Anterior Spiracles Research Articles

A first record of a suspected intestinal myiasis caused by Muscina stabulans (Fallén 1817) (Diptera: Muscidae) in Southern South America.

We report a case of a suspected intestinal myiasis of a child from Southeast Argentina. Diptera larvae were sampled by a physician from the nappy worn by the child and submitted for examination and identification to the Laboratorio de Artrópodos (Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata). Based on diagnosis of the anterior and posterior spiracles and mouthparts, the larvae were identified as the false stable fly Muscina stabulans (Fallén, 1817) (Diptera: Muscidae). A comparison of diagnostic characters between Argentinean and European third instars of this species is presented. Muscina stabulans is a prevalent species in the district of General Pueyrredón, Buenos Aires province, where the case occurred. Its abundance in the area coincidentally peaked at the time of the infestation. This is the 1st report of M. stabulans as a suspect of intestinal myiasis for the whole of the southern cone of South America (Chile and Argentina).

Ultrastructure of Immatures Stages and Life Cycle of Helicobia aurescens (Diptera: Sarcophagidae: Sarcophaginae).

Helicobia aurescens is a flesh fly associated with pig and rat carcasses. This study aims to describe the life cycle at two temperatures (27 ± 1 °C and 29 ± 1 °C) and analyze the morphological characteristics of the eggs, larvae, and puparia of H. aurescens using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Temperature is an abiotic factor that greatly influences the development of insects. The larval development of H. aurescens lasts longer at 27 ± 1 °C than it does at 29 ± 1 °C, affecting the growth of newly hatched larvae into adults. The females larviposited three times more at 27 °C than they did at 29 °C, and the number of days laying larvae was also greater. At 27 °C, they laid larvae for 38 days, whereas, at 29 °C, the females larviposited for 21 days. No hatching lines or median areas were detected on the exochorion with SEM, as in the other sarcophagid species. The first-instar larva is very similar to those of the other species. The second instar has anterior spiracles present on the first thoracic segment, with six or seven ramifications aligned regularly. On the third instar, these structures have eight ramifications in a regular row and are located dorsolaterally. The puparium morphology is similar to that of the third-instar larvae.

Functioning of unidirectional ventilation in flying hawkmoths evaluated by pressure and oxygen measurements and X-ray video and tomography.

Flying sphingids generate unidirectional ventilation with an inflow through the anterior thoracic spiracles and an outflow through the posterior thoracic spiracles. This phenomenon was documented by the CO2 emission and tracheal air pressure in split-chamber experiments in preceding studies. In the present study, we evaluated the function of the air pump mechanism by measuring the tracheal pressure and PO2in the air sacs and monitoring the wing beat using photocells. Microelectrodes recorded the abdomen flexing muscles and abdominal transverse muscle septum. The crucial structure was the vertical mesophragma, with longitudinal flight muscles attached anteriorly and large fused metathoracic air sacs posteriorly, continuous to the first abdominal segment. Longitudinal flight muscles and abdomen lifting muscles contracted synchronously, producing positive pressure pulses within the mesothoracic air sacs. In the scutellar air sacs, the PO2with starting full flight was elevated to 18-20 kPa, with a pressure increase of 35-50 Pa. In contrast, in the metathoracic air sacs, the O2 concentration during flight could rise to 10 kPa, then decline to 5±1 kPa. The metathoracic air sacs provided compliance for ventilation by the flight muscles. The initial rise and subsequent decrease of the PO2in these posterior metathoracic air sacs indicated the unidirectional flow path of the air used. Serial X-ray frames of flying Acherontia atropos visualised the cyclic phragma movement and volume changes in the metathoracic air sacs. The results showed that the contracting dorsolongitudinal flight muscles expanded the metathoracic air sacs, acting as a suction pump.

Development of a multi-entry identification key for economically important fruit fly larvae (Diptera, Tephritidae, Dacinae).

Identification of fruit fly larvae is difficult due to the limited morphological characteristics present. However, this is the stage at which fruit flies are intercepted at ports of entry through horticultural imports. Molecular tools are useful but are time-consuming and expensive compared to morphological identifications. This project aims to use available information from the literature and our own research to build a multi-entry identification key for thirteen tephritid species and species groups that are of economic concern for the European Union. Third-instar larvae were obtained from different regions and hosts. Thirteen species or representatives of species groups were obtained, including Ceratitis, Dacus, Bactrocera and Zeugodacus spp. The cephalopharyngeal skeletons were dissected out, cleared in a 10% NaOH solution, dehydrated and mounted in Euparal on glass slides. Images of at least 20 larvae/species were captured using a compound microscope fitted with a camera. Measurements were taken of the mounted mandibles and the number of tubules and their position in the anterior spiracles in relation to the cephalic skeleton were noted. Differences between morphometric parameters were tested via ANOVA and verified using discriminant function analysis. A matrix was compiled including nine characters for which significant inter-specific differentiation was preliminarily detected. The key was converted into a mobile application by LucID.

