Tag Archives: British Overseas Territory

Cirrospilus nireus Walker

Saint Helena Eulophid Wasp (Cirrospilus nireus)

This species was described in 1839, it is apparently known only from material that was collected on the island of Saint Helena but was never recorded since. 

It is, however, “a doubtful species, as Francis Walker is well known for re-naming species that had previously been described.” [1]

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References:

[1] James K. Wetterer; Xavier Espadaler; N. Philip Ashmole; Howard Mendel; Chris Cutler; Judith Endeman: Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the South Atlantic islands of Ascension Island, St Helena, and Tristan da Cunha. Myrmecological News 10: 29-37. 2007

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edited: 29.05.2021

Helenoconcha perarmata (Smith)

Well-armed Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha perarmata)

The Well-armed Saint Helena Snail was described in 1893; it was restricted to the island of Saint Helena, where it was found on Diana’s Peak, the island’s highest mountain.

The species is apparently known from only two specimens, which differ from each other in the height of their spire; they reach sizes of about 0,3 cm in diameter. [1]

***

This form might be identical with the Six-toothed Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha sexdentata (Smith)), with which it was described. 

As mentioned under that species, the Saint Helena Gastropoda species are in urgent need of a proper revision! 

***

syn. Patula perarmata Smith

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Depiction from: ‘Edgar A. Smith: Descriptions of two new species of Patula from St. Helena. The Conchologist 2(7): 164-165. 1893’

(public domain)

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References:

Edgar A. Smith: Descriptions of two new species of Patula from St. Helena. The Conchologist 2(7): 164-165. 1893

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edited: 30.05.2021

Mellissius popei Endrödi

Pope’s Scarab Beetle (Mellissius popei)

This species was described in 1972, it is, or maybe was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species reaches a length of about 1,7 to 1,8 cm; it is mainly brown colored and differs from its close relative, the Eudoxus Scarab Beetle (Mellissius eudoxus Wollaston) in some characters including a less arched pronotum. [1]

The species was apparently not found during the most recent field searches and is probably extinct.

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References:

[1] S. Endrödi: Monographie der Dynastinae (Col. Lamellicornia, Melolonthidae) 4. Tribus: Pentodontini der äthiopischen Region, III. In: Entomologische Arbeiten aus dem Museum G. Frey Tutzing bei München 27: 118-282. 1976

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edited: 26.05.2021

Camponotus fabricator (F. Smith)

Saint Helena Carpenter Ant (Camponotus fabricator)

The Saint Helena Carpenter Ant was described in 1858 on the basis of at least a single worker (?), which was supposedly collected at an unknown date somewhere on the island of Saint Helena.

The species was repeatedly reclassified as a subspecies of other, African or European, species but was finally accepted as being valid in 1914. [1]

***

There are no recent records of this form, and it is believed to be extinct; however, it might in fact not even be native to Saint Helena but might have been an introduced form brought to the island with imported goods. [1]

***

syn. Formica fabricator F. Smith

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References:

[1] James K. Wetterer; Xavier Espadaler; N. Philip Ashmole; Howard Mendel; Chris Cutler; Judith Endeman: Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the South Atlantic islands of Ascension Island, St Helena, and Tristan da Cunha. Myrmecological News 10: 29-37. 2007

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edited: 29.05.2021

Tarphiophasis wollastoni Ardoin

Wollaston’s Darkling Beetle (Tarphiophasis wollastoni)

Wollaston’s Darkling Beetle was described in 1972, it is, or maybe was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species was apparently not found during recent field searches and might be extinct, I could, however, not find any further information about this species so far.

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edited: 29.05.2021

Homoeodera edithia Wollaston

Edith’s Fungus Beetle (Homoeodera edithia)

Edith’s Fungus Beetle was described in 1877, the author named it in honour of his wife.: 

The only example of this most remarkable Homoeodera which I have yet seen was captured by Mrs. Wollaston (after whom I have named the species) in the rotten trunk of a dead Buddleia madagascariensis, Vahl, immediately below Actaeon and Diana’s-Peak ridge, close to a spot called Newfoundland. It is evidently one of the rarest of the St.-Helena Coleoptera; for, in spite of constant researches at the very same tree, we were quite unable to procure a second specimen.” [1]

***

The species was commonly found during field surveys in 1965/66 but could not be traced in 2005/06, it may already be extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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edited: 02.12.2018

Helenoconcha minutissima (Smith)

Dwarf Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha minutissima)

The Dwarf Saint Helena Snail was described in 1892 on the basis of subfossil shells that were found at Sugarloaf Ridge on the island of Saint Helena.

The following text is a sentence from the species’ description.:

This species is smaller than P. polyodon, more narrowly umbilicated, has fewer whorls, coarser and more remote striae, and a different armature within the aperture. In full-grown shells there are as many as six parietal lirae, as it were, in two groups of three. They are very fine and extend a long way within. The plicae within the outer lip var apparently from seven to eight to ten or eleven, and some of them are more prominent than others. The red markings take the form of radiating blotches on the upper surface, and more undulating or zigzag streaks beneath.” [2]

***

syn. Patula minutissima Smith

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Depiction from: ‘G. W. Tryon; H. A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 8, Helicidae Vol. 6. 1892’

(public domain)

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References:

[1] Edgar A. Smith: On the land-shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1892: 258-270

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edited: 29.05.2021

Helenomelas basilewskyi Ardoin

Basilewsky’s Darkling Beetle (Helenomelas basilewskyi)

This species is/was endmic to the island of Saint Helena in the southern Atlantic Ocean, where it was apparently restricted to the Prosperous Bay Plain at the eastern coast of the island.

The quite large species reaches a length of about 1,5 cm and is shiny black colored, it superficially resembles scarabeid beetles (Scarabeidae).

Basilewsky’s Darkling Beetle was not found during recent searches in 2003 and is feared to be extinct. [1]

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References:

[1] Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Guide to Invertebrates of Prosperous Bay Plain, St Helena and illustrated account of species found on the Eastern Arid Area (EAA), including Prosperous Bay Plain, Holdfast Tom and Horse Point Plain. Report for St Helena Government 2004

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edited: 02.12.2018

Acanthomerus asperatus Wollaston

Rough Saint Helena Weevil (Acanthomerus asperatus)

The Rough Saint Helena Weevil was described in 1877, as its name implies, it is, or maybe was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The species seems to have been adapted to the likewise endemic Scrubwood (Commidendrum rugosum (Dryand) DC.), and was apparently already very rare when it was discovered.:

I have seen hitherto but a single example of this curious and well-marked Acanthomerus, – which was taken by Mr. P. Whitehead, amongst the viscous shrubs of the scrubwood (or Aster glutinosus, Hk. f.) [Commidendrum rugosum], on the Barn. It must be regarded therefore as a scrubwood species; and I may add that there are few members of the scrubwood fauna (as yet brought to light) which are more interesting than the A. asperatus.

***

The Rough Saint Helena Weevil was not found during the most recent field surveys and might well be extinct.

***

The depiction below shows the closely related Boring Saint Helena Weevil (Acanthomerus terebrans Wollaston).

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

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Boring Saint Helena Weevil (Acanthomerus terebrans)

Depiction from: ‘T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877’

(public domain)

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edited: 26.05.2021

Anchastus atlanticus Candèze

Atlantic Click Beetle (Anchastus atlanticus)

The Atlantic Click Beetle was described in 1859; it is, or maybe was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

… the present species appears to be attached, in at any rate its larval condition, to the arborescent Compositae of a somewhat high altitude, more particularly (I think), though by no means exclusively, to the Little bastard Gumwood or Aster gummiferus, Hk. fil. [Commidendrum spurium (G. Forst.) DC.]; but in its perfect state it is more often be met with beneath stones in open grassy spots, especially in the vicinity of those particular shrubs. After the early summer rains, about the beginning of February, it makes its appearance in comparative abundance; during which season I took it in profusion just behind the lofty ridge, above West Lodge, overlooking the great Sandy-Bay crater, as well as on the eastern (and well-nigh inaccessible) slopes of High Peak, and also (though more sparingly) so low down as even Plantation. It has been captured by Mr. Whitehead on Halley’s Mount, and likewise (in great profusion), beneath stones, on Green Hill.” [1]

***

The species was not recorded during the latest field searches and is now feared to be extinct.

***

syn. Heteroderes puncticollis Wollaston

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Depiction from: ‘Guy Babault: Voyage de M. Guy Babault dans l’Afrique orientale anglaise: résultats scientifiques. Paris: 1916-1924′

(public domain)

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

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edited: 27.05.2021

Upupa antaios Olson

Saint Helena Hoopoe (Upupa antaios)

As its name implies, this species was endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the vast Atlantic Ocean.

The Saint Helena Hoopoe was larger than the remaining two or three hoopoe species, it had somewhat reduced wings but certainly was not flightless as is often stated. [1]

***

It is quite intriguing that none of the old contemporaneous accounts, given by the early settlers on Saint Helena, mentions this – or any of the other extinct bird species that we know only from subfossil bones.

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References:

[1] Storrs L. Olson: Paleornithology of St. Helena Island, south Atlantic Ocean, Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology 23. 1975

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edited: 30.05.2021

Scydmaenus wollastoni (Waterhouse)

Wollaston’s Ant-like Beetle (Scydmaenus wollastoni)

Wollaston’s Ant-like Beetle was described in 1879; it was endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The species was apparently last seen in 1836 and now feared to be extinct, unfortunately I could not find any additional information.

***

I’m not quite sure if this species indeed is the same as Euconnus wollastoni (Waterhouse).

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edited: 27.05.2021

Opogona binotatella (Walker)

Potato-boring Opogona Moth (Opogona binotatella)

This species was described in 1875, it is, or maybe was, restricted to the island of Saint Helena, where it appears to have been quite common.:

It was chiefly at Plantation that I met with this species, where it abounds; indeed it is much too abundant, as in the caterpillar-state it is most destructive to the potato-crops. Mr. Melliss observes, “The larva of this moth is well known in the island as the potato-worm. It is a small, translucent, maggot-like creature, of a dirty whitish hue, marked with four longitudinal rows of small brown spots, and having a few long hairs on its body. In length it varies from a half to three quarters of an inch. The head is hard, and of a chocolate-brown colour; and the little creature moves backwards quite as easily as it does forwards. It abounds in the island, and is a thorough pest to the potato-crops. Either the eggs are laid in the potatoes, or the larva enters them in an early stage of its growth, and, through its depredations, renders them quite unfit for food. When changing to the pupa-state it wraps itself up in a strong web, in the form of a close, tough envelope; and the chrysalis is of a light mahogany colour, with the positions of the wings and legs, even in its early stage, strongly marked longitudinally down the outside of the case or skin.” It would therefore appear to be only in the more cultivated parts of the island that this species has established itself; and on rapping the trunks of trees in such situations the imagos fly off in showers; nevertheless they very quickly settle again.” [1]

The forewings are dull and opaque dark cloudy brown colored, they are more or less besprinkled with blackish scales; some individuals are darker; the hindwings are glossy, silk-like cinereous, becoming darker towards the apex. [1]

***

There are no recent records of that species, and it is possible that it is already extinct, which is weird given the fact that it apparently was able to adapt to introduced potatoes as larval food plant. [2]

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References:

[1] Mrs. T. Vernon Wollaston: Notes on the Lepidoptera of St. Helena, with descriptions of new species. The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, including Zoology, Botany, and Geology. Ser. 5. Vol. 3: 415-441. 1879
[2] Timm Karisch: Darwin-Plus Project DPLUS040: securing the future for St Helena’s endemic invertebrates. Report Lepidoptera. Dessau, 31.08.2018

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edited: 29.05.2021

Opogona helenae (E. Wollaston)

Saint Helena Opogona Moth (Opogona helenae)

The Saint Helena Opogona Moth was described in 1879, it is, or maybe was, restricted to the island of Saint Helena.

