all cases, reliable identification requires examination of the genitalia structures, which are fundamentally different in all three species. The male genital capsule of A. smithi sp. n. is similar to the externally dissimilar and allopatric A. inermis sp. n. but distinguished by the longer and more finely spinulose ampulla, the thinner basal saccular process, and the longer, heavily sclerotised and thorn-shaped distal saccular process, which is short, broadly triangular and weakly sclerotised in its congener. In the phallus of A. smithi sp. n., the coecum is somewhat longer and broader than in A. inermis sp. n. The vesica structure of A. smithi sp. n. is similar to most other known species of the genus Architesma with its tubular distal diverticulum bearing a thorn-shaped terminal cornutus whereas in A. inermis sp. n., the dorsal diverticulum is displaced distally, and the distal diverticulum is curved dorsally, broad, bilobate and lacks the cornutus. In the female genitalia, A. smithi sp. n. is distinguished from A. inermis sp. n. by the anteriorly narrower postvaginal formation, the broader, more heavily sclerotised and almost straight antevaginal plate (it is posteriorly convex in A. inermis sp. n.), and the narrower and more heavily scobinate posterior section of the corpus bursae.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFC2153FF1EFA0A46BDFB81.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is found in several localities in Zambia.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFC2153FF1EFA0A46BDFB81.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The new species is dedicated to Mr Richard Smith, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, ANHRT, who, through organising and undertaking numerous entomological expeditions to Sub-Saharan Africa, has enabled the discovery of numerous species new to science including the current one. The name is a noun in the genitive case.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFD2150FF1EFB5746BEFBC5.taxon	description	(Figs 81 – 83, 142 – 145, 170)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFD2150FF1EFB5746BEFBC5.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype (Figs 81, 142): male, “ Republic of Congo 352 m | Sangha Prov., NouabaleNdoki | National Park, Ndoki formation | (Secondary forest) | 02 ° 12 ' 47.7 '' N, 16 ° 23 ' 45.8 '' E | 29. ix. – 1. x. 2022 Actinic Light Trap | Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., | Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. Leg. | ANHRT: 2022.14 ” / “ ANHRTUK | 00404547 ” / “ Slide | AV 9019 ♂ | A. Volynkin ” (ANHRT). Paratypes (38 males, 6 females, all in ANHRT). REPUBLIC OF CONGO: 10 males, 1 female, same data as in holotype, MV, actinic and LepiLED light traps, gen. slide Nos: AV 6965 ♂, AV 9098 ♀; 3 males, 1 female, 372 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Mbeli camp (Gilbertiodendron forest), 02 ° 14 ' 23.8 '' N, 16 ° 23 ' 52.1 '' E, 1 – 10. x. 2022, MV light trap, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg. gen. slide Nos: AV 6966 ♂, AV 9099 ♀, AV 9104 ♂; 7 males, 372 m, NNNP, Mbeli camp, 02 ° 14 ' 23.8 '' N, 16 ° 23 ' 52.1 '' E, 14 – 20. ii. 2023, MV and actinic light traps, Bakala, N., M., Dérozier, V., Kirk-Spriggs, A., László, G. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9076 ♂; 1 male, 356 m, Sangha Prov., NNNP, Ndoki formation camp (Secondary forest), 02 ° 12 ' 51.5 '' N, 16 ° 23 ' 40.1 '' E, 23. vi. 2022, actinic light trap, Dérozier, V. leg.; 8 males, 1 female, 365 m, NNNP, Mondika camp, 02 ° 21 ' 50.63 '' N 16 ° 16 ' 25.82 '' E, 07 – 14. ii. 2023, MV and actinic light traps, Bakala, N., M., Dérozier, V., Kirk-Spriggs, A., László, G. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9103 ♂; 1 male, 1 female, 377 m, NNNP, Makao camp (Secondary forest), 02 ° 35 ' 42.2 '' N 17 ° 10 ' 08.3 '' E, 15 – 21. v. 2023, MV light trap, Dérozier, V., Kirk-Spriggs, A., László, G., Mvouende, S. leg.; 1 male, 349 m, Likouala Prov., NNNP, Makao forest (Secondary forest), 02 ° 36 ' 42.5 '' N 17 ° 09 ' 23.8 '' E, 24 – 29. ix. 2022, LepiLED light trap, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg.; 1 female, 375 m, NNNP, Mbeli baï (Swamp forest), 02 ° 15 ' 30.4 '' N, 16 ° 24 ' 39.5 '' E, 4 – 10. x. 2022, LepiLED light trap, Dérozier, V., Fouka, B., Kirk-Spriggs, A., Takano, H. leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9020 ♀; 3 males, 540 m, OKNP, Kokoua base, 01 ° 28 ' 39 '' N, 15 ° 16 ' 42 '' E, 05 – 13. ix. 2024, MV light trap, Bashford, M., László, G., Talani, M., Volynkin, A., leg., gen. slide No.: AV 9070 ♂; 4 males, 390 m, OKNP, Lobo research camp, 00 ° 35 ' 04 '' N, 14 ° 53 ' 12 '' E, 23 – 25. xi. 2024, LepiLED light trap, Bashford, M., Elliott, I., Kirk-Spriggs, A. leg.; 1 female, same locality as previous but 25 – 26. ix. 2024, MV light trap, Bashford, M., László, G., Volynkin, A., Yaba Ngouma, S. leg.