Ultrastructure of immature stages of Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) using scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

The blowfly Lucilia cuprina is distributed worldwide and is a mechanical vector of pathogens. It can cause myiasis in humans and is strongly related to forensic entomology, as it is frequently found on human and animal corpses. However, most of the L. cuprina found on corpses are the immature stages of this fly. Correct identification is very important for forensic entomology but at present only the identification keys of adult L. cuprina are available. Thus, the aim of this paper was to describe and analyze the morphological characteristics of all larval instars and the puparia of L. cuprina using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).