Terellia hajastanica, a new species of tephritid flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) associated with Centaurea pseudoscabiosa subsp. glehnii (Asteraceae) in Armenia

A new species of tephritid flies, Terellia hajastanica sp. nov., is described from Armenia. The new species belongs to the T. virens species–group and is characterised by the combination of entirely hyaline wing, orange spots on the katepisternum and meron, longitudinal orange stripe running from anterior spiracle through the anepisternum to anepimeron, and the glans of phallus similar in shape to that of T. arailerica Evstigneev, 2021. The phallus in both the species has a long tubular extension of the glans, with filaments separated from each other near the apex of extension. The glans of the new species is smaller, has a shorter portion of tubular extension between the rod and bifurcation of the filaments. The new species is similar to T. babaki V. Korneyev, 2017 from the T. amberboae species–group in the presence of orange stripe on the pleura. Larvae of the new species develop in the capitula of Centaurea pseudoscabiosa subsp. glehnii and pupate therein, whereas the larvae of T. arailerica develop in the capitula of C. spectabilis and pupate in their stems.

Morphological characteristics and biological cycle of the hoverfly Eristalinus arvorum (Fabricius, 1787) (Diptera, Syrphidae)

The hoverfly Eristalinus arvorum (Fabricius, 1787) (Diptera: Syrphidae), which belongs to the tribe Eristalini, is well known as a pollinating agent for crops and flowering plants in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Large quantity, wide distribution and their ecological function of the hoverfly E. arvorum make them an appropriate candidate for use as pollinators and environmental indicator species. However, little information has been known on the morphology and the biological cycle of the hoverfly. In this study, feeding experiments under artificial climate chamber and morphological qualitative and quantitative observations were carried out to study the morphology and the biological cycle of the hoverfly E. arvorum. The morphology of eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults of E. arvorum were described in detail for the first time. A complete generation of E. arvorum lasts about 30.12 ± 0.14 days, and there is no significant difference in body length between males (10.27 ± 0.29 mm) and females (11.16 ± 0.45 mm). The most noteworthy morphological features of E. arvorum are the stripes on the compound eyes, the mesonotum, and the abdomen of adults, the chorionic structure consisting of fusiform units on the egg's surface, and the anterior spiracles and pupal spiracles of the pupae. Thus, the detailed description based on morphology and life history will provide the basis for the identification, biodiversity conservation and artificial breeding of the hoverfly E. arvorum.

Elephantoloemus indicus Austen, 1930 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) as the cause of cutaneous myiasis in captive Indian elephants from Assam, India.

Elephantoloemus indicus Austen, 1930, a dipteran calliphorid fly is known to cause by its larval stage obligatory cutaneous myiasis in Indian subspecies of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus indicus Cuvier, 1798) in Myanmar and Thailand. The present study was undertaken on morphological identification of some specimens of fly larvae which were recovered from the warbles detected on the skin of captive Indian elephants at the Nameri National Park and Kaziranga National Park both situated in the state of Assam, India. The larval specimens were whitish to creamy white in colour and body conformation varied from cylindrical to barrel shaped depending on their measured size (Av 6.12±0.28×2.35±0.12mm). Microscopic examination of processed larvae revealed presence of numerous single pointed spines uniformly distributed on entire body surface, well developed mouth hooks and cephalopharyngeal skeleton at the anterior end and posterior spiracles each with lightly sclerotized peritreme enclosing three short and straight respiratory slits. Based on geographical distribution of the fly, host relation, larval parasitism and morphological characters, the larvae were determined as of the genus Elephantoloemus which is represented by E. indicus as the only species described so far. This finding seems to be the first record in India after its report from Myanmar and Thailand.

