A new species of Phthiridium (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) from Iriomote Island, the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, with a key to nycteribiid bat flies of Japan

Researchers have identified a new species of bat fly, Phthiridium sawadai, from Iriomote Island in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan. This discovery adds to the diversity of Nycteribiidae flies, which are parasitic on bats. The species is closely related to P. ornatum and P. szechuanum but can be distinguished by unique morphological features in both male and female specimens. The study also provides identification keys for three Phthiridium species and all eleven Nycteribiidae species known from Japan, aiding in the taxonomic classification of these insects. This contribution enhances our understanding of bat-associated parasites in the region.

SATô, M., & MOGI, M. (2015). A new species of Phthiridium (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) from Iriomote Island, the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, with a key to nycteribiid bat flies of Japan. Medical Entomology and Zoology, 66(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.7601/mez.66.1