Magnifying the hotspot: descriptions of nine new species of many-plumed moths (Lepidoptera, Alucitidae), with an identification key to all species known from Cameroon.

This study confirms Mount Cameroon as an unprecedented hotspot for the diversity of many-plumed moths, with the discovery and description of nine new species: Alucitafako Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. , Alucitapyrczi Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. , Alucitasroczki Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. , Alucitapotockyi Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. , Alucitasedlaceki Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. , Alucitatonda Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. , Alucitaerzayi Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. , Alucitasokolovi Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov. , and Alucitahirsuta Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich, sp. nov . Additionally, four additional species are reported from the Mount Cameroon area as new for the country: Alucitaagassizi , Alucitadohertyi , Alucitaplumigera , and Alucitarhaptica . Of the 89 Alucitidae known from the Afrotropics, the studied area hosts 36 species, most of which are endemic to the area. This unprecedented level of diversity and endemism within this lepidopteran family highlights Mount Cameroon's significance as a stronghold for specialised insect taxa. Efficient conservation efforts are necessary to protect these ecosystems and their associated unique microlepidopteran diversity.