The species has not seen since its description and might very well be extinct. [1]

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References:

[1] Timm Karisch: Darwin-Plus Project DPLUS040: securing the future for St Helena’s endemic invertebrates. Report Lepidoptera. Dessau, 31.08.2018

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edited: 29.05.2021

Pentatemnodes rupertsianus Voss

Rupert’s Valley Weevil (Pentatemnodes rupertsianus)

Rupert’s Valley Weevil was described in 1972; it is, or rather was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species was obviously not seen since 1967 and might well be extinct, however, I was not able to find any additional information about this species.

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edited: 27.05.2021

‘Chlorita’ edithae White

Edith’s Green Leafhopper (‘Chlorita’ edithae)

Edith’s Green Leafhopper, which is or was endemic to the island of Saint Helena, was described in 1878, however, its genus name is placed between quotation marks because it apparently is invalid and the species belongs in another genus.

This species was found by Mrs. and Mr. Wollaston at Cason’s, Diana’s Peak, and high Peak in the central ridge of the island, but was not recorded during field surveys in 1965/66 and during the most recent searches in 2005/06 and is probably extinct now. [1]

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References:

[1] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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edited: 02.12.2018

Icterus leucopteryx ssp. bairdi Cory

Grand Cayman Oriole (Icterus leucopteryx ssp. bairdi)

This bird, as its name implies, was restricted to the island of Grand Cayman while the nominate race is endemic to Jamaica.

The bird is mainly golden yellow colored with a greenish hue; its face and throat are black; the wings are largely white and black and the tail is black as well; the beak and the feet are grey.

The last birds were collected in 1911 by Wilmot W. Brown (at a time when the Governor of the island specifically forbade him to hunt any birds peculiar to the island, by the way), and the collector wrote the following statement.: 

Collection contains 17 specimens of the very rare Icteurs bairdi – the rarest bird I ever hunted!” [1]

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nominate form

Photo: Frode Jacobsen
https://www.inaturalist.org/people/frodejacobsen
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

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References: 

[1] Kevin B. Clark: Wilmot W. Brown: one of the most prolific collectors of the vertebrate fauna of the New World. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard College 126(6): 347-378. 2020

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edited: 05.01.2024

Acanthomerus monilicornis (Wollaston)

Collared Saint Helena Weevil (Acanthomerus monilicornis)

The Collared Saint Helena Weevil was described in 1869; it is, or maybe was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena, where it appears to have been quite common and widespread once.:

This is the common Acanthomerus at Plantation, – where it swarms in the dead branches and trunks of the various species of oak, as well as in the crevices of old posts &c.; and I am inclined to think that it be should looked upon as having been attached originally to the gumwoods, which must once have been dominant throughout that district; and I have taken it amongst the gumwoods at Thompson’s Wood, where, however, it is less abundant than the A. ellipticus. At any rate it is more particularly a species of intermediate altitudes; though I believe that on one occasion I met with a single example of it towards the central ridge.” [1]

***

The species was not found during the most recent field searches and is believed to be possibly extinct.

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

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edited: 27.05.2021

Helenoconcha polyodon (Sowerby)

Many-toothed Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha polyodon)

The Many-toothed Saint Helena Snail was described in 1844 based on subfossil shells that were collected from a place named Sugarloaf Quarry on the island of Saint Helena.

The species’ author gives some information about the form of the shells.:

This is the most widely umbilicated of all the species of Patula from St. Helena, and this feature alone is sufficient to distinguish it from the rest. The whorls also, in adult shells eight to nine in number, enlarge very slowly. The striae are fine, regular, arcuately oblique above, and slightly wavy on the last whorl. There are three parietal lirae extending far within the aperture, of which the upper and lower are nearly always double. The plicae within the outer lip are almost invariably (in adult shells) seven in number, subequidistant, but not of equal thickness, two or three towards the columella being stouter than the rest, which are slender and extend some distance within.” [1]

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References:

[1] Edgar A. Smith: On the land-shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1892: 258-270

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Depiction from: ‘G. W. Tryon; H. A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 8, Helicidae Vol. 6. 1892’

(public domain)

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edited: 29.05.2021

Vertigo marki Gulick

Mark’s Whorl Snail (Vertigo marki)

Mark’s Vertigo Snail was described in 1904 based on “fossil” material that was found on the Bermuda Islands.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,2 cm in height.

This species has never been documented alive, although empty Recent shells are recorded from leaf litter around church Cave ….” [1]

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References:

[1] Rüdiger Bieler; John Slapcinsky: A case study for the development of an island fauna: recent terrestrial mollusks of Bermuda. Nemouria 44: 1-99. 2000

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Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata, Vol. 25, Pupillidae (Gastrocoptinae, Vertigininae), 1918-1920′

(public domain)

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edited: 05.05.2022

Opogona irrorata (E. Wollaston)

Dewy Opogona Moth (Opogona irrorata)

The Dewy Opogona Moth was described in 1879; it is, or maybe was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The description of this species.:

The fore wings of a pale brownish or straw-coloured tinge, and speckled with numerous irregular black dots (particularly on the basal half), each composed of a few dark scales, those near the costa having a faint tendency to be placed somewhat in transverse pairs. The apex and outer margin are speckled more minutely, as is also the fringe. Hind wings pale glossy cinereous, and, when viewed beneath a high magnifying-power, with a pearly and somewhat opaline lustre. Thorax slightly darker than the anterior wings; body much the same as the posterior ones.
The only examples which I have seen of this moth I captured, I believe, at Thompson’s Wood; but whether the species is in any way connected with the gumwoods I have no means of deciding. At any rate there is no reason to suspect that it is otherwise than truly indigenous in the island. The rather dotted, or speckled, surface of its upper wings will be sufficient to distinguish it from its more immediate allies.
” [1]

***

The species was never found again and is quite likely extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] Mrs. T. Vernon Wollaston: Notes on the Lepidoptera of St. Helena, with descriptions of new species. The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, including Zoology, Botany, and Geology. Ser. 5. Vol. 3: 415-441. 1879
[2] Timm Karisch: Darwin-Plus Project DPLUS040: securing the future for St Helena’s endemic invertebrates. Report Lepidoptera. Dessau, 31.08.2018

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edited: 28.05.2021

Pseudohelenoconcha spurca (Sowerby)

Tainted Saint Helena Snail (Pseudohelenoconcha spurca)

The Tainted Saint Helena Snail was described in 1844 on the basis of subfossil, and apparently also quite recent shells that were collected at several localities at higher altitudes on the island of Saint Helena.

***

The species survived at least into the middle of the 19th century, since at least one the forms, (Pseudocampylaea dianae (Pfeiffer)), formerly described as distinct species and now assigned to this one, have been found alive. [1] 

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References:

[1] Edgar A. Smith: On the land-shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1892: 258-270

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Depiction from: ‘G. W. Tryon; H. A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 8, Helicidae Vol. 6. 1892’

(public domain)

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edited: 29.05.2021

Homoeodera asteris Wollaston

Scrubwood Fungus Beetle (Homoeodera asteris)

The Scrubwood Fungus Beetle was described in 1877; it is, or probably was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species was apparently associated with the endemic scrubwood (Commidendrum rugosum (Dryand) DC.).:

It is to Mr. P. Whitehead that we are indebted for this addition to the St.-Helena fauna, – the only two examples which I have seen having been captured by him from some bushes of the scrubwood between Sugarloaf and Flagstaff Hill, in the extreme north of the island.” [1]

***

The Scrubwood Fungus Beetle was not found during the most recent field searches and might well be extinct.

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

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edited: 26.05.2021

Corvus sp. ‘Bermudas’

Bermudas Islands Crow (Corvus sp.)

Birds.         

Neither hath the aire for her part been wanting with due supplies of many sorts of Fowles, as the gray and white Hearne, the gray and greene Plover, some wilde Ducks and Malards, Coots and Red-shankes, Sea-wigions, Gray-bitterns, Cormorants, numbers of small Birds like Sparrowes and Robins, which have lately beene destroyed by the wilde Cats, Wood-pickars, very many Crowes, which since this Plantation are kild, the rest fled or seldome seene except in the most uninhabited places, from whence they are observed to take their flight about sun set, directing their course towards the North-west, which makes many coniecture there are some more Ilands not far off that way.
” [1]

This is a part of an account from 1623 that reports some of the bird life inhabiting the Bermudas Islands at that time.

Given the remote location of the islands, the crows mentioned here very likely were of an endemic form, may it have been a species or a subspecies; the text even tells us how these crow population went extinct, they were killed by the British settlers because they were considered a pest for their crops.

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References:

[1] John Smith: The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles: with the Names of the Adventurers, Planters, and Governours from their first beginning, An: 1584. to this present 1624. With the Procedings of Those Severall Colonies and the Accidents that befell them in all their Journyes and Discoveries. Also the Maps and Descriptions of all those Countryes, their Commodities, people, Government, Customes, and Religion yet knowne. Divided into Sixe Bookes. By Captaine Iohn Smith, sometymes Governour in those Countryes & Admirall of New England. London: printed by I. D. and I. H. for Michael Sparkes 1624

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edited: 05.11.2020

Longitarsus helenae Wollaston

St. Helena Leaf Beetle (Longitarsus helenae)

The Saint Helena Leaf Beetle was endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species is associated with the likewise endemic Saint Helena Lobelia (Lobelia scaevolifolia Roxb.), which is apparently is main food plant.

The greenish-brassy alutaceous surface and pale elongate limbs of this little Longitarsus, in conjunction with the broad, largely-developed basal joint of its four anterior male feet, will sufficiently characterize it. A single specimen only was taken by Mr. Bewicke. It is quite distinct from any species with which I am acquainted; and Mr. Waterhouse, who has been working lately at the Halticidae, assures me that he knows nothing at all like it.” [1]

***

The Saint Helena Leaf Beetle wasn’t found during the most recent field surveys and is feared to be extinct. [2] 

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: On certain Coleoptera from St. Helena. The Journal of Entomology: descriptive and geographical 1(4): 207-216. 1861
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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edited: 26.05.2021

Peloriolus brunneus (F. H. Waterhouse)

Brown Riffle Beetle (Peloriolus brunneus)

This species was described in 1879, it is apparently known only by the material that was collected by Charles Darwin himself in 1836, allegedly on the island of Saint Helena, where it has never been found again.

