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<p>Paedogenesis, a rare reproductive strategy in insects, enables immature stages to reproduce parthenogenetically, bypassing metamorphosis. Among gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), only a few species are known to exhibit this mode, including <i>Heteropeza pygmaea</i>, previously reported from indoor mushroom cultivation facilities in Japan. However, recent field surveys have revealed the presence of paedogenetic <i>Heteropeza</i> in natural environments across Japan. In this study, we collected 40 paedogenetic <i>Heteropeza</i> lineages from 13 prefectures and analyzed their genetic diversity using COI sequences. The analysis revealed unexpectedly high genetic diversity. Preliminary morphological observations revealed differences in tarsomere segmentation among female adults, corresponding to distinct genetic clades, suggesting a potential link between morphology and genetic structure. The widespread distribution and high diversity of paedogenetic <i>Heteropeza</i> in Japan raise concerns about their potential impact on mushroom cultivation and highlight the need for further taxonomic and ecological studies. Our results contribute to understanding the hidden diversity within Cecidomyiidae, a group considered a “dark taxon” and emphasize the importance of exploring natural populations to uncover cryptic species and their ecological roles.</p>

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Unexpected diversity and a wide distribution of paedogenetic gall midges of the genus Heteropeza (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Japan

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月7日

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  • Fumito Yano,
  • Akihiro Furukawa,
  • Mai Sasaki,
  • Kazutaka Osaki,
  • Takuo Sawahata,
  • Yoshifumi So,
  • Ayman Khamis Elsayed,
  • Makoto Tokuda

摘要

Paedogenesis, a rare reproductive strategy in insects, enables immature stages to reproduce parthenogenetically, bypassing metamorphosis. Among gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), only a few species are known to exhibit this mode, including Heteropeza pygmaea, previously reported from indoor mushroom cultivation facilities in Japan. However, recent field surveys have revealed the presence of paedogenetic Heteropeza in natural environments across Japan. In this study, we collected 40 paedogenetic Heteropeza lineages from 13 prefectures and analyzed their genetic diversity using COI sequences. The analysis revealed unexpectedly high genetic diversity. Preliminary morphological observations revealed differences in tarsomere segmentation among female adults, corresponding to distinct genetic clades, suggesting a potential link between morphology and genetic structure. The widespread distribution and high diversity of paedogenetic Heteropeza in Japan raise concerns about their potential impact on mushroom cultivation and highlight the need for further taxonomic and ecological studies. Our results contribute to understanding the hidden diversity within Cecidomyiidae, a group considered a “dark taxon” and emphasize the importance of exploring natural populations to uncover cryptic species and their ecological roles.