Anterior Spiracles Research Articles

Ultrastructure of immature stages of the blowfly Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1818) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Forensic entomology is an area of science that serves as a tool in crime scene investigations. Usually, flies are the first insects to reach a carcass and can oviposit just a few hours after arrival. Therefore, the knowledge of immature stages is essential for correct identification of the species found on corpses. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) gives detailed information about morphological characters helping to identify the immature forms of flies. Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann) is a very important fly for forensic entomology, because it has high population densities and is easily found in colonizing carcasses, moreover, it is also a possible causative agent for secondary myiasis. The aim of this study is to identify larvae and puparia of C. putoria using SEM. The first instar larvae were composed of 12 smooth segments separated by spines. Antennae and maxillary palps were visible. Anterior spiracle was absent and only one spiracular opening could be seen at the posterior spiracle. Second and third larval instars were similar to first instar, except for the presence of anterior spiracle that is composed by 11-12 spiracular ramifications. At the anal segment, two spiracular openings were found in second instars and three openings in third instar larvae. Puparia showed a retracted cephalic region and none of the head structures were visible.

Larval morphology of the lesser housefly, Fannia canicularis

The morphology of all larval instars of Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Fanniidae) is documented using a combination of light and scanning electron microscopy. The following structures are documented for all instars: antennal complex; maxillary palpus; facial mask; cephaloskeleton; ventral organ; anterior spiracle; Keilin's organ; posterior spiracle; fleshy processes, and anal pad. Structures reported for the first time for all instars include: two pairs of lateral prominences on the prothoracic segment; additional ventrolateral prominences on the second thoracic segment, and a papilla at the base of the posterior spiracle. Other structures reported for the first time are anterior spiracles in the first instar and a serrated tip on the mouthhook in the second instar. A trichoid sensillum on the posterior spiracular plate, representing a sensory organ otherwise unknown in the Calyptratae, is described in the second and third instars. Results are discussed and compared with existing knowledge on dipteran larval morphology.

Morphological descriptions for the identification of Hypopygiopsis tumrasvini Kurahashi (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

This article presents morphological descriptions of larvae and adults of Hypopygiopsis tumrasvini Kurahashi (Diptera: Calliphoridae), a blow fly species that may be of forensic importance. Both second and third instar larvae are illustrated, with emphasis placed on important characteristic features used for larval identification, such as the cephalopharyngeal skeleton, anterior and posterior spiracles, and dorsal spines between the prothorax and mesothorax. Eight to 11 papillae were found on each anterior spiracle arranged in a single row. The dorsal spines between the prothorax and mesothorax were arranged in sets of posteriorly projecting acuminate spines with darkly pigmented tips. The posterior spiracles each bear three prominent and separated long, slender spiracular slits encircled by a dark, thick peritreme that is complete ventromedially around a button. Prominent inner projection of peritreme is seen between the middle and lower spiracular slits. A previously published key for differentiating third instar larvae of flies of possible forensic importance in Thailand is updated to include this additional species. Some characteristic features of males and females of the species are also provided.

Ultramorphological characteristics of immature stages of Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), a fly specie of forensic importance

Forensic entomology is an area of science that serves as a tool in crime scene investigations. Usually, flies are the first insects to reach a dead body and can oviposit just a few hours after arrival. Therefore the knowledge of immature stages is essential for correct identification of the species found on corpses. Scanning electron microscopy gives detailed information about morphological characters helping to identify the immature forms and consequently serves as a tool in crime scene investigations. C. albiceps is a very important fly for forensic entomologists because its larvae are almost always present on a dead body and it is facultative predators and therefore can alter the composition of species present at the carcass. The aim of this study is to identify eggs, larvae, and puparia of C. albiceps using SEM. Eggs were elongated with the anterior region ending in a "Y" shape and the posterior end was tapered. The micropyle was a well-adorned orifice with some projections around it. The first instar larva was composed of 12 segments separated by spines. Only one spiracular opening could be seen at the posterior spiracle. Body tegument was smooth and tubercles were not seen. Antennae and maxillary palps were visible. Second and third larval instars were very similar to first instar, except for the presence of anterior spiracle. However, body tegument was composed of net-like patches and tubercles were visible. Tubercles present at the third instar larvae were robust and erect. Puparia showed a retracted cephalic region and curved tubercles.

Forensically important flesh fly species in Thailand: morphology and developmental rate

Forensically important flesh fly species in Thailand have been investigated for their larval morphology and developmental rate to increase the forensic entomology database in Thailand and nearby countries. Sarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) dux Thomson, Sarcophaga (Liopygia) ruficornis (Fabricius), and Sarcophaga (Boettcherisca) peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy) are the species of greatest forensic importance. The third instars of these species are similar in morphological appearance, making it difficult or impossible to differentiate between them based on external morphological characteristics. This study compares these important characteristics and reveals that the most distinctive is the posterior spiracle, followed by the number of papillae on the anterior spiracle. For confirmation of these species, the unique characteristics of adult males are also shown for accurate identification. Both the third instar and adult male characteristics are keys to identifying these species. In addition, the developmental rate of S. dux was examined in northern Thailand during 2002-2003 under natural ambient temperature (approximately 24-28 degrees C) and a natural light/dark photoperiod (approximately 12:12 h), indicating relatively rapid larval development in summer (March-June), pre-pupae (stop moving) initiated at 72 h. In the rainy season (July-October), pre-pupae initiated at 72 or 96 h, whereas pre-pupae initiated at 96 h in winter.