The species might be extinct, or, which is in fact more likely, it was just mislabeled and did in fact originate from southern Africa, where all other species of that genus live, and where Darwin had been just prior to his arrival at Saint Helena. [1] 

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References:

[1] C. Hänel; M. A. Jäch: Beetles of the Tristan da Cunha Islands: Poignant new findings, and checklist of the archipelagos species, mapping an exponential increase in alien composition (Coleoptera). Koleopterische Rundschau 83: 257-282. 2013

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edited: 29.05.2021

Homoeodera elateroides Wollaston

Click Beetle-like Fungus Beetle (Homoeodera elateroides)

This species, endemic to the island of Saint Helena, was described in 1877.

The author of the species gives some information about it.:

The H. elateroides is confined to the loftier portions of the central ridge, and is decidedly scarce – though, by repeated visits to its proper habitat, I secured a tolerable supply of examples. They were nearly all of them taken about Diana’s Peak and Actaeon, though I met with a few towards the summit of High Peak.” [1]

***

As we see, this species was restricted to the higher mountainous areas of the island, it was already rare in 1965/66 and was not found during the most recent field searches in 2015/06. 

The Click Beetle-like Fungus Beetle may be extinct, despite the fact that the plants that it is/was thought to be associated with, the Saint Helena Tree Fern (Dicksonia arborescens L’Hér.) and the Black-scaled Fern (Diplazium filamentosum (Roxb.) Cronk), appear to be still quite common. [2]

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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edited: 02.12.2018

Pseudomesoxenus scrobiculatus Wollaston

Boxwood Weevil (Pseudomesoxenus scrobiculatus)

The Boxwood Weevil was described in 1877; it was restricted to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The species was obviously adapted to the endemic Boxwood (Mellissia begoniifolia (Roxb.) Hook.f.).:

The only example of this Pseudomesoxenus which I have yet seen has been communicated lately by Mr. P. Whitehead, who found it in the rotten wood of the Mellissia begoniaefolia [Mellissia begoniifolia] on Rock-Rose Hill.” [1]

***

The species was not found during the latest field searches and is thought to be possibly extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

*********************

edited: 27.05.2021

Valenfriesia rotundata (Wollaston)

Rotund Fungus Beetle (Valenfriesia rotundata)

The Rotund Fungus Beetle was described in 1877; the species was restricted to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The species appears to have already been extremely rare when it was discovered.:

The only two examples of this most interesting little Notioxenus which I have yet seen are from the high central ridge, in the immediate vicinity of Actaeon and Diana’s Peak, – the first of them having been captured by Mr. Gray, and the other by myself. It is evidently, therefore, one of the rarest of the St. Helena Coleoptera.” [1]

***

The Rotund Fungus Beetle was last recorded in the 1970, when a single specimen was collected in at High Peak, it could not be recorded in recent searches and is thus most likely extinct. [2]

*********************

References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

*********************

edited: 26.05.2021

Pseudostenoscelis sculpturata Wollaston

Sculpturated Pseudostenoscelis Weevil (Pseudostenoscelis sculpturata)  

This species was described in 1877, it was endemic to the island of Saint Helena, where it appears to have been restricted to the mountainous areas of the Central Ridge.

The species was obviously already rare when it was discovered.:

Evidently one of the rarest of the St.-Helena Coleoptera, three examples only having been brought to light during our sojourn in the island, ….” [1]

***

The Sculpturated Pseudostenoscelis Weevil apparently lives/lived within rotten stems of dead Saint Helena tree Ferns (Dicksonia arborescens L’Hér.). The species apparently also produces/produced borings in dead wood of Cabbage Trees and maybe of the Saint Helena White Wood (Petrobium arboreum (J.R . Forst. & G. Forst.) R. Br. ex Spreng.). [1][2]

The species was not found during the most recent searches in 2006 and may be extinct. [2]

*********************

References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

*********************

edited: 02.12.2018

Mellissius eudoxus Wollaston

Eudoxus Scarab Beetle (Mellissius eudoxus)

This species was endemic to the island of Saint Helena, where it apparently was very common in former times; its larvae were called hog-worms and were thought to cause great damage to the grasslands by feeding on the roots of the grasses.:

Indeed we met with the eudoxus almost universally throughout the rather elevated central and south-western parts of the island (particularly in the vicinity of Cason’s, High Peak, and West Lodge), and more sparingly even in the northern ones, whereas of the adumbrates I did not procure so much as a single example during our six months’ sojourn in the island; so that, if the “hog-worms” do really “play so important a part in the destruction of the grass on the high lands, by feeding on its roots, that large patches, and sometimes whole fields, are laid bare,” I suspect that it must be the M. eudoxus, and not the comparatively rare adumbrates, which is mainly responsible for the damage.” [1]

***

The Eudoxus Scarab Beetle was apparently not found during the most recent field searches and appears to be possibly extinct.

***

The depiction below shows another species of that genus, the Shaded Scarab Beetle (Mellissius adumbrates Wollaston), which apparently still survives on the island.

*********************

References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

*********************

Shaded Scarab Beetle (Mellissius adumbratus)

Depiction from: ‘John Charles Meliss: St. Helena: A Physical, Historical, and Topographical Description of the Island, including its Geology, Fauna, Flora, and Meteorology. London: L. Reeve & Co. 1875’ 

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 26.05.2021

Xestophasis nasalis Wollaston

Nosed Saint Helena Weevil (Xestophasis nasalis)

The Nosed Saint Helena Weevil was described in 1877; it is, or rather was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species was apparently already very rare when it was discovered.:

This singular Cossonid, so remarkable for the structure of its basally strangulate, superiorly gibbose, and anteriorly decurved rostrum (which is comparatively long and narrow in the females, but mesially thickened in the males to an extraordinary extent, and which has the antennae median in the latter sex, but post-median in the former) is one of the rarest, so far as my experience is concerned, of all the St.-Helena Coleoptera.  It appears to be attached to the Commidendron robustum, DC. [Commidendrum robustum (Roxb.) DC.], or gumwood, – amongst the old trees of which I have taken it sparingly in Thompson’s Wood (where it was also met with by Mrs. Wollaston), as well as in Peak Gut.” [1]

***

The Nosed Saint Helena Weevil was not recorded during the most recent field searches and is very likely extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

*********************

edited: 26.05.2021

Tachys caheni (Basilewski)

Cahen’s Ground Beetle (Tachys caheni)

Cahen’s Ground Beetle was described in 1972, it is, or maybe was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species was last seen in 1967 and is probably extinct like so many other insect species that inhabited that island.

***

I have to admit that I could not find any additional information about this certain species.

*********************

edited: 07.05.2021

Pterodroma rupinarum (Olson)

Saint Helena Petrel (Pterodroma rupinarum)

The Saint Helena Petrel was described in 1975, it is known only from subfossil remains.

The species disappeared shortly after the first human settlers set their feet onto the island probably due to direct hunting but also due to predation by introduced mammalian predators.

*********************

edited: 29.05.2021

Longitarsus janulus Wollaston

She Cabbage Leaf Beetle (Longitarsus janulus)

The She Cabbage Leaf Beetle was described in 1877, it was endemic to the island of saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The species was apparently adapted to the likewise endemic She Cabbage tree (Lachanodes arborea (Roxb.) B. Nord.), a tree species that once was quite common on the High Central Ridge of the island, but which has virtually disappeared as a wild species now. 

The only spot in which I observed this very distinct Longitarsus is a little ravine below Halley’s Mount and between Oakbank and Hutt’s Gate, known as Vine-Tree Gut, – where it was extremely abundant on the foliage of the curious Lachanodes prenanthiflora [Lachanodes arborea], or “she cabbage-tree.” It is a rather larger insect than the L. helenae, and of not quite so lively a metallic green. Indeed its female sex is comparatively dull and opake, and has the elytra so wonderfully and deeply malleated down either outer disk as to cause the whole surface to appear coarsely wrinkled and (as it were) imperfectly developed, – leaving, however, three or four abbreviated longitudinal ridges (not so short as in the L. helenae) conspicuous within the excavation. Its males moreover differ from those of the L. helenae in having their antennae very much thicker or more developed, and in the basal joint of their four anterior feet being still more broadly expanded. Its prothorax too, in both sexes, is much more coarsely punctured than that of the L. helenae.” [1]

***

The She Cabbage Leaf Beetle was not found during the most recent field searches and is now almost certainly extinct. [2]

*********************

References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

*********************

edited: 26.05.2021

Pseudostenoscelis asteriperda Wollaston

Large Pseudostenoscelis Weevil (Pseudostenoscelis asteriperda 

This species was described in 1877, it is/was endemic to the island of Saint Helena, where it was restricted to a single locality when it was discovered.:

… indeed the only locality in which I have met with it (though there in tolerable profusion) is on the almost inaccessible and windy sides of the great Sandy-Bay crater just beyond West Lodge, near to the old Picquet House and overlooking Lufkins.” [1]

***

The Large Pseudostenoscelis Weevil lived within the rotten wood of Burchell’s Gumwood (Commidendrum burchellii Benth. & Hook. f. ex Hemsl.) and Saint Helena Gumwood (Commidendrum robustum ssp. gummiferum (Roxb.) Q. C. B. Cronk), both endemic to the island and either very rare now, or even extinct respectively. [1]

The species was not found during the latest searches in 2006 and may in fact be extinct now. [2]

*********************

References:  

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

*********************

edited: 02.12.2018

Bembidion trechoides Wollaston

Trechus-like Bembidion Ground Beetle (Bembidion trechoides)

The Trechus-like Bembidion Ground Beetle was described in 1877; it is, or rather was, restricted to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.:

It is only on the lofty central ridge that I have observed the B. trechoides, – where, however, in damp places generally, amongst the cabbage trees and tree ferns, it is not particularly uncommon, on the densely-covered slopes about Actaeon and Diana’s Peak; but I did not meet with it in the more western and rather less elevated parts towards High Peak and West Lodge, where the B. sublimbatum would seem to occur.” [1]

***

The species was apparently not found during the latest field searches and might be extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

*********************

Photo: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London

(under creative commons license (4.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

*********************

edited: 30.05.2021

Sympetrum dilatatum (Calvert)

Saint Helena Darter (Sympetrum dilatatum)

This dragonfly species was endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it was the largest member of its genus.

The island of Saint Helena has not much free-running freshwater, thus the habitat for the dragonfly has always been very limited.

The dragonfly’s habitat was apparently completely destroyed due to the introduction of New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.) to the island. The plant was introduced sometimes in the 1850s to establish a flax industry, which was especially prospering from the beginning of the 20th century to 1966, when the last flax mill was finally closed. The New Zealand Flax, however, proved to be highly invasive and is still covering tremendous areas of Saint Helena’s mountains today.  