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFD2150FF1EFB5746BEFBC5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The forewing length is 11.5 – 13.5 mm in males and 13.5 – 15.5 mm in females. Like the similar A. smithi sp. n., A. inermis sp. n. varies greatly in its forewing shape, shade of the ground colour and the degree of development of the forewing markings within the same population. In the male genitalia, the length and serrulation of the ampulla and the size of the dorsal subbasal and distal diverticula are variable. Architesma inermis sp. n. is externally reminiscent of the sympatric A. ndoki sp. n. but distinguished by the more distally dilated forewing (especially in the female) with a more angled tornus, the somewhat paler, more greyish forewing ground colour, and the more diffuse transverse line of the forewing, which can be interrupted into three spots in some specimens (whereas it is continuous in A. ndoki sp. n.). Compared to another similar and sympatric species, A. odzala sp. n., A. inermis sp. n. is somewhat larger, has a darker body and more distally dilated forewing with a more angled tornus, its forewing ground colour is darker and brownish-grey (vs. olive brown in the congener), and the transverse line is more distinct and black whereas it is dark olive brown in A. odzala sp. n. The male genitalia structure of A. inermis sp. n. is fundamentally different from A. ndoki sp. n. and A. odzala sp. n., and is most similar to the externally dissimilar and allopatric A. smithi sp. n., the detailed comparison with which is provided above in the diagnosis of this species. It is additionally worth noting that the vesica of A. inermis sp. n. is considerably different from other known species in the genus with its broad and bilobate subbasal dorsal diverticulum and the short distal diverticulum lacking the terminal cornutus.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFD2150FF1EFB5746BEFBC5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The new species is found in northern Republic of Congo.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFD2150FF1EFB5746BEFBC5.taxon	etymology	Etymology. This specific epithet is derived from the Latin ‘ inermis’ meaning ‘ unarmed’ and refers to the vesica of the new species lacking the cornutus, which is unique in Architesma. The name is an adjective in apposition to the genus name.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFE2151FF1EFB9A405BFEEE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. (1) In the original description of Phryganopsis derelicta, Debauche (1942) illustrated the lateral view of the genital capsule (Debauche (1942): pl. 3, fig. 6), the separated valva (pl. 4: fig. 1) and the phallus (pl. 4: fig. 2). Krüger (2015) placed derelicta in his subgenus Eurythosia of Archithosia (synonymised with Architesma in the present paper) but in the original illustration of the genital capsule of the species (see Debauche (1942): pl. 3, fig. 6), the basal saccular processes are well-recognisable and extremely long (exceeding the tegumen-vinculum complex and the valva in their length), which is the feature characteristic of Macrodicella. For this reason, derelicta is herein transferred to Macrodicella from Archithosia. (2) Unfortunately, the original photographs of the male genitalia of both Macrodicella species illustrated by Debauche (1942) are of low quality while the drawings of the genitalia of both sexes of the type species of the genus provided by Krüger (2015: figs 219 and 321) are schematic and therefore also uninformative. For this reason, the preparation of a correct and comprehensive diagnosis of the genus requires further detailed examination of the genital structures of both sexes thus the current treatment of the morphology of the genus is limited and follows Debauche (1942) and Krüger (2015). (3) In their Table 1, Durante et al. (2024: 361) illustrated the scan of the original figure of the phallus of Teracotona wittei (Debauche, 1942) (Arctiini) (after Debauche (1942): pl. 4, fig. 4) as ‘ Archithosia derelicta ’.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFE2151FF1EFB9A405BFEEE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Two known species of the genus are externally reminiscent of broad-winged members of the genus Asbolopsyche and certain species of Architesma (e. g., A. turlini sp. n. and A. smithi sp. n.) but the male genitalia are distinct, the strongly elongate basal saccular process, which can be nearly as long as the valva. In the female genitalia, Macrodicella differs from Architesma in the lack of the sclerotised postvaginal formation of the sterigma and the presence of the well-developed and stout ductus bursae.