A taxonomic study on Salix-inhabiting gall midges in Japan (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae)

Abstract

Nine nominal species of Salix-inhabiting gall midges are recognized to be distributed in Japan. Among them, three species, Iteomyia capreae, Rabdophaga rosaeformis and R. clavifex are recorded, for the first time, from Japan. A Japanese endemic species, R. yanagi is newly combined with the genus Lygocecis, and a neotype of the species is designated. Two Japanese species, R. salicivora and Helicomyia chidai, and a European species, I. major, are synonymized with R. rigidae, L. yanagi and I. capreae, respectively. These species, except R. salicifoliae which has been insufficiently known, are redescribed together with notes on their host plants, galls, parasitoids, distribution and collecting data. Results of measurements and of setal counts are summarized in tables, and keys to species are also presented for galls, adults, mature larvae and pupae.