Notes on Diptera Pupipara of the eastern Palaearctic region. 2. Identity of <i>Ornithoica momiyamai</i> (Hippoboscidae)

Abstract

e louse y, Ornithoica momiyamai, is ectoparasitic on a variety of bird species in Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK). However, its species status has been controversial for many years. We investigated its morphological and ecological traits to clarify further its species status. Morphology of gynandromorphs, which has been regarded as useful in distinguishing related Ornithoica species, was reported for the rst time. Gynandromorphs in Japan have a tri-lobed infra-anal plate similar to Ornithoica tridens (endemic to Taiwan) but distinct from several related tropical species. Collection records of O. momiyamai compiled from literature were compared with O. tridens, Ornithoica exilis (a tropical species carried to the temperate region by migratory birds), and Ornithomya avicularia (a Palaearctic species overwintering in the temperate region primary as puparia). e records indicate that O. momiyamai is relatively common throughout temperate Japan and the ROK, found on a number of bird species irrespective of their seasonality, and collected annually and locally if collection e orts are done. Records also document population increases during summer months concurrently with Ornithomya avicularia in warm-temperate Japan. ese results demonstrate that O. momiyamai is a temperate species that overwinters as puparia at least in warm-temperate Japan.