The pupal cremaster as a diagnostic character for species of Phyllonorycter (Lepidoptera : Gracillariidae), with description of a new species of the nipponicella complex from Japan
J. Fujihara et al., The pupal cremaster as a diagnostic character for species of Phyllonorycter (Lepidoptera : Gracillariidae), with description of a new species of the nipponicella complex from Japan, IN SYST EVO, 31(4), 2000, pp. 387-400
The pupal cremasters of twelve species of Japanese oak-feeding Phyllonoryct
er are examined. The cremasters, even those of closely related species, are
specifically distinct. Combined with descriptions of European and North Am
erican species, the present results indicate that the cremaster can be used
as a diagnostic character for the species of Phyllonorycter. A new species
, P. persimilis, which was previously confused with P. similis Kumata, and
the female of P. nipponicella (Issiki), hitherto unknown, are described. Th
e nipponicella complex including these species is reviewed and the speciati
on of its members is discussed in relation to diversification of the host p
lant preference.