Case report of hook worm Grammocephalus hybridatus and stomach bot Cobboldia elephantis infections in a free-ranging Asian Elephant Elephas maximus in Tamil Nadu, India

Elephants in the wild are susceptible to many gastrointestinal parasites. In the present study, necropsy was conducted on a free-ranging Asian Elephant Elephas maximus female aged about 15 years which died at Coimbatore forest range, Tamil Nadu state, India. The necropsy revealed that the liver was infected with round worms and the stomach was heavily infested with dipteran larvae. These round worms and larvae were collected and processed by dehydrating in ascending grades of alcohol and then cleared in carbolic acid. The cleared samples were mounted and examined under light microscopy for species identification. Faecal samples collected from the rectum were analysed by sedimentation for the presence of helminth eggs. On microscopic examination, the head end of the round worms showed a buccal capsule which possessed a pair of semilunar ventral cutting plates. Male worms showed well-developed bursa at the posterior end. The anterior end of the dipteran larvae showed two powerful oral hooks with cephalopharyngeal skeleton. Anterior spiracle appeared as a short club-shaped tube with 12 lobes. The abdominal segments of the larvae had a row of belt-like triangular spines. The posterior spiracles of the larvae had three longitudinal parallel slits in each spiracle with closed peritreme. Based on the above morphological characters, the round worms and larvae were identified as Grammocephalus hybridatus and Cobboldia elephantis, respectively. Strongyle eggs were identified in the faecal sample based on the morphology of thin shell and segmented yolk. This appears to be the first report of G. hybridatus infection in a free-ranging elephant in Tamil Nadu state, India.

PM 7/53 (2) Liriomyza spp.

PM 7/53 (2) <i>Liriomyza</i> spp.

Calliphorids as forensic indicator to facilitate PMI estimation: A case study from Chhattisgarh, India

ObjectivesCalliphorids especially blowflies are act as important forensic indicators as they are foremost visitors of the corpse and act as silent witness after the accomplishment of crime. MethodsIn present case study immature stages of blowflies utilized for PMI estimation. Postmortem Interval (PMI) of a highly putrefied male corpse in advanced stage of decomposition was estimated. Corpse was found under the culvert of Bijapur – Bhopalpatnam road, Village Modakpal, District Bijapur, State Chhattisgarh, India. PMI was determined with the help of Accumulated Degree Hours (ADH) method based on developmental period of third instar larvae of Blowfly Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius). Tentative PMI of corpse is 5.5 days. Apart from Chrysomya megacephala immature stages as well as adults of Chrysomya rufifaces (Macquart) were also collected from deceased body. Entomological samples were sent for identification to the department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, India. Results and conclusionsLarval stages were identified based on anterior and posterior spiracles and cephalophrangeal apparatus. Adults were identified based on their morphological characters. For accurate PMI estimation correct insect identification and meteorological data of crime scene are key parameters.

Development of forensically important scuttle fly, Megaselia spiracularis Schmitz (Diptera: Phoridae) at ambient temperatures with distinguishing features of the larval instars

Megaselia spiracularis Schmitz (Diptera: Phoridae) is a scuttle fly species of forensic importance and has been recorded colonizing human corpses in Malaysia, Korea and China. The necrophagous activity of M. spiracularis larvae on human corpses can be referred to estimate minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) in death investigation. However, developmental data of M. spiracularis derived from ambient fluctuating temperature is scarce and taxonomic descriptions to larval instars for species identification are still lacking. This research was conducted to address these limitations by studying the development of M. spiracularis at fluctuating ambient temperatures. From each sampling occasion, larval body lengths were obtained and samples were mounted on slides to determine larval instars based on taxonomic characteristics of the cephalopharyngeal skeleton, anterior spiracles and posterior spiracles. At fluctuating temperatures of 25–37 °C and relative humidity of 47–93%, developmental duration of egg stage was 7–9.5 h; first instar larva, 9.5–17 h; second instar, 6–12 h, feeding third instar, 18–36 h; post-feeding third instar, 6–12 h; and pupa, 168–204 h. Accumulated degree hours for each developmental stage based on fluctuating ambient temperatures were also determined. The size of M. spiracularis larvae varied from 0.64–0.78 mm after eclosion to 5.20–5.95 mm before entering post feeding phase. The first, second and third instar larva could be distinguished mainly by the morphology of cephalopharyngeal skeletons, anterior spiracles and posterior spiracles. Developmental durations of M. spiracularis larvae and the larval instars can be used as references to estimate PMImin as this species is likely to be featured in future forensic cases.