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFE2151FF1EFB9A405BFEEE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Species of the genus are known from eastern DRC (Kivu), western Uganda (Ruwenzori Massif) and northern Rwanda (Debauche 1942; Krüger 2015).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFF2151FF1EFEA440C0FDE7.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality: [DRC, Province Orientale] Parc National Albert, Lake Magera, 2000 m.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFF2151FF1EFDBC40C8FCFF.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality: [Rwanda] Ruanda, Kundhuru-ya-Tshuve, col Gahinga-Sabinyo, 2600 m.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFF216EFF1EFCB44030FA93.taxon	materials_examined	Type species: Phryganopsis flavifrontella Strand, 1912, by present designation.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFF216EFF1EFCB44030FA93.taxon	discussion	Remark. The male genitalia of the unidentified species of the genus were illustrated by Volynkin (2024: fig. 21) as ‘ Pusiola Wallengren, 1863 ’.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFF216EFF1EFCB44030FA93.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The new genus belongs to the Zobida / Poecilosia group of genera currently comprising Zobida Birket-Smith, 1965, Poecilosia Krüger, 2015, Bechuanosia Krüger, 2015, Arctiananna De Prins, 2021 and Chromathosia Krüger, 2015, which all share a phallus with a longitudinal distal fold and a short main chamber of the vesica. In its valva shape, Flavifronthosia gen. n. (Fig. 146) is morphologically most reminiscent of certain species of the genus Arctiananna (Figs 147, 148). The latter, along with Poecilosia, Bechuanosia and Chromathosia, form a generic complex (suggested herein to be called the Poecilosia generic complex), members of which share with Flavifronthosia gen. n. a flattened and solid juxta (whereas in Zobida it is subdivided into two large and swollen lobes (also see: Volynkin 2024 )), but have an editum and a costa fused into an editum-costa complex whereas in Flavifronthosia gen. n., as well as in Zobida, the editum and costa are separated from each other. However, in the latter, the diaphragmal section of the transtilla is membranous and the editum bears a robust, hook-like proximal ampulla whereas the editum of the new genus lacks the ampulla and is extended mesad into a heavily sclerotised, plank-like tendon. In the female genitalia, the new genus (Fig. 171) differs from the most similar Arctiananna (Fig. 172) in the reduction of the sterigma, which is represented by a narrow, strip-like postvaginal plate whereas the sterigma of Arctiananna is broad and long, with a broad antevaginal plate encircling the ostium bursae anteriorly, and a broad, long and sclerotised postvaginal region laterally fused with the antevaginal plate. In addition, Flavifronthosia gen. n. has a well-developed conical or semiglobular appendix bursae, which is vestigial in Arctiananna.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFF216EFF1EFCB44030FA93.taxon	description	Description. Adults (Figs 86, 87). Forewing length 9.0 – 10.0 mm in males and 10.0 – 11.0 mm in females. Sexual dimorphism limited: female with somewhat longer and narrower forewing than male. Head brown with ochreous yellow frons. Antenna ochreous brown, weakly and sparsely ciliate in both sexes. Thorax brown. Forewing elongate and moderately broad, with costal and anal margins somewhat convex postmedially and antemedially, respectively. Forewing and its cilia ground colour greyish-brown. Pattern represented by diffuse, dark brown medial transverse fascia, which somewhat dentate outwards on Cu vein. Hindwing and its cilia ochreous brown with darker brown irroration. Abdomen dark brown with admixture of ochreous scales in its proximal half. Male genitalia (Fig. 146). Uncus slender and elongate, distally gradually tapering and downcurved, and apically pointed. Tuba analis moderately broad (ca. 1 / 3 of tegumen length), membranous, with narrow and weakly sclerotised scaphium. Tegumen moderately sclerotised, its arms dorsally dilated and fused with each other in their dorsal halves. Vinculum somewhat shorter than tegumen, with narrower and more heavily sclerotised arms, U-shaped ventrally. Valva elongate and narrow with almost parallel margins. Dorsal part of valva nearly equal in its width to sacculus medially. Distal section of dorsal part elongate and apically rounded, consisting of weakly sclerotised valvula with membranous narrow ventro-proximal part. Costa narrow and moderately sclerotised, stretching along dorsal margin of valva and somewhat exceeding its middle. Editum separated from costa, moderately sclerotised, elongate, narrow fold-like and setose, stretching along the border between the dorsal part of valva