Abstract
Stomorhina discolor (Fabricius), a species of blow fly that mimics wasps, is distributed worldwide, but detailed information about characteristics of its adult terminalia is incomplete. To help fill this gap in the information, the morphology of adult stages of S. discolor was investigated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Observations using the light microscope revealed unique characteristics of the male genitalia that are markedly different from other blow fly species. More morphological detail, including observation of several sensilla (e.g., sensilla trichoid and sensilla basiconica) along the male terminalia and female ovipositor, was seen under the scanning electron microscope. These details can be taxonomically valuable for identifying males and females of S. discolor and may help address matters concerning copulation in this species.
Highlights
Stomorhina discolor (Fabricius, 1794) is a blow fly species in the subfamily Rhiniinae and is known as the wasp-mimicking fly
Male genitalia and female ovipositors were gently separated from the macerated tissue using fine needles (No 23) and sharp forceps under the stereomicroscope (Olympus)
A total of 36 specimens of S. discolor were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy
Summary
Stomorhina discolor (Fabricius, 1794) is a blow fly species in the subfamily Rhiniinae and is known as the wasp-mimicking fly. It has been recorded in many parts of the world [1,2,3,4,5]. Among the morphological descriptions of S. discolor that have been have been only published, limitedillustrations terminalia illustrations of male genitalia the species have been published, limitedonly terminalia of male genitalia of the speciesofhave been provided [4]. Molecular phylogeny of this species has been analyzed by Kutty et al [7].
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