The Saint Helena Darter was last recorded in 1963 and is now considered extinct.

***

syn. Diplax dilatata Calvert

*********************

wings

Depiction from: ‘Collections Zoologiques du Baron Edm. De Selys Longchamps; Catalogue systematique et descriptive: F. Ris: Libellulines Vol. II. Fasc. 12-14. 1911-1912’

(not in copyright)

*********************

edited: 29.05.2021

Bermuteo avivorus Olson

Bermuda Hawk (Bermuteo avivorus)

As its name implies, this species was endemic to the Bermuda Islands; it is known from subfossil remains and apparently from a contemporaneous account made by captain Diego Ramírez who spend some time ashore for repairing his ship(s) in 1603 and which mentions handsome sparrowhawks that are so stupid that they could easily be clubbed to death. [1]

The species must have disappeared very shortly after that date, since no other traveler subsequently mentions any hawks from the Bermuda Islands.

*********************

References:

[1] Storrs L. Olson: A New Genus and Species of Buteonine Hawk from Quaternary Deposits in Bermuda (Aves: Accipitridae). Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 121(1): 130–141. 2008

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edited: 16.05.2022

Turdus ravidus (Cory)

Grand Cayman Thrush (Turdus ravidus)

The Grand Cayman Thrush was described in 1886; it was restricted to the island of Grand Cayman where it inhabited mangrove swamps and coral rocks covered with climbing cacti.

The species was quite large, reaching a size of up to 28 cm; it was generally uniformly ash-grey colored, except for the lower abdomen, the undertail coverts and the tips of three of the outer tail feathers which where white; the beak and the eye ring as well as the legs were bright orange red.

The birds were known to feed on the fruits of the highly toxic Manchineel Tree (Hippomane mancinella L.).

The last birds were collected in 1911 by Wilmot W. Brown (without any official permission, by the way), and their collector wrote the following statement about the species’ demise.:

“… this rare thrush which is without question on the verge of extinction due to ravages of domestic cats in a wild state that overrun the island, and to fire ants which kill the young birds in the nest ….” [1]

The last reliable record took place in 1938, when a single bird was spotted by the zoologist C. Bernard Lewis.

***

syn. Mimocichla ravida Cory

*********************

References: 

[1] Kevin B. Clark: Wilmot W. Brown: one of the most prolific collectors of the vertebrate fauna of the New World. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard College 126(6): 347-378. 2020

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edited: 29.12.2023

Acalypha rubrinervis Cronk

Red-veined Copperleaf (Acalypha rubrinervis 

The Red-veined Copperleaf was endemic to the island of Saint Helena; the litte tree, which, for its beautiful red male flower spikes, which hung in great profusion from every twig, the islanders named string-tree or stringwood, was restricted to the elevated parts of the southern slopes of Diana’s Peak.

The species reached a size of about 2 m in height; its red-veined leaves were 5 to 7 cm long and 3 to 5 cm wide, the male inflorescences were about 20 cm long, the flowers were red while the female flowers were rather inconspicuous.

The last individual was found by John Charles Melliss, an amateur naturalist that lived on Saint Helena.:

The last plant I saw of it in the island was one that had been transplanted to Oakbank about twenty years ago. It grew to a small tree about eighteen inches high, and blossomed and seeded freely, but is no longer there.” [1]

This last known individual died in about 1870.

*********************  

References:  

[1] John Charles Meliss: St. Helena: A Physical, Historical, and Topographical Description of the Island, including its Geology, Fauna, Flora, and Meteorology. London: L. Reeve & Co. 1875

*********************

Depiction from: ‘John Charles Meliss: St. Helena: A Physical, Historical, and Topographical Description of the Island, including its Geology, Fauna, Flora, and Meteorology. London: L. Reeve & Co. 1875’ 

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 05.11.2020

Peltophorus commidendri Decelle

Gumwood Weevil (Peltophorus commidendri)  

The Gumwood Weevil is/was endemic to the island of Saint Helena, it is known only from the type that was collected in 1965/66 from a Saint Helena Gumwood tree (Commidedrum robustum (Roxb.) DC.).

The species was never recorded again and may in fact be already extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

*********************

edited: 02.12.2018

Tapiromimus gibbirostris Wollaston

Curved-snouted Weevil (Tapiromimus gibbirostris)  

This species was described in 1877, it is/was endemic to the highly isolated island of Saint Helena in the southern Atlantic Ocean.

The Curved-snouted Weevil was already rare when it was first discovered.:

This is one of the rarest of the Cossonids which have hitherto been found on St. Helena, – seven examples being all that I could obtain during our six months’ sojourn in the island.” [1]

***

The Curved-snouted Weevil appears to have made some kind of ‘comeback’ in 1965/66, when as much as 42 specimens were collected, however, it was not recorded during more recent searches in 2005/06 and is feared to have become extinct. [2] 

*********************

References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

*********************

edited: 02.12.2018

Bembidion rufosuffusus Wollaston

Reddish-tinged Bembidion Ground Beetle (Bembidion rufosuffusus)

The Reddish-tinged Bembidion Ground Beetle was described in 1877; it is, or maybe was, restricted to the island of Saint Helena. 

Like its immediate allies, this little Bembidium is of great rarity, and confined (so far as I have observed) to the high central ridge,  – where it occurs generally (though not always) beneath the moist stems of the rotten tree ferns about Diana’s Peak and Actaeon.” [1]

***

The species appears to have not been relocated during the most recent field studies and is thus believed to be possibly extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

*********************

Photo: David Maddison 
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

*********************

edited: 30.05.2021

Labidura herculeana (Fabricius)

Saint Helena Giant Earwig (Labidura herculeana)

The Saint Helena Giant Earwig, described in 1798, was, as its name implies, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species was by far the largest earwig in the world, reaching lenghts of over 8 cm; it was blackish and had reddish-brown colored legs.

The Saint Helena Giant Earwig was last seen alive in 1967, it is considered extinct since; the reasons for its extinction can be found in habitat loss and the introduction of rodents and insect-eating centipedes.

*********************

Depiction: Alexander Lang

*********************

edited: 02.06.2021

Colaptes oceanicus Olson

Bermuda Flicker (Colaptes oceanicus)  

The Bermuda Flicker was described based on fossil bones of Late Pleistocene age, however, at least one bone assingend to this species, a tarsometatarsus from a juvenile individual, dates to the Holocene. [2]

There is furthermore at least one account from 1623 which not only mentions what very likely is this species but which also gives a hint about the reasons for its extinction.: 

Neither hath the aire for her part been wanting with due supplies of many sorts of Fowles, as the gray and white Hearne, the gray and greene Plouer, some wilde Ducks and Malards, Coots and Red-shankes, Sea-wigions, Gray-bitterns, Cormorants, numbers of small Birds like Sparrowes and Robins, which haue lately beene destroyed by the wilde Cats, Wood-pickars, very many Crowes, which since this Plantation are kild, the rest fled or seldome seene except in the most vninhabited places, from whence they are obserued to take their flight about sun set, directing their course towards the North-west, which makes many coniecture there are some more Ilands not far off that way.” [1]

The native vegetation was destroyed for plantations, the birds were shot, and many were killed by introduced feral cats.

*********************  

References:

[1] John Smith: The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles: with the Names of the Adventurers, Planters, and Governours from their first beginning, An: 1584. to this present 1624. With the Procedings of Those Severall Colonies and the Accidents that befell them in all their Journyes and Discoveries. Also the Maps and Descriptions of all those Countryes, their Commodities, people, Government, Customes, and Religion yet knowne. Divided into Sixe Bookes. By Captaine Iohn Smith, sometymes Governour in those Countryes & Admirall of New England. London: printed by I. D. and I. H. for Michael Sparkes 1624
[2] Storrs L. Olson: Fossil woodpeckers from Bermuda with the description of a new species of Colaptes (Aves: Picidae). Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 126(1): 17–24. 2013

*********************  

edited: 02.11.2020

Poecilozonites nelsoni ssp. callosus Gulick

Callose Bermuda Land Snail (Poecilozonites nelsoni ssp. callosus)

The Callose Bermuda Land Snail was described in 1904 as a ‘variety’ of Nelson’s Bermuda Land Snail (Poecilozonites nelsoni (Bland)).

This form differs from the normal form by its smaller size and some other characters, the author writes the following lines.:

Shell smaller than the typical form, shiny, with heavy ribbed striae, colored with a broad yellowish-brown peripheral band on a white ground. Whorls a trifle more than nine, increasing regularely and very gradually. The suture does not change ist character nor become deflected from the peripheral line of the preceding whorl. The usual peripheral angle is almost obsolete. The base has a stronger angle about the umbilical perforation than is usual in the species. The peristome is greatly thickened on the inside from 1 mm. at the suture to fully 2 mm. near the columella. A prominent callosity covers the parietal wall of the aperture.” [1]

*********************

References:

[1] Addison Gulick: The fossil land sanils of Bermuda. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of philadelphia 56(2): 406-425. 1904

*********************

Photo from: ‘Stephen Jay Gould: An volutionary microcosm: Pleistocene and recent history of the land snail P. (Poecilozonites) in Bermuda. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative zoology 138(7): 407-531. 1969’

(under creative commons license (3.0))
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0

*********************

edited: 13.06.2020

Poecilozonites nelsoni ssp. discoides Gulick

Discus-shaped Bermuda Land Snail (Poecilozonites nelsoni ssp. discoides)

The Discus-shaped Bermuda Land Snail was described in 1904 as some kind of form of the the Bermuda Land Snail (Poecilozonites nelsoni (Bland)), it might have been a distinct subspecies or perhaps nothing but a distinct-shaped form. [1]

This snail is now apparently extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] Addison Gulick: The fossil land shells of Bermuda. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 56(2): 406-425. 1904

*********************

Depiction from: ‘Addison Gulick: The fossil land shells of Bermuda. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 56(2): 406-425. 1904’

(not in copyright)

*********************

edited: 11.09.2020

Vertigo bermudensis Pilsbry

Bermuda Whorl Snail (Vertigo bermudensis)

The Bermuda Whorl Snail was described in 1919, this species is known only from a few specimens which all have been collected in the early 1900s from the vicinitiy of Church Cave near Tucker’s Town, a small town in the St. George’s Parish on Bermuda.

*********************

Photo from: ‘Rüdiger Bieler; John Slapcinsky: A case study for the development of an island fauna: recent terrestrial mollusks of Bermuda. Nemouria 44: 1-99. 2000’

(under creative commons license (3.0))
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0 

*********************

edited: 13.06.2020

Valenfriesia congener (Wollaston)

Congeneric Fungus Beetle (Valenfriesia congener)

This species was described in 1877; it is, or rather was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species appears to have been quite common when it was discovered, however, it was apparently already restricted to the small areas of forest remains in the higher parts of the island.:

My examples (about a dozen in number) of this Notioxenus were taken, in company with the N. rufopictus, on the high central ridge, – in the vicinity of Actaeon and Diana’s Peak.” [1]

***

The species was last recorded in the 1970s when six specimens were collected, it was not found during any of the subsequent field searches and is now feared to be extinct. [2] 

***

The depiction below shows the closely related Red-spotted Fungus Beetle (Valenfriesia rufopicta (Wollaston)).