and sacculus and nearly reaching membranous region of valvula. Tendon heavily sclerotised, plank-like, broader than editum, separated from its counterpart by membranous middle section of transtilla. Sacculus long and well-sclerotised, its distal section somewhat obliquely curved inwards. Distal saccular process distally directed, elongate and heavily sclerotised, flattened, blade-like, with somewhat downcurved, dorsally setose and apically pointed distal section. Ental extension of sacculus short and flattened, lobular, separated from its counterpart by intravincular membrane. Juxta solid and well-sclerotised, trapezoidal with more heavily sclerotised lateral transverse ribs and membranous medial ventral region. Anellus membranous with sparse and fine graniculi. Phallus approximately equal in length to tegumen, nearly straight and cylindrical, well-sclerotised, with very short coecum, and distal longitudinal fold with serrulate margins occupying distal half of dorsal phallus wall. Vesica short and granulose, with several short conical or semiglobular diverticula; vesica ejaculatorius originates subbasally. Female genitalia (Fig. 171). Papilla analis broad, trapezoidal, setose. Pseudopapilla narrow, rectangular and weakly setose. Apophyses elongate and thin, rod-like; apophysis anterior somewhat shorter than posterior one. 8 th tergite short, band-like, somewhat dilated laterally at junction with apophyses anteriores. 8 th sternite medially membranous with loop-like curved sclerotised plates laterally. Ostium bursae moderately broad, opening in the middle of enlarged intersegmental membrane between 7 th and 8 th sternites. Sterigma represented by weakly sclerotised margins of ostium bursae and short strip-like and weakly sclerotised postvaginal plate; region posteriorly of it rugose. Ductus bursae short and narrow, tubular, posteriorly bowl-like dilated. Corpus bursae membranous and finely scobinate, subdivided into globular anterior section and narrower, more or less tubular and posteriorly gradually narrowed posterior one bearing short conical or semiglobular, membranous appendix bursae ventro-laterally on left side. Dorsal wall of anterior section of corpus bursae bearing elliptical and dentate signum medially.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFF216EFF1EFCB44030FA93.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The genus is widely distributed in humid forest habitats from Guinea in the west to Uganda and north-western Zambia in the east and south, respectively.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFFF216EFF1EFCB44030FA93.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The generic name is an aggregate of the specific epithet of its type species and the genus-group name Lithosia Fabricius, 1798. The gender is feminine. Species content. The genus is currently monotypic, and the status of various populations belonging to it will be clarified later in a separate paper (Volynkin, in prep.).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFC0216FFF1EFA294634FD14.taxon	description	(Figs 86, 87, 146, 171)	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFC0216FFF1EFA294634FD14.taxon	materials_examined	Type material examined. Holotype (by monotypy) (Fig. 87): female without abdomen and head, blue label “ Alén ” / blue label “ Span. Guinea | Alcu Benitogbt [Benitogebiet] | 16 – 31 X [19] 06 | G. Tessmann S. G ” / “ Phryganop- | sis flavi- | frontella ♂ | m. | Strand det. ” / reddish label “ Type ” / “ 3697 ” / “ Genitalia not | in abdomen | det. D. S. Fletcher 1954. ” (MfN). Additional material examined. GABON: a series of specimens of both sexes, 430 m, Mikongo (Rougier), Monts de Cristal (Secondary Forest), 0 ˚ 29 ' 47 '' N, 11 ˚ 10 ' 42 '' E, 28. vii. – 12. viii. 2019, MV, actinic & LepiLED light traps, Albert, J. - L., Aristophanous, M., Bie Mba, J., Dérozier, V., Moretto, P. leg. (ANHRT).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFC0216FFF1EFA294634FD14.taxon	discussion	Remarks. (1) There is a contradiction between the collecting dates of the holotype cited in the original description (“ 15. X. 06 ”) and on the label (“ 16 – 31. X. 06 ”). However, the external morphology of the specimen labelled as “ Type ” matches the original description very well therefore its identity is doubtless and the contradiction in dates can be explained by the erroneous citation in the original description. (2) The size of the holotype specimen and its forewing shape suggest that it is in fact a female. In the original description, Strand (1912) identified its sex as male, which is also indicated on the original label supplementing the specimen. However, the moth has only proximal segments of its abdomen remaining, which, along with D. S. Fletcher’s note “ Genitalia not in abdomen ” and the fact that Strand