Review on the classification, distribution and ecology of the black flies (Diptera : Simuliidae) of the Nansei Islands in Japan, with techniques for collection, slide-preparation, microscopic observation, and identification of adult, pupal and larval black flies

Abstract

This paper reviews taxonomical and ecological aspects of the black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) of the Nansei Islands in Japan: All the 18 taxa so far reported are assigned in the genus Simulium Latreille s. l., and are further placed into five subgenera, i.e., Eusimulium Roubaud (1 sp.), Nevermannia Enderlein (4 spp. and 1 subsp.), Wallacellum Takaoka (1 sp.), Gomphostilbia Enderlein (3 spp.) and Simulium Latreille s. str. (8 spp.); a brief description is given for each subgenus and included species, and keys to the species for females, males, pupae and larvae are provided, together with figures of pupal gills, cocoons and larval head-capsules; data on geographical distribution are updated for each species; the possible role as a vector of zoonotic onchocerciasis is briefly discussed for some mammalophilic black-fly species; and larval preference of each species for aquatic habitats is roughly classified by the types of breeding streams. In addition, a detailed account is given on techniques for collection, preservation, slide preparation, and microscopic observation, of larval, pupal and adult stages of black flies.