*********************

References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

*********************

Red-spotted Fungus Beetle (Valenfriesia rufopicta)

Depiction from: ‘T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877’

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 26.05.2021

Nesiota elliptica (Roxb.) Hook. f.

Saint Helena Olive (Nesiota elliptica)

This was the sole member of its genus, endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Saint Helena Oliva was a small tree, growing up to 4 m tall; its leaves were 5 to 8 cm long and 2 to 3,5 cm wide, it had pinkish red flowers. 

The species was already almost extinct by the beginning of the 19th century, only about 15 trees survived at that time, and the species was finally considered extinct sometimes later. In 1977 a last surviving individual was discovered at Diana’s Peak, the island’s highest mountain. This last survivor, however, was afflicted by a fungal disease and it died in 1994.

There were also some attempts to safe the species by taking cuttings, respectively a cutting which died in 1997, and by producing seedlings, which was quite problematic because its flowers were nearly completely self-incompatible, so only four seedlings could be produced of which the last one – the last member of its species – died in December 2003.

*********************

Depiction from: ‘John Charles Meliss: St. Helena: A Physical, Historical, and Topographical Description of the Island, including its Geology, Fauna, Flora, and Meteorology. London: L. Reeve & Co. 1875’   

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 29.05.2021

Homoeodera nodulipennis Wollaston

Knobbly-winged Fungus Weevil (Homoeodera nodulipennis 

The genus Homoeodera, which is endemic to the island of Saint Helena, currently comprises 14 described and at least one undescribed species.  

***

The Knobbly-winged Fungus Weevil is known only from the two specimens, from which the species had been described in 1877.  The species appears to have been closely associated to a single host plant, the Saint Helena Gumwood (Commidendrum robustum ssp. gummiferum (Roxb.) Cronk), which today is likewise extinct. [2]  

See also Thomas Vernon Wollaston in 1877 (Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae).:  

The only two examples of this marvellous little insect which I have yet seen were captured by myself, early in February, at the extreme edge of the tremendous precipice, or crater-wall (constituting the south-western portion of the great central ridge), immediately above West Lodge, – in one of the most exposed and windy spots it is possible to imagine. So difficult indeed was it, on account of the violence of the gale, to examine, even in the most imperfect manner, any thing that presented itself, that I feel almost satisfied that I inadvertently threw several specimens away, mistaking them for the seeds of plants. Nor, indeed, is their prima facie resemblance to seeds, when the limbs are contracted, altogether fanciful; for they at least have as much the appearance, at first sight, of a vegetable substance as of an animal one; and it was more by accident than any thing else that the symmetry of their outline induced me to put a couple of them into my collecting-bottle. They were obtained amongst small and broken-up sticks, I think of the common Gorse; though their close proximity to the shrubs of the Aster gummiferus [Commidendrum robustum ssp. gummiferum (Roxb.) Cronk] (or “Little Bastard Gumwood”), which stud the inaccessible rocks and ledges below, incline me to suspect that the species may in reality belong to the fauna of that interesting but now rapidly disappearing arborescent Composite.

*********************  

References:  

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St Helena. 2008  

*********************  

edited: 23.03.2018

Phalcoboenus napieri Adams & Woods

Napier’s Caracara (Phalcoboenus napieri)  

This small genus of birds of prey contains four or five recent species and another recently extinct one.  

***

This species was described in 2016 based on subfossil bones which were recovered from a peat bog on West Point Island, Falkland Islands, and which were dated to 5480 to 5200 BP..  

Napier’s Caracara was larger and more robust than the (Phalcoboenus australis (Gmelin)) [see photo], which today is the only bird of prey on these islands.  

The two species obviously lived sympatrically, feeding in the large seabird colonies. [1]  

***

However, in my opinion, there is a slight chance, that the extinct form is nothing but a larger version of the surviving one. It is well known that some species were larger in former times, yet anthropogenic influences apparently adversely affect larger individuals within a population and thus lead the a decrease in individual size within this population.  

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References:  

[1] Mark P. Adams; Robin W. Woods: Mid-Holocene Falkland Islands bird bones from a peat deposit, including a new species of caracara. Emu 116(4): 370-378. 2016  

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Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis)  

Photo: JoJan

(under creative commons license (3.0)) 
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0

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edited: 23.03.2018

Chalcotrogus oblongior Wollaston

Longish Chalcotrogus Weevil (Chalcotrogus oblongior)  

This species was described in 1877, it was endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the southern Atlantic Ocean.  

Thomas Vernon Wollaston, the author of the species writes.:  

Of this species I have seen hitherto but two examples, which were taken by myself on the high central ridge. Unfortunately they are both of them females; so that I am not able to decide whether the rostrum is at all apically-dilated (at the insertion of the antennae) in the males. ” [1]

***

The Longish Chalcotrogus Weevil was already very scarce when it was discovered and described, it was not found again during searches in 2005/06 and thus is believed to be extinct. [2]

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References:  

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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edited: 02.12.2018

Cryptommata cucullata Wollaston

False Gumwood Weevil (Cryptommata cucullata)

This species was described in 1877, it was endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

Thomas Vernon Wollaston, the author of the species writes about it.:

My three examples of the C. cucullata were captured by myself, after the early summer rains, about the beginning of february, amongst dead and broken-up sticks (I believe of the Aster gummiferus, Hk. f. [Commidendrum robustum ssp. gummiferum (Roxb.) Cronk; however, probably rather False Gumwood (Commidendrum spurium (G. Forst.) DC.)], at the extreme edge of the great precipice, or craterwall, immediately above West Lodge. It is not unlikely, therefore, that they may represent one of the nearly extinct members of the now rapidly disappearing Aster fauna.)” [1]

***

The species was associated with the False Gumwood (Commidendrum spurium) a tree of which in the 1990s only 10 individuals survived in the wild, the False Gumwood Weevil has never been recorded since the 19th century and is clearly already extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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edited: 02.12.2018

Heliotropium pannifolium Burch. ex. Hemsl.

Saint Helena Heliotrope (Heliotropium pannifolium)

The Saint Helena Heliotrope is known only from the type specimen, that was collected by the British botanist William John Burchell in 1808 near Sandy Bay on the island of Saint Helena.

The species was a shrub growing up to 1 m height.

The type, now kept in the Kew Herbarium ijn Great Britain, bears badly signs of insect caused damage. 

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edited: 14.06.2020

Benoitodes caheni (Benoit)

Cahen’s Ground Spider (Benoitodes caheni)

This species was described in 1977, it is or was endemic to the island of Saint Helena, where it appears to have been restricted to the Prosperous Bay Plain at the eastern coast of the island.

The species is/was 1,2 cm long, it has/had a reddish brown carapace and a grey abdomen.

The habitat of Cahen’s Ground Spider is now inhabited by the Brown Widow Spider (Latrodectus geometricus C. L. Koch), that was introduced in 1967, and which probably outcompited the endemic spider. 

The species was not found during recent field studies in 2003 and 2005/06 and may indeed be extinct. [1][2]

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References:

[1] Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Guide to Invertebrates of Prosperous Bay Plain, St Helena and illustrated account of species found on the Eastern Arid Area (EAA), including Prosperous Bay Plain, Holdfast Tom and Horse Point Plain. Report for St Helena Government 2004
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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edited: 02.12.2018

Bembidion megalops (Wollaston)

Large-eyed Bembidion Ground Beetle (Bembidion megalops)  

The Large-eyed Bembidion Ground Beetle was described in the year 1877, at a time when it was obviously already very rare.  

See Thomas Vernon Wollaston in the year 1877 (Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae).:  

It is only within the damp and rotten stems of the old tree ferns that I have observed the B. megalops; and as I merely obtained three examples, it may be presumed to be of the greatest rarity. They were all found on the lofty, densely-wooded central ridge, in the neighbourhood of Actaeon and Diana’s Peak.”  

***

The most recent searches in the years of 2005 to 2006 were unsuccessful, and the species must be considered most likely extinct.  

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References:  

[1] T. V. Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877
[2] H. Mendel; P. Ashmole; M. Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St Helena. 2008  

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Photo: David Maddison 

(under creative commons license (4.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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edited: 30.05.2021

Zapornia astrictocarpus (Olson)

Saint Helena Swamphen (Zapornia astrictocarpus)  

The Saint Helena Swamphen was described in 1973 based on subfossil remains that had been found on the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.  

The species reached a size of about 17 cm and was completely flightless.  

The Saint Helena Swamphen, like almost all of Saint Helena’s endemic bird species, disappeared at the beginning of the 16th century, shortly after the island was occupied by European settlers which brought with them several foreign animals. [1][2][3]  

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References:  

[1] Storrs L. Olson: Evolution of the Rails of the South Atlantic Islands (Aves: Rallidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology 125. 1973 
[2] Storrs L. Olson: Paleornithology of St. Helena Island, south Atlantic Ocean. Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology 23. 1975 
[3] Storrs L. Olson: A synopsis of the fossil Rallidae. In: S. Dillon Ripley: Rails of the World: A Monograph of the Family Rallidae. David R Godine, Boston: 339-373. 1977  

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Depiction: Alexander Lang

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edited: 20.03.2018

Napoleon vinctus Villiers

Tied-up Assassin Bug (Napoleon vinctus)

This species was described in 1976 based on a male specimen, two female specimens and several nymphs, which were found on the Central Peaks and at High Peak on the island of Saint Helena.

The Tied-up Assassin Bug reaches a length of about 1,2 cm, it is dark reddish brown colored and completely wingless.

The species was not recorded during the most recent field searches (2005 – 2006) at the type localities and may be extinct. [1]

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References:

[1] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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edited: 02.12.2018

Chilonopsis subtruncatus (Smith)

Truncated Saint Helena Awl Snail (Chilonopsis subtruncatus)  

This species was already extinct for several centuries when it was described for science in the year 1892.  

The shells reached a size of about 3 cm in diameter.  

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Depiction from ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 17, African Achatinidae 1904-1905’  

(public domain)

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edited: 21.03.2018

Bembidion platyderoides Wollaston

Chestnut-brown Bembidion Ground Beetle (Bembidion platyderoides)  

The Chestnut-brown Bembidion Ground Beetle was described in 1877.  

The author of the species already mentions its rarity.:  

The unique example of the very singular Bembidium which I have above enunciated was taken by myself from the interior of the fibrous stem of a rotten tree fern [Dicksonia arborescens L’Hér.] obtained near Diana’s Peak on the lofty central ridge; and there can be no doubt that the species which it represents is of the utmost rarity.” [1]  

***

The Chestnut-brown Bembidion Ground Beetle reaches a length of about 0,45 cm.  