Accidental intestinal myiasis caused by Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae in broiler chickens: a field study

Broiler chicken’s production considered a very important sector of Egyptian poultry production. Diarrhea is a common problem that Threaten poultry production. There are many causes of broiler chicken’s diarrhea as; nutritional causes, infectious causes (viral, bacterial and parasitic). Larvae rarely infest and cause diarrhea in chickens but if present they irritate intestinal mucosa which causes a secondary bacterial diarrhea. In our investigation, intestinal myiasis was reported as uncommon cause of broiler chicken diarrhea in Egypt. The collected larvae were identified using scanning electron microscope study which revealed that; it is 3rd larval stage of M. domestica; creamy white in color; the length of the larvae ranged from 10-12 mm (10.5 ± 0.3); the anterior end contain the black colored cephalopharyngeal skeleton; the anterior spiracles present in the 2nd segment and had a number ranged from 6 to 8 rounded spiracular openings. The spines present in the group resembles the combs which present in the spinose area. The spinose comb contains from 5 to 9 spines which is small and triangular with slightly tapering ends. The posterior peritremes contain three snake or S- shaped or even tortoise openings; with central button; the peritreme was complete; the distance between the two peritreme ranged from 70- 100 μm in length.

P class="ZootaxaTitle"First description of immature stages of Gastropini, Gastrops willistoni Cresson (Diptera: Ephydridae) preying on eggs in a foam nest of Leptodactylus knudseni Heyer (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in Central Amazon.

The third instar larva and puparium of Gastrops willistoni Cresson (Diptera: Ephydridae), preying on eggs in a foam nest of Leptodactylus knudseni Heyer (Anura: Leptodactylidae), in a central Amazonian dryland forest (Brazil) are described for the first time. The fusiform larva has a short breathing tube, its anterior spiracles are fan-shaped and posterior spiracles with three spircular openings. Pupa is ovoid with a broad anterior margin and bifurcate posterior tip. The taxonomic relationship of the frog egg predators, Gastrops Williston and Typopsilopa Cresson, are discussed.

Taxonomic notes on the genus Campiglossa Rondani (Diptera, Tephritidae, Tephritinae, Tephritini) in India, with description of three new species.

Three new species of Campiglossa Rondani are described from India: adults of both sexes and third instar larvae of C. ialong David, Salini & Hancock, sp. nov. and C. sherlyae David & Hancock, sp. nov., plus an adult female of C. shaktii David, Sachin & Hancock, sp. nov., are described and illustrated. Postabdominal structures, cephalopharyngeal skeleton, and anterior and posterior spiracles of C. gemma (Hering, 1939) and C. sororcula (Wiedemann, 1830) are illustrated. DNA barcode sequences of C. ialongsp. nov., C. sherlyaesp. nov., and C. gemma were obtained and reported. Records of C. absinthii (Fabricius, 1805) and C. iracunda (Hering, 1938) are regarded as misidentifications of C. lyncea (Bezzi, 1913) and C. shaktiisp. nov., respectively, and excluded from the Indian fauna. A key to the known species of Campiglossa from India is provided. Results of preliminary phylogenetic analysis using COI revealed that C. ialongsp. nov. is paraphyletic to the Campiglossa misella group and C. C. sherlyaesp. nov. is a sister species of C. deserta.

Perianal Traumatic Myiasis in a Goat Caused by Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner 1862) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in Konya Province of Turkey

Introduction: The infestation of live humans and animals with dipterous larvae is called Myiasis. These larvae feed on the living or dead tissues, body fluids, and ingested foods of hosts at least for a certain period in myiasis cases. Case Presentation: During clinical examination, several larvae were detected in the perianal area of a goat at Selcuk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Internal Medicine Clinics. All visible larvae were cleaned by the clinician with the help of forceps. Ivermectin administered against larvae possibly penetrated deep into the wound. A topical antibiotic was also applied, and the wound was washed with an antiseptic solution. Several larvae were preserved in tubes including ethanol (70%) and transferred to parasitology laboratory. Firstly, the larvae were incised with a scalpel and cleared in potassium hydroxide (10%). Then, they were rinsed in distilled water, put into 70% ethanol for dehydration, and stored in 99% ethanol until dissection. The larvae were morphologically examined under a stereo microscope and dissected. The larvae were identified as third instar larvae of Wohlfahrtia magnifica according to the morphological characteristics of cephalo-pharyngeal skeleton, anterior spiracles, and peritremes. Conclusion: It should be kept in mind that in myiasis cases, early diagnosis is a very important factor in preventing deep tissue loss.

