The first instar larva of two species of Miltogramminae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from the Middle East – examples of peculiar morphology

Abstract

AbstractThe first instar larva is described for two species of Miltogramminae flesh flies representing the genera Miltogramma Meigen and Phrosinella Robineau‐Desvoidy. Using a combination of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the habitus is documented along with all important exoskeletal and cephaloskeletal structures. The described first instar larvae show substantial modifications of their morphology in comparison with the saprophagous ground plan defined for calyptrate flies. Miltogramma (Miltogrammidium) efflatouni Rohdendorf possesses the general set of derived character states shared with other species of Miltogramma and shares larval synapomorphies with species representing the subgenera Anacanthothecum Rohdendorf, Cylindrothecum Rohdendorf and Miltogrammidium Rohdendorf. Unique character states of the first instar larva of this species are the spine‐like shape of antennal complex, laterally compressed apical part of mouthhooks and an extreme elongation of the sensilla of the maxillary palpus. Phrosinella (Asiometopa) ujgura (Rohdendorf) possesses a pair of retractable, robust processes on the ventral margin of the first thoracic segment and a very strong, elongated labrum. Both character states are present in other known first instar larvae of genus Phrosinella. A reduction of cuticular ridges on dorsal and lateral surfaces of abdominal segments supports a monophylum consisting of the subgenera Asiometopa Rohdendorf and Caspiomyia Rohdendorf within genus Phrosinella.