***

The species was not found during the most recent field searches and is thus feared to be extinct. [2]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] T. V. Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] H. Mendel; P. Ashmole; M. Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St Helena. 2008  

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Photo: David Maddison 

(under creative commons license (4.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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edited: 30.05.2021

Chilonopsis blofeldi (Forbes)

Blofeld’s Saint Helena Awl Snail (Chilonopsis blofeldi)  

Most members of the genus Chilonopsis (eight species are known) were probably extinct shortly after the establishing of settlements on Saint Helena, in the early 16th century.  

The final extinction of so many endemic snail species of Saint Helena was probably caused by the nearly complete destruction of the native vegetation by farmers and their domestic animals.  

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Depiction from ‘Edgar A. Smith: On the Land-Shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1892, 258-270’  

(public domain)

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edited: 21.03.2018

Bembidion nubigena Wollaston

Large St. Helena Bembidion Ground Beetle (Bembidion nubigena)  

The Large St. Helena Bembidion Ground Beetle was described in 1877, it reached a length of about 0,6 cm and was thus the largest member of its genus on the island of Saint Helena.  

The author of the species already mentions its rarity in 1877.:  

This is the largest of the St.-Helena Bembidia, and one which there can be little doubt is extremely rare, – the only two examples which I have seen having been taken on the lofty central ridge, on the ascent of the peak known as Actaeon.” [1]  

***

The specimens were found beneath rotting stems of the endemic St. Helena Tree Fern (Dicksonia arborescens L’Hér.).  

***

The Large St. Helena Bembidion Ground Beetle could not be located during the most recent field searches and is thus feared to be extinct. [2]  

*********************  

References:  

[1] T. V. Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] H. Mendel; P. Ashmole; M. Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St Helena. 2008  

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Photo: David Maddison 

(under creative commons license (4.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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edited: 30.05.2021

Wahlenbergia roxburghii A. DC.

Roxbourgh’s Bellflower (Wahlenbergia roxburghii)

Roxbourgh’s Bellflower was described in 1830, it was endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. A second form, described in 1839 as Wahlenbergia burchellii A. DC. was recently synonymized with it.

The species was a sparsely branched shrub reaching heigths of 60 to 90 cm, the leaves were 8 to 14 cm long and 2 to 3,5 cm wide, the white, bell-shaped flowers appeared in terminal inflorescences.

Roxbourgh’s Bellflower was last seen in 1873 respectively in 1877 (as Wahlenbergia burchellii A. DC.) and is now extinct.

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Depiction from: ‘John Charles Meliss: St. Helena: A Physical, Historical, and Topographical Description of the Island, including its Geology, Fauna, Flora, and Meteorology. London: L. Reeve & Co. 1875’    

(public domain)

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edited: 13.09.2020

Gallinago kakuki Steadman & Takano

West Indian Snipe (Gallinago kakuki)

The West Indian Snipe was described in 2016, its fossil or subfossil remains were recovered from Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene deposits on several islands and island groups including the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The West Indian Snipe was a volant species but probably had quite short wings, this can be assumed from the shape of its wing bones. [1][2]

***

The species probably died out for more or less natural reasons, following changing environmental conditions due to changes in the height of the sea level after the beginning of the Holocene. The last remaining populations were then probably extirpated by the first Amerindian settlers.

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References:

[1] William Suárez: The enigmatic snipe Capella sp. (Aves: Scolopacidae) in the fossil record of cuba. Caribbean Journal of science 40(1): 155-157. 2004
[2] David W. Steadman; Oona M. Takano: A new extinct species of Snipe (Aves: Scolopacidae: Gallinago) from the West Indies. Zootaxa 4109(3): 345-358. 2016

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edited: 01.03.2024

Aplothorax burchelli Waterhouse

Burchell’s Giant Ground Beetle (Aplothorax burchelli)

Burchell’s Giant Ground Beetle was described in 1841, it was endemic to the island of Saint Helena which lies isolated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The species was completely flightless, it reached a length of 3,8 cm making it the largest of the island’s beetle species.

Burchell’s Giant Ground Beetle had been considered extinct by the end of the 19th century when in 1967 both, adult beetles as well as larvae were found. This rediscovery, however, also marks the last confirmed sighting of this species, because no additional individuals were ever found again since and the species is now clearly extinct. [1][2]

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References:  

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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Depiction from: ‘John Charles Meliss: St. Helena: A Physical, Historical, and Topographical Description of the Island, including its Geology, Fauna, Flora, and Meteorology. London: L. Reeve & Co. 1875’  

(public domain)

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edited: 19.06.2020

Aphanocrex podarces Wetmore

Saint Helena Rail (Aphanocrex podarces)

The Saint Helena Rail species was described in 1963 on the basis of subfossil remains that were found on the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The species was amongst the largest rails, reaching a size of around 50 cm, it had relatively large wings despite being definetly flightless, it furthermore had very large feet and quite elongated claws. [1]

***

The Saint Helena Rail is now thought to be closer related to the gallinules than to the other rallid forms known from the Atlantic islands.

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References:

[1] Storrs L. Olson: Paleornithology of St. Helena Island, south Atlantic Ocean. Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology 23. 1975

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edited: 07.02.2020

Chilonopsis turtoni (Smith)

Turton’s Saint Helena Awl Snail (Chilonopsis turtoni)  

This variable species was described in the year 1892.  

Turton’s Saint Helena Awl Snail was obviously still extant in the middle of the 19th century, since some individuals were found at the higher elevations of Saint Helena, crawling among the remnants of the native vegetation.  

The shells reached a height of about 1,7 cm. [1]  

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References:  

[1] Edgar A. Smith: On the Land-Shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 258-270. 1892  

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Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata, Vol. 17, African Achatinidae 1904-1905’  

(public domain)

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edited: 21.03.2018

Nannococcyx psix Olson

Saint Helena Cuckoo (Nannococcyx psix)  

This somewhat enigmatic species was described in 1975 on the basis of a single subfossil bone, a right humerus that is lacking the distal end.

This single bone, however, is enough to know that this must have been an extremely small species, basically smaller than any other cuckoo species; it is still possible that it had reduced wings like so many island endemics, and that it therefor was not really that tiny after all.

The Saint Helena Cuckoo disappeared shortly after the first people set their feet onto the island in 1502, mostly due to the habitat destruction by deforestation. [1]

***

Up to now, there is not a single record of any passerine bird from Saint Helena, thus the endemic cuckoo species may not have been a brood parasite; however, it is quite possible that any former passerine inhabitants might have gone extinct without leaving any traces of their former existence.

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References:  

[1] S. L. Olson: Paleornithology of St. Helena Island, south Atlantic Ocean. Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology 23. 1975  

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edited: 31.05.2021

Chilonopsis melanioides (Wollaston)

Dark Saint Helena Awl Snail (Chilonopsis melanioides 

This species was described in the year 1878 based on specimens that were collected at Diana’s Peak, Saint Helena’s highest point, at an elevation of about 600 m.  

The shells reached a height of 0,9 to 1,1 cm.  

***

The species was still extant, when it was discovered, but nevertheless it was already in the state of final extinction, see hereto Thomas Vernon Wollaston in the year 1878 (Testacea Atlantica).:  

… though a single living example which was secured by Mr. P. Whitehead in an immediately adjoining locality sufficed abundantly to indicate the modus vivendi of the species, – it having been taken at the roots of one of the damp masses of intermingled moss and grass which pad the base of the perpendicular rocks formed by the excavation of what is known as the ‘Cabbage-Tree Road’. There can be little doubt, consequently, that the S. melanioides will be ascertained to occur in humid places generally along the northern slopes of the ridge below Diana’s Peak.” [1]  

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References:  

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Testacea Atlantica: or the Land and Freshwater Shells of the Azores, Madeiras, Salvages, Canaries, Cape Verdes, and Saint Helena. London: L. Reeve & Co. 1878 
[2] Edgar A. Smith: On the Land-Shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 258-270. 1892  

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Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 17, African Achatinidae 1904-1905’  

(public domain)

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edited: 21.03.2018

Chilonopsis subplicatus (Sowerby)

Subplicate Saint Helena Awl Snail (Chilonopsis subplicatus)

The Subplicate Saint Helena Awl Snail was described in 1844 on the basis of subfossil shells that were found in deposits on the island of Saint Helena.:

Quite distinct from any other known species and of elongate form like the section Peronaeus. The Cochlicopa terebellum of Sowerby, a slightly more slender form, is evidently merely a slight variety in which the plications at the suture, probably through the worn condition of the specimens, appear to be less developed.“ [1]

***

The species might very well have survived into quite recent times and probably disappeared only after the arrival of the first human settlers in the 16th century.

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References:

[1] Edgar A. Smith: On the land-shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 258-270. 1892

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Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata, Vol. 17, African Achatinidae 1904-1905’  

(public domain)

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edited: 29.05.2021

Dryopteris ascensionis (Hook.) Kuntze

Ascension Island Wood Fern (Dryopteris ascensionis 

The Ascension Island Wood Fern is very closely related to the two species Dryopteris cognata (C. Presl.) Kuntze und Dryopteris napoleonis (Bory) Kuntze, both of which are endemic to the island of Saint Helena.  

The species grew only at the Green Mountain, the only place on Ascension Island, where a dense vegetation cover exists, and was found for the last time in the year 1889, and is since considered extinct.  

The reason for this are introduced, invasive plant species, which overrun the native vegetation.  

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edited: 23.09.2017

Chalcotrogus apionides Wollaston

Sharp-snouted Chalcotrogus Weevil (Chalcotrogus apionides)  

This species was described in the year 1877, it was endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the southern Atlantic Ocean.  

Thomas Vernon Wollaston, the author of the species writes.:  

The C. apionides is extremely scarce, and confined to the high central ridge, – where normally it is, without doubt, attached to the damp and decayed wood of the old cabbage-trees. In such situations I have met with it along the “Cabbage Tree Road,” immediately below Diana’s Peak and Actaeon; but at Cason’s, like so many of the Cossinids in that particular locality, it has adapted itself almost equally to the pines, – beneath the dead trunks of which I captured it, not uncommonly, particularly about February, in company with the Pseudomesoxeni and varies species of Microxylobius, after the early summer rains.“ [1] 

Thus, the species was already very rare, when it was first discovered.  

The last records date from the years 1965/66, when the species was found during field surveys, unfortunately it was not found during all later surveys in the years 2005/06 and is now almost certainly extinct. [2]  

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References:  

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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edited: 02.12.2018

Stonasla undulata White

Undulated Hopper (Stonasla undulata)

The Undulated Hopper is endemic to the island of Saint Helena; it was originally found in the remaining native vegetation at Casons, more or less in the center of the island.

The species was adapted to the endemic Dogwood tree (Nesohedyotis arborea (Roxb.) Bremek.).

It reaches a length of 0,8 to 0,9 cm and is yellowish green colored, its hemelytra bear some undulated darker stripes.

The species was not found during the latest field searches and might indeed be already extinct. [1] 

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References:

[1] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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Photo: Tristan Bantock; The Natural History Museum

(under creative commons license (2.0))  
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/

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edited: 25.05.2021

Bembidion dicksoniae (Wollaston)

Tree Fern Bembidion Ground Beetle (Bembidion dicksoniae)  

The twelve species of the genus Bembidion, known to occur on Saint Helena, prey on endemic weevil species (Curculionidae), which often are dependent on rotten wood.  

