First description of the immature stages of Fannia sabroskyi Seago, 1954 (Insecta, Diptera, Fanniidae)

Abstract

Egg, larvae and the puparium of Fannia sabroskyi Seago, 1954 (Diptera, Fanniidae) are described and illustrated for the first time. The following structures have been documented: pseudocephalon, antennal complex, maxillary palpus, facial mask, anterior spiracle, cephaloskeleton structures, thoracic and abdominal processes, anal division, and posterior spiracle. Due to its necrophagous habit, this species may be of potential forensic importance for estimating the postmortem interval in criminal investigations. The information presented herein may be useful to distinguish the immature forms of Fannia species and to supplement the database for identification of Neotropical species of Fanniidae. In addition, it is also important for evolutionary and phylogenetic studies.