did not mention the abdomen in the description, allows an assumption to be made that the specimen was originally lacking its abdomen and Strand’s identification of its sex was erroneous. (3) Besides the abdomen, the holotype also lacks its head, which was, however, described by Strand (1912) and subsequently Birket-Smith (1965), who also examined the holotype, therefore it is possible to assume that the head was lost at a later date. (4) Birket-Smith (1965) based his treatment of the taxon on the specimens available then, which were most similar to the type lacking the abdomen. However, the “ Archithosia flavifrontella ” sensu Birket-Smith (1965) is largely different externally from the holotype of Phryganopsis flavifrontella and is clearly not conspecific to its holotype but belongs to the Acanthosia species described above as A. pervolgata sp. n. The current treatment of flavifrontella is based on specimens from Gabon clearly conspecific to the holotype.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFC0216FFF1EFA294634FD14.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The species is currently known from continental Equatorial Guinea (type locality) and Gabon (new country record).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFC1216FFF1EFAD647ABFA37.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality: [DRC] “ Kivu, confluent de la Luhulé et de l'Ingobo ”.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFC1216FFF1EF9CD475FF90F.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality: “ Nigeria, Rivers State, Port Harcourt ”.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFC1216FFF1EFCAA4779FB01.taxon	description	Species content. The three taxa listed below are herein included in Coniopsyche and the genus is currently under revision by Volynkin (in prep.).	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFC1216DFF1EF8C547C5F9C1.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality: [Angola] “ Malange, W. Africa ”. Conclusions The discovery of 19 new species in the Archithosia generic complex has increased the number of recognised species considerably, with the complex now containing 31 species in five genera. As a result of the present study two of the three subgenera of Archithosia (Acanthosia and Architesma) were upgraded to genus level while the third, Eurythosia, was found to be a junior synonym of Architesma. The largest number of new species was discovered in Architesma; of the seven species previously listed as belonging to this genus (Krüger 2015; Durante et al. 2024), two were transferred to other genera and 13 new species were described. Due to the external similarity of both genera and species in this complex, examination of the genitalia structures are necessary for accurate identifications, while the eversion of the vesica is also critical (in the case of Acanthosia tryphosa pringlei ssp. n., the vesica of the only male specimen was not everted and thus it is cautiously treated as a subspecies). Moreover, in the course of preparing this manuscript, it has become apparent that our knowledge of the Archithosia generic complex is far from complete and that numerous groups, beyond the scope of this present work but outlined above, are in need of further revisional work (Volynkin, in prep.). This work has once again shown that the true diversity of Afrotropical Lithosiini is far greater than once thought and it is believed that numerous new taxa await description in other genera. Aside from the important historic material housed in museum collections, further sampling using specialised lights and techniques in the eastern Congo Basin and mountainous regions of East Africa will doubtless lead to the discovery of a wealth of new species. Acknowledgements The Author expresses his sincere thanks to the following colleagues for their kind assistance during ANHRT visits to collections under their care: Alberto Zilli and Geoff Martin (NHMUK); Axel Hausmann and Ulf Buchsbaum (ZSM); Théo Léger and Viola Richter (MfN); Stéphane Hanot (RMCA); and James Hogan (OUMNH). The Author is also indebted to Hitoshi Takano for his critical comments to the manuscript. The Author also extends his grateful thanks to the following collaborative partners and their personnel for the diverse administrative and technical assistance provided during ANHRT’s fieldwork. Cameroon: the Community of Bokwaongo, and the rangers in Campo Ma’an National Park. Gabon: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CENAREST), Rougier Gabon, and Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM). Guinea: Centre de Gestion de l’Environnement du Nimba et du Simandou, Centre Forestiére de N’zérékoré, and Guinée Ecologie. Ivory Coast: Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique, Office Ivoirien des Parcs et Réserves (OIPR), and Société de Développement des Forêts (SODEFOR). Liberia: Forestry Department Authority, Society for the Conservation of Nature, and Wild Chimpanzee Foundation. Mozambique: Administração Nacional das Areas de Conservação, and Museu de História Natural de Maputo. Republic of Congo: Directionde la Faune et des aires protégées (DFAP), Institut National de Recherche en Sciences Exactes et Naturelles (IRSEN), Ministère de la Recherche scientifique et de la l’Innovation Technologique, Université Marien Ngouabi, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and African Parks (AP). Sierra Leone: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security, and Njala University. Togo: Ministre de l’Environnement et des ressources forestières du Togo, and Université de Lomé. Zambia: Department of National Parks and Wildlife – Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), and Livingstone Museum. Images of specimens deposited in NHMUK are used with permission and are copyright of the Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London and made available under Creative Commons License 4.0, CC-BY (https: // creativecommons. org / licenses / by / 4.0 /). The Author declares that to the best of his knowledge he conforms to the national regulations and meets with the conditions and requirements of international conventions concerning collecting / export and handling of the specimens presented in this Article.	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
1D5087DAFFC1216DFF1EF8C547C5F9C1.taxon	description	Debauche H. R. (1942) Lepidoptera, Heterocera. Exploration du Parc National Albert. Mission G. F. De Witte (1933 – 1935), 41, 1 – 28, Plates 1 – 4. [In French] Dufrane, A. (1945) Lépidoptères du Kivu (3 e note). Bulletin & Annales de la Société entomologique de Belgique, 81, 91 – 143. [In French] Durante, A. & Panzera, S. (2002) I lepidotteri del Delta del Niger (Quinto contributo) (Arctiidae, Lithosiinae). Lambillionea, 102 (3), 282 – 286. [In Italian] Durante, A., Potenza, L. & Pellegrino, G. (2024) A new species of Archithosia Birket-Smith, 1965 in the subgenus Eurythosia Krüger, 2015 from Uganda (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Zootaxa, 5492 (3), 356 – 368. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 5492.3.4 Kiriakoff, S. G. (1958) British Museum (Natural History) Ruwenzori Expedition 1952. Vol. 1. Numbers 2 – 3. Arctiidae (except Nolinae), Thyretidae and Notodontidae. The Trustees of the British Museum, London, 53 pp. Kononenko, V. S. (2010) Noctuidae Sibiricae. Vol. 2. Micronoctuidae, Noctuidae: Rivulinae – Agaristinae (Lepidoptera). Entomological Press, Sorø, 475 pp. Krüger, M. (2015) Generic classification of Afrotropical footman moths sensu stricto (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini (partim )). Transvaal Museum Monograph, 15, 1 – 176. Kühne, L. (2007) Beschreibung neuer Flechtenbärenarten aus Afrika nebst taxonomischen Anmerkungen (Arctiidae: Lithosiinae). Esperiana Memoir, 3, 353 – 394, pls. 44, 45. [In German] Kühne, L. (2008) Subfamily Lithosiinae, footman moth or lichens-bears (Noctuoidea, Arctiidae). In: Kühne, L. (Ed.) Butterflies and moth diversity of the Kakamega forest (Kenya). Self-published, Brandenburg, pp. 157 – 168. Lafontaine, J. D. & Mikkola, K. (1987) Las-och-nyckel systemen i de inre genitalierna av Noctuidae (Lepidoptera) som taksonomiska kaennetecken. [Lock-and-key systems in the inner genitalia of Noctuidae (Lepidoptera) as a taxonomic character.] Entomologiske Meddelelser, 55, 161 – 167. [In Swedish with English summary] Linder, H. P., de Klerk, H. M., Born, J., Burgess, N. D., Fjeldsa, J. & Rahbek, C. (2012) The partitioning of Africa: statistically defined biogeographical regions in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Biogeography, 39 (7), 1189 - 1372. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1365 - 2699.2012.02728. x Strand, E. (1912) Zoologische Ergebnisse der Expedition des Herrn G. Tessmann nach Süd-Kamerun und Spanisch-Guinea. Lepidoptera III. Archiv für Naturgeschichte, (A) 78 (9), 97 – 98. [In German] Volynkin, A. V. (2024) On the terminology of the genitalia structures of lichen moths (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini) with some references to Noctuidae. Ecologica Montenegrina, 73, 176 – 207. https: // dx. doi. org / 10.37828 / em. 2024.73.18	en	Volynkin, Anton V. (2025): Contribution to the knowledge of the Afrotropical Archithosia Birket-Smith generic complex with the description of a new genus, nineteen new species and a new subspecies, and introduction of new combinations (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini). Ecologica Montenegrina 82: 1-63, DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.82.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.82.1
