First larval description of Nipponomyia Alexander (Diptera, Pediciidae) with a new species from South Korea

This study presents the first description of the larval stage of the crane fly genus Nipponomyia Alexander, 1924 (Diptera: Pediciidae), based on material from South Korea. In addition, a new species, Nipponomyia kalbongsanica Podenas & Podeniene, sp. nov., is described, representing the first record of the genus from the Korean Peninsula. Detailed morphological descriptions of adults and larvae are provided, including diagnostic characters of the head capsule, mouthparts, spiracular field, and abdominal structures.

The larva is shown to possess a combination of features typical of Pediciinae but also exhibits characters that distinguish Nipponomyia from related genera such as Heterangaeus and Tricyphona. Association of larval and adult stages was confirmed using mitochondrial COI DNA barcoding. Phylogenetic analysis supports this association but reveals incongruence between morphological classification and molecular relationships within the genus, as the new species groups morphologically with the N. trispinosa species group but clusters genetically closer to the N. kuwanai group.

Ecological observations indicate that larvae develop in mud accumulated on stones beneath leaf litter in fast-flowing mountain streams. The study expands knowledge of the diversity, morphology, and biology of Pediciidae and highlights the importance of integrating morphological and molecular data in crane fly taxonomy.