First description of the first instar larva of Sphecapatoclea and Sphecapatodes (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Abstract

The first instar larva is described for the first time for Sphecapatoclea Villeneuve and Sphecapatodes Villeneuve, two poorly known genera of Palaearctic Miltogramminae. Larval morphology was analysed for one species of each genus using a combination of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The following morphological structures are documented: pseudocephalon, antennal complex, maxillary palpus, facial mask, modifications of thoracic and abdominal segments, anal region, spiracular field, posterior spiracles and details of the cephaloskeleton. Substantial differences between the two genera are noticed in the morphology of labrum and mouthhooks of pseudocephalon, spinulation, sculpture of integument and form of spiracular field. The first instar larva of Sphecapatoclea appears to have retained more features of the plesiomorphic ground plan defined for larvae of saprophagous calyptrate flies than the more derived larva of Sphecapatodes. Larval morphology points to a systematic position of Sphecapatoclea within the tribe Phyllotelini, while Sphecapatodes is hypothesized to have a close relationship with the non-phylloteline clade Metopodia Brauer & Bergenstamm+Taxigramma Macquart.