In recent times, however, the climatical conditions in the remaining endemic cloud forests of Saint Helena have changed – less rain led to a much more open canopy, which again led to much drier conditions at ground level, which again seems to be quite detrimetal to the rotting process, leading to a lack of rotten wood.  

***

The Tree Fern Bembidion Ground Beetle was found mostly inside, but sometimes also on the surface of the stems of the Saint Helena Tree Fern (Dicksonia arborescens L’Hér.).  

See also Thomas Vernon Wollaston in the year 1877 (Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae).:  

The modus vivendi of this Bembidium is precisely similar to that of the preceding and four following ones, – it having been obtained from the interior of the damp fibrous stems of the dead tree ferns on the high central ridge in the vicinity of Diana’s Peak. It is without doubt extremely rare; nevertheless I met with 17 examples of it, from first to last, by bringing amay portions of the old Dicksonias and breaking them up carefully, at home, into small fragments, over a white cloth, – which embodies a far more successful method for securing these Filicophilous Coleoptera than by examining the trunks hastily in situ.”  

***

The most recent searches (2005 to 2006) failed to find any sign of the Tree Fern Bembidion Ground Beetle (and the other endemic Bembidion species), the species is therefore considered very likely extinct.  

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References:  

[1] T. V. Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] H. Mendel; P. Ashmole; M. Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St Helena. 2008 

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Photo: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London

(under creative commons license (4.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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edited: 30.05.2021

Campolaemus perexilis Smith

Smith Saint Helena Whorl Snail (Campolaemus perexilis)  

This tiny creature, like so many other of Saint Helena’s endemic snails, fell victim to the nearly complete destruction of the native vegetation by clearings of the island’s forests for timber and fire wood, as well as by feral animals, above all by goats.  

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References:  

[1] Edgar A. Smith: On the Land-Shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 258-270. 1892
[2] Barna Páll-Gergely: Campolaemus Pilsbry, 1892 is not a hypselostomatid, but a streptaxid (Gastropoda: Eupulmonata). Ruthenica 30(1): 69-73. 2020

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Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second series: Pulmonata, Vol. 25, Pupillidae (Gastrocoptinae, Vertigininae), 1918-1920′  

(public domain)

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edited: 23.05.2015

Nesiobius fimbriatus (Wollaston)

Fringed Nesiobius Weevil (Nesiobius fimbriatus)  

The Fringed Nesiobius Weevil was described in 1877; it was endemic to the island of Saint Helena; it inhabited the gumwood forests dominated by Gumwood (Commidendrum robustum (Roxb.) DC.) where the animals were found at the forest floor in decaying wood.:

Thompson’s Wood is the only spot in which I observed this well-marked Nesiotes; and although the whole of my examples (22 in number) were obtained by shaking and sifting broken-up sticks and rubbish which were lying on the ground, nevertheless since the majority of the trees in that particular locality are gumwoods, I have little doubt that the N. fimbriatus belongs in reality to the gumwood fauna.” [1]

***

The species was not relocated during the latest field searches and is believed to be extinct. [2]

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References:  

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St Helena. 2008  

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edited: 29.05.2021

Bulweria bifax Olson

Olson’s Petrel (Bulweria bifax)

Olson’s Petrel was described in 1975 based on fossil remains found in Pleistocene deposits on the island of Saint Helena; further remains of the species were subsequently also found in Holocene deposits.

The species disappeared shortly after the first human settlers arrived on the island in 1502.

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edited: 29.05.2021

Helenoconcha pseustes (Smith)

Untrue Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha pseustes)

This species was described in 1892 on the basis of subfossil shells that were found on Flagstaff Hill, a mountain on the island of Saint Helena.

The following sentence is a part of its description.:

This species has the spire more elevated and conical than the other species of Patula from the island. P. cutteri, Pfr., may approach it somewhat, but that species is said to have only two parietal lamellae, and two basal denticles near the columella. The present species has an additional basal denticle, and a prominent this palatal lamella, which falls as it were between the two on the inner or parietal side of the aperture.” [1]

***

syn. Patula pseustes Smith

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Depiction from: ‘G. W. Tryon; H. A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 8, Helicidae Vol. 6. 1892’

(public domain)

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References:

[1] Edgar A. Smith: On the land-shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1892: 258-270

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edited: 29.05.2021

Trochetiopsis melanoxylon (Sol. ex Sims) Marais

Dwarf Ebony (Trochetiopsis melanoxylon)

The Dwarf Ebony, also known as Saint Helena Ebony, was one of altogether three species within its genus, all endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the vast Atlantic Ocean.

The species was a smaller tree with beautiful white flowers, it was once quite common and covered the slopes of its home island; it was among the first plants that fell victim to the feral goats, imported to the island at the end of the 18th century, and who ran amok amongst the island’s endemic vegetation.

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Depiction from: ‘John Charles Meliss: St. Helena: A Physical, Historical, and Topographical Description of the Island, including its Geology, Fauna, Flora, and Meteorology. London: L. Reeve & Co. 1875’   

(public domain)

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edited: 29.05.2021

Chilonopsis exulatus (Reeve)

Banished Saint Helena Awl Snail (Chilonopsis exulatus 

This species, like all members of the genus, comes from the island of Saint Helena, it was described in the year 1852 based on subfossil shells.  

The shells reached a height of ca. 2 cm.  

***

The species seems to have survived quite long, maybe even until the beginning of the 19th century, Thomas Vernon Wollaston writes hereto in the year 1878 (Testacea Atlantica).:  

My own belief however is that in all probability it was as much subfossilized as are the bleached and still coloured examples of the B. helena, Quoy, which lie scattered loosely in many places on the summit of the Barn; and until further evidence therefore has been adduced, I suspect that it will be safer to treat it as belonging to the extinct fauna of the island, though with the appearance of its having lingeredon (like the B. helena) into comparatively recent times.” [1]  

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References:  

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Testacea Atlantica: or the Land and Freshwater Shells of the Azores, Madeiras, Salvages, Canaries, Cape Verdes, and Saint Helena. London: L. Reeve & Co. 1878  

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Depiction from: ‘George W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 17, African Achatinidae 1904-1905’  

(public domain)

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edited: 21.03.2018

Philonesia weisleri Preece

Weisler’s Philonesia Snail (Philonesia weisleri)

This species was described in 1998.  

The species was endemic to Henderson Island, Pitcairn Islands, and is so far known exclusively from the unique holotype that was found during excavations at Henderson Island’s northern beach.  

The sole known shell reaches a height of about 0,71 cm and a diameter of about 0,83 cm.  

Weisler’s Philonesia Snail was closely related to the Pyramid-shaped Philonesia Snail (Philonesia pyramidalis Preece), but differs from this species by its smaller size, the subglobose shape and the more rounded whorl profile, and by the less flattened, more evenly rounded base of the shell. [1]  

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References:  

[1] R. C. Preece: Impact of early Polynesian occupation on the land snail fauna of Henderson Island, Pitcairn group (South Pacific). Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London B 353: 347-368. 1998  

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edited: 25.10.2017

Helenodiscus vernoni (Smith)

Wollaston’s Saint Helena Discus Snail (Helenodiscus vernoni)  

Wollaston’s Saint Helena Discus Snail was described in the year 1892 on the basis of subfossil shells, which were found at the so called Side Path, a steep mountain pass, that connects the two villages of Briars Village and Jamestown in the north east part of the island of Saint Helena.  

The shells of this species reached an average size of about 1,2 cm.  

The species died out sometimes after the beginning of the permanent European settlement of the island in the 16.th century.  

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Depiction from: ‘G. W. Tryon; H. A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 8, Helicidae Vol. 6. 1892’  

(public domain)

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edited: 21.03.2018

Pupa obliquicostulata Smith

Saint Helena Pupa Snail (Pupa obliquicostulata)  

The species is known from Sugarloaf Quarry on the island of Saint Helena, Southern Atlantic Ocean, the shells are only about 0,2 cm in height.  

The species is extinct.  

This tiny snail was already extinct for a long time, when it was described in the year 1892 on the basis of empty shells.  

***

Another species from the Whorl Snail family (Vertigidae), also coming from the island of Saint Helena, Turton’s Pupa Snail (Nesopupa turtoni (Smith)), was described at the same time and also only on the basis of empty shells (as Pupa turtoni Smith).  It was considered extinct from the outset too, but was rediscovered alive in the year 2003.  

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Depiction from: ‘Edgar A. Smith: On the Land-Shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 258-270. 1892’  

(public domain)

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edited: 06.09.2014

Cricetidae gen. & sp. A ‘Montserrat’

Large Montserrat Rice Rat (Cricetidae gen. & sp. A)

The Large Montserrat Rice Rat is an up to day undescribed species whose subfossil remains were found at an unnamed archaeological site on the island of Montserrat in the Lesser Antilles.

The species was sympatric with another closely related, yet smaller species which is likewise only known from subfossil remains. [1]

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References:

[1] Gregory K. Pregill; David W. Steadman; David R. Watters: Late Quaternary vertebrate faunas of the Lesser Antilles: historical components of Caribbean biogeography. Bulletin of Carnegie Museum of Natural History 30: 1-51. 1994

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edited: 17.02.2020

Mundia elpenor (Olson)

Ascension Island Rail (Mundia elpenor)

The Ascension Island Rail was described in 1973 based on subfossil bones recovered from deposits on the desolate Ascension Island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The species, however, had already been described by a eyewitness, an observative traveller named Peter Mundy, in 1656.:

Some of our company went up and broughtt downe six or seven goates, doubtlesse att first left there by the Portugalls: allsoe halfe a dozen of a strange kind of fowle, much bigger than our sterlings ore stares: collour gray or dappled, white and blacke feathers intermixed, eies red like rubies, wings imperfitt, such as wherewith they cannot raise themselves from the ground. They were taken running, in which they are exceeding swift, helping themselves a little with their wings … shortt billed, cloven footed, thatt can neither fly nor swymme. It was more than ordinary dainety meatt, relishing like a roasting pigge.” [1]

***

Ascension Island is a very dry place, and apparently always has been, without any typical rail habitats, no wetlands, no forests with dense undergrowth, nothing, thus, the rail is thought to have been an opertunistic omnivore that found its food amongst the large seabird colonies; it might have fed on seabird carcasses, eggs, and every kind of leftovers.

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References:

[1] R. C. Tempe; L. M. Anstey (eds): The Travels of Peter Mundy in Europe and Asia, 1608-1667. Hakluyt Society SII 78(5): 1-226. 1936
[2] Storrs Olson: Evolution of the rails of the south Atlantic Islands (Aves: Rallidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 152: 1-53. 1973

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Depiction by Peter Mundy, 1656

(public domain) 

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edited: 07.02.2020

Hirundo tahitensis ssp. ‘Henderson Island’

Henderson Island Swallow (Hirundo (tahitica) ssp.)