Description of the preimaginal stages of the golden native dronefly from Australia, Eristalinus punctulatus (Macquart, 1847) (Diptera: Syrphidae)

AbstractEristalinus punctulatus (Macquart, 1847) is a hoverfly (Syrphidae) that is native to Australia. Eristalinus belongs within tribe Eristalini, which is well known for its pollination efficiency. Although there is not much information available about this species, the abundance and floral constancy of this group of flies make E. punctulatus an appropriate candidate for use as pollinating agent. However, like most other eristalines, there is a lack of information regarding basic aspects of its biological cycle, as well as the morphology of the preimaginal stages. In this paper, the morphology of the egg, the first and third larval instars and the puparium of E. punctulatus are described for the first time. A description of the head skeleton is also given to improve understanding of the larval feeding habits of this species. Additionally, a diagnostic key of the third larval instar is provided together with an update of the pupal stage key, including all the Eristalinus species whose preimaginal morphology has already been described. The most noteworthy morphological features of the larva of E. punctulatus are the presence of lappets, the proportions of the anterior spiracles and the number and size of the facets.

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

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.

Larvae of the Genus Rainieria Rondani, 1843 (Diptera, Micropezidae)

Data on the life history and morphology of the larvae of the fly genus Rainieria are presented, viz. R. hennigi Krivosheina et Krivosheina, 1996 and R. latifrons (Loew, 1870). The larvae inhabit the bark of damaged and weakened trees. The main diagnostic characters of the larvae are listed. The larvae of this two species differ in the structure of the anterior and posterior spiracles and the cephalopharyngeal skeleton.

Ultrastructure of the Immature Stages of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae: Muscinae).

Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) is a muscoid species that is widespread throughout the world and acts as a mechanical vector of different enteropathogens primarily in underdeveloped countries. The adult and its immature forms are associated with decaying organic matter and can be seen visiting human corpses and animal carcass, and the larvae can also cause an infestation on human and animal wounds, feeding on the tissues. These characteristics make them have a forensic significance and, mainly, a great sanitary importance. This study aimed to analyze and describe morphological aspects of their immature stages of M. domestica, including the eggs, the first-, second-, and third-instar larvae, and the puparium using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The eggs have standard format that all muscoid flies shared. The exochorion has some modified cells that were used for embryonic respiration. The first-instar larvae present two openings on the posterior spiracle as in the second-instar larvae, but with the last one, we can observe the anterior spiracle structure. The third-instar larvae, as in some other Muscidae species, have a posterior spiracular opening with a sinuous form that is located near the edge of the spiracular plate. The puparium morphology is equal to the third instar with a respiratory structure that helps the breathing during the metamorphosis process. This article supports the need for knowledge over the morphological characteristics of the immature forms of the muscoid Diptera (Linnaeus, 1758) at the same time helping with the correct identification of this insect phase.

What do Eumerus Meigen larvae feed on? New immature stages of three species (Diptera: Syrphidae) breeding in different plants

The genus Eumerus Meigen 1822 (Diptera: Syrphidae) is widely distributed in the Old World, though recently introduced into America, and their larvae feed on decaying vegetal material and/or inside underground storage organs of many plants, sometimes generating economic losses as pests. However, little is known about Eumerus larval cycles and their interactions with host plants. Here, immatures of three Eumerus species from different continents are described, noting their feeding habits and host plants. Larvae of Eumerus figurans Walker 1859 were obtained from Hawaiian cultured ginger roots; puparium of Eumerus alpinus Rondani 1857 originated from larvae collected in Asphodelus ramosus L. in France; puparia of Eumerus superbus Shannon 1927 were reared from larvae found in two Zamiaceae species from Australia. Mitochondrial COI sequences served for diagnosing E. figurans larvae. Optical and scanning electron microscopy were used to describe body features, head skeletons, anterior spiracles, pupal spiracles, and posterior respiratory processes. Overall, E. alpinus resembles E. nudus Loew 1848 immatures. Eumerus superbus has a remarkable morphology among all described immatures of the genus, being the only Eumerus reported from gymnosperms. Head skeleton of E. figurans suggests this species is a filtering one. Present findings show that larvae of Eumerus can be separated at the species level and that this genus is polyphagous, feeding on a wide range of plant tissues and taxa, including commercial species. This study emphasizes immature stages and breeding sites as important means to understand species life cycles and the interactions with their host plants and ecosystems.