Japanese species of the genus Stigmella (Nepticulidae: Lepidoptera)

A revision of the Japanese species of leaf-mining microlepidoptera in the family Nepticulidae is in progress for the first time. This publication comprises the genus Stigmella Schrank. Descriptions, diagnoses and bibliographies are given for 40 species, 37 of which are new. As far as possible the taxa have been compared with the known species from the western Palaearctic and Nearctic regions. The genus in Japan has been divided into 10 species-groups. The information given on biology and life-histories has been collated from rearing records, label data and herbaria. Pre-existing types have been examined and 37 holotypes have been designated. The genitalia of the adults demonstrate major diagnostic features and were essential in providing identification keys. The proposed groups were defined mainly on these structures. Wherever possible the host-plant associations are given and the mining habits of the larvae are discussed.