The Tahitian Swallow (Hirundo tahitica J. F. Gmelin) (see depiction below) today is restricted to the islands of Mo’orea and Tahiti, Society Islands, but once was probably more widespread as is indicated by numerous subfossil bones that were found at cave sites on the northern beach of Henderson Island, Pitcairn Islands.

The Henderson may well have been a distinct and endemic species, what is known for sure is that the bird bred on Henderson Island, since both, adult as well as juvenile bones were found. [1]

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References: 

[1] Graham M. Wragg; Marshall I. Weisler: Extinctions and new records of birds from Henderson Island. Notornis 41: 61-70. 1994

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Tahitian Swallow (Hirundo tahitica J. F. Gmelin); nominate form

Depiction from: ‘Richard Bowdler Sharpe; Claude W. Wyatt: A monograph of the Hirundinidae or the family of swallows. London: printed for the authors 1885-1894’

(public domain)

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edited: 17.10.2020

Helenoconcha leptalea (Smith)

Slender Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha leptalea)

The Slender Saint Helena Snail was described in 1892, apparently on the basis of subfossil shells that were recovered from the so-called Sugarloaf Quarry on the island of Saint Helena. 

The shells of this species are much smaller than those of the closely related Many-toothed Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha polyodon (Sowerby)); they were flatter, much more finely striated and differed furthermore by their oral armature. [1]

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References:

[1] Edgar A. Smith: On the land-shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1892: 258-270

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Depiction from: ‘G. W. Tryon; H. A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 8, Helicidae Vol. 6. 1892’

(public domain)

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edited: 29.05.2021

Tarphiophasis tuberculatus Wollaston

Tuberculated Tarphiophasis Beetle (Tarphiophasis tuberculatus)

The Tuberculated Tarphiophasis Beetle was described in 1877; it is, or rather was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species appears to have already been quite rare when it was discovered.:

The only two examples of this coarsely tuberculated, Tarphius-like insect which I have seen were captured by myself beneath pieces of rotten wood in the Aster-grove beyond West Lodge and overlooking Lufkins, and there can be no doubt that the species is amongst the rarest of the St.-Helena Coleoptera.” [1]

***

The Tuberculated Tarphiophasis Beetle was not found during the most recent field searches and might very well be extinct.

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

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edited: 26.05.2021

Nesiobius breviusculus (Wollaston)

Short Nesiobius Weevil (Nesiobius breviusculus)  

The Short Nesiobius Weevil was described in 1877, it was endemic to the island of Saint Helena, where it inhabited the Cabbage Tree forests, dominated by species like the She Cabbage (Lachanodes arborea(Roxb.) B. Nord.) and the He Cabbage (Melanodendron integrifolium (Roxb.) DC.) on the island’s Central Plateau.:

It is a scarce species, so far as my own observations are concerned, but one which is nevertheless widely distributed along the whole central ridge, – my examples being from the vicinity of Diana’s Peak, as well as from High Peak and above West Lodge; and, unless it be in any way connected with the Aster gummiferus (or “Little Bastard Gummwood”) [Commidendrum robustum ssp. gummiferum (Roxb.) Cronk], which is far from impossible, I think that we must regard it as a member of the great cabbage-tree fauna.” [1]

***

The species was not found during the many recent field searches and is now considered extinct. [2]  

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References:  

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St Helena. 2008  

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edited: 29.05.2021

Tychiorhinus porrectus Wollaston

Stretched Saint Helena Weevil (Tychiorhinus porrectus)  

This species was described in 1877, it was endemic to the island of Saint Helena, where it apparently was restricted to the central ridge.  

T. V. Wollaston, the author of the species writes in 1877.:  

…, – the whole of my examples (only eleven, however, in numer) having been taken by myself at Cason’s. Although without doubt attached normally to the cabbage-trees (from whithin the loose rotting masses of which some of my individuals were obtained), it would appear nevertheless, like so many of the Cossonids in that particular locality, to have adapted itself to the pines, – beneath the old fallen trunks of which the majority of my specimens were captured.” [1]  

The Stretched Saint Helena Weevil appears to have managed to adapt itself to the changed circumstances caused by the human settlers on the island, at least for a while – it was not found during recent field searches and is now feared to be extinct. [2]  

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References:  

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877 
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008  

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edited: 02.12.2018

Helenodiscus bilamellata (Sowerby)

Saint Helena Diskus Snail (Helenodiscus bilamellata)  

The Saint Helena Diskus Snail was described on the basis of subfossil shells, that were found on the island of Saint Helena, these shells were found among the remains of several other snail species, all of which are now extinct.  

The shells of this species reached an average size of 0,8 cm in diameter.  

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Depiction from: ‘G. W. Tryon; H. A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 8, Helicidae Vol. 6. 1892’  

(public domain)

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edited: 21.03.2018

Nesospiza sp. ‘Tristan da Cunha’

Tristan da Cunha Finch (Nesospiza sp.)

The Tristan da Cunha archipelago, which lies nearly exactly in the middle of the vast Atlantic Ocean, harbors one of the most interesting radiations known in the bird world – the Atlantic Island Finches (Nesospiza spp.).

These are at least three species, the Inaccessible Island Finch (Nesospiza acunhae Cabanis), the Nightingale Island Finch (Nesospiza questi Lowe), and Wilkin’s Finch (Nesospiza wilkinsi Lowe), which inhabit Inaccessible Island as well as Nightingale island but are absent from the island of Tristan da Cunha itself.

This, however, wasn’t always the case, since these birds were actually originally found on –  and described from that island, this population, however, disappeared sometimes around 1873, of course due to the usual reasons – habitat destruction, hunting and predation by introduced mammals. [1]

***

The birds from Tristan da Cunha were not described as a distinct subspecies or whatsoever but are considered to be conspecific with the nominate form that is otherwise restricted to Inaccessible Island (see photo below). They may, however, indeed constitute a distinct form, endemic to this one island; this form is now known only from a single specimen that was collected on the island in 1817, when the species was said to be plentiful. [2]

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References:

[1] M. W. Fraser; D. J. Briggs: New information on the Nesospiza buntings at Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha, and notes on their conservation. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club 112(3): 191-205. 1992 
[2] Peter G. Ryan: Taxonomic and conservation implications of ecological speciation in Nesospiza buntings on Tristan da Cunha. Bird Conservation International 18: 20-29. 2008

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Inaccessible Island Finch (Nesospiza acunhae ssp. acunhae); nominate form

Photo: Brian Gratwicke
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

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edited: 30.05.2021

Pterodroma sp. ‘Henderson Island’

Small Henderson Island Petrel (Pterodroma sp.)

The archaeological sites on Henderson Island, Pitcairn Islands, yielded numerous subfossil bones of several bird species, most of which are now extinct.

The seabirds are represented by several species that formerly bred on the island and some that still do so today.

The four subfossil bones discussed here, found in a cave named Lone Frigate Cave, however, appear to represent a unknown species that does not fit to any of the recent species. This form was smaller than all other species breeding on Henderson Island today; the Phoenix Petrel (Pterodroma alba (Gmelin)), the Herald Petrel (Pterodroma heraldica Salvin), and Murphy’s Petrel (Pterodroma ultima Murphy).

The species is obviously not identical to the Henderson Petrel (Pterodroma atrata Mathews), which is endemic to Henderson Island and still extant. [1]

***

It has nevertheless not yet been described because there are several uncertainties regarding the species-level systematics and osteology within the family Procellariidae. [1]

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References:

[1] Susan E. Schubel; David W. Steadman: More bird bones from Polynesian archaeological sites on Henderson Island, Pitcairn group, South Pacific. Atoll Research Bulletin, 325: 1-14. 1989

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edited: 18.11.2012

Larus sp. ‚Saint Helena‘

Undetermined Gull (Larus sp.)

This form will be mentioned here only for the sake of completeness, because most likely it doesn’t constitute a special species. [1]

***

Only a single bone fragment is known, the proximal end of a right humerus, that originates from a large gull species, but which cannot be assigned to any certain species.

Most likely this fragment is a remain of a bird that only stayed on the island as a guest. 

The most likely candidate, in my opinion, might be the Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus Lichtenstein), which still regularly visits the islands of the Tristan da Cunha archipelago without breeding there. [1] 

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References:  

[1] S. L. Olson: Paleornithology of St. Helena Island, south Atlantic Ocean. Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology 23. 1975

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edited: 29.04.2021

Stonasla consors White

Straight-lined Hopper (Stonasla consors)

The Straight-lined Hopper is endemic to the island of Saint Helena, where it was apparently found in the remainders of native vegetation on Diana’s Peak and Halley’s Mount.

The species appears to have adapted to the endemic St. Helena Dogwood tree (Nesohedyotis arborea (Roxb.) Bremek.).

It reaches sizes of about 0,7 to 0,9 cm; it is brownish.

The Straight-lined Hopper was not fund during the latest field searches and might indeed be extinct. [1] 

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References:

[1] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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Photo: Tristan Bantock; The Natural History Museum

(under creative commons license (2.0))  
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/

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edited: 25.05.2021

Ara sp. ‘Montserrat’

Montserrat Macaw (Ara sp.)

The Montserrat Macaw is known from a nearly complete coracoid that had been recovered from the Trants archaeological site on the island of Montserrat and appears to have been indeed a distinct, yet undescribed species.

The species was nearly the same size as the Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Ara severus (L.)), that is about 50 cm. [1]

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References:

[1] Charles A. Woods; Florence E. Sergile: Biogeography of the West Indies: Patterns and Perspectives, Second Edition. CRC Press; Auflage: Subsequent 2001

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edited: 06.09.2019

Paroxya bermudensis Rehn

Bermuda Flightless Grasshopper (Paroxya bermudensis)  

This, indeed wingless and therefore flightless, predominantly brown colored grasshopper species was described in the year 1909.  

The males reached a length of 1,72 cm, the females of 2,45 cm.  

The species is considered extinct nowadays, for what introduced Norway (Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout)) and Black Rats (Rattus rattus (L.)) are held responsible for.  

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References:  

[1] J. A. G. Rehn: A new species of the genus Paroxya from Bermuda (Orthoptera). Entomological news, and proceedings of the Entomological Section of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 20: 343-345. 1909

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edited: 11.10.2020

Xestophasis xerophilus Decelle & Voss

Xerophile Saint Helena Weevil (Xestophasis xerophilus)

The Xerophile Saint Helena Weevil was described in 1972; it is endemic to the island of Saint Helena, where again it is restricted to the Prosperous Bay Plain, usually in association with its food plant, the Samphire (Suaeda fruticosa Forssk. ex J. F. Gmel.).

The species was found to be extremely localized in its distribution in the 1960s and was not recorded during the last field surveys in the 2000s; it may indeed be extinct now. [2]

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References:

[1] Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: The invertebrates of Prosperous Bay Plain, St Helena. September – December 2003. Commissioned by the St Helena Government and financed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

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edited: 30.05.2021