Differentiation between Lucilia cuprina and Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae for use in forensic entomology applications

Lucilia cuprina and Hemipyrellia ligurriens are forensically important blow flies in many countries. The immature stage, in particular the third instar, of both species are generally similar in morphological appearance. In this study, the use of three main characteristics, the posterior spiracle, the dorsal spines between the first and second thoracic segments, and the cephalopharyngeal skeleton, allows for identification of both fly species, with the number of papillae on anterior spiracle being a supportive characteristic in some cases. Comparison of these characteristics is illustrated in detail.

Die morphologischen Merkmale und die Bionomie der Kiefernspanner-Tachine Carcelia obesa Zett. (=rutilla B. B.)

1 The Tachinid Carcelia obesa Zett. (= rutilla B. B.) is in Holland an important parasite of the pine looper (Bupalus piniarius L.), a pine wood inhabiting geometrid moth. 2 As an introduction to future papers on the function of the parasitic fly as a mortality factor to the moth, the most important data on its external morphology and life history are represented here. 3 The most important characteristics of the adult fly can be found by Baer (1920/1921). See also fig. 1. The female parasite bears on her relatively broad forehead two large hairs curved downwards, which are lacking in the male. 4 The egg has the macrotype form (Clausen 1940) with its ventral surface flat and the chorion thin and transparent. Its surface bears rather minute reticulate markings. 5 The most important characteristics of the three larval instars have been described (fig. 2, 3, 4 and 5). 6 The puparium is of the general subelliptical form. The anal opening and the anterior and posterior spiracles are distinct. Prothoracic cornicles are present. There are two lines of cleavage. 7 The adult fly emerges from the puparium in June—July; the males 6 days before the females in average. Mating normaly takes place very soon after emergence. 8 After mating the fertilized eggs descend into the uterus where incubation takes place over a period of three weeks in average. Then the larvae can be observed through the transparent egg chorion. 9 The incubated eggs are deposited on the skin of the caterpillers, which at the time are in the second and third instar. There within 2–24 hours the larva bores directly downward through chorion on the vertral side of the egg and through the integument of the host body. Most often the young larvae enter the wall of the foremost part of the intestine; afterwards they enter a muscle. They have a cutaneous respiration. 10 Hibernation takes place in the host puparium without apparent growth. The latter begins at the end of March and soon afterwards the first molt takes place. 11 After the second molt in April—May the third instar larva is full grown within 25 days and emergence is usually effected from the wing pads of the host pupa. The larva pupate outside the hostbody in the litter. The duration of the pupal stage is about 4 weeks in average.

Description of the third-instar of Anastrepha leptozona Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The morphology of the third-instar larva of Anastrepha leptozona Hendel is characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The antennomaxillary complex, oral ridges, labium, stomal sensory organ, cephalopharyngeal skeleton, anterior and posterior spiracles and caudal segment are described and illustrated. Mature larvae of A. leptozona present a 'ventral sclerite' below the pharyngeal sclerite which is characterized for the first time in Anastrepha species.

Infestation of an owl (Bubo bubo) with Lucilia spp.

Myiasis is an infestation of tissue with the larval stage of dipterous flies. This condition mostly affects the skin but may also occur in certain body cavities. It can occur in either animals or humans and is caused by parasitic dipterous fly larvae feeding on the host's necrotic or living tissue. This disease rarely effects birds especially owls. In this study, infestation of an owl with cutaneous myiasis is reported. In October 2008, a wounded owl was referred by the environmental department of Chaharmahal–Bakhtiary province to the clinic of veterinary science at Shahrekord University in west central Iran. At the initial examination, clinical signs were extensive with a wound under the right wing. The wound was infested with 40 white conical maggots, 3–9 mm in length, which led to a diagnosis of myiasis in the owl. The maggots were carefully collected from the wound using sterile forceps and were kept in 70% ethanol and transferred to the laboratory of parasitology where the diagnosis was undertaken by the observation of posterior and anterior spiracle and cephalopharyngeal apparatus. According to key diagnostic features for maggots in birds, the larvae were identified as Lucilia sericata and Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The wound was treated using usual acaricides, but due to the severity of the infestation and because of the delay in referring the animal to the clinic, it died 3 days post-treatment. This is the first report in Iran of an infestation of the Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) with L. sericata and L. cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

Description of the Immature Stages and the Adult Female ofAulacigaster africana, the first Known for the Afrotropical Aulacigastridae (Diptera: Schizophora)

ABSTRACT Hitherto unknown adult female and the immature stages (egg, 2nd and 3rd instar larvae) of Aulacigaster africana Barraclough, 1993, from South Africa are described and illustrated. Submarginal lateral setae of female 8th sternite are strong, ordered in one row, and far less numerous than in A. leucopeza. Eggs are asymmetrically and broadly oval in lateral view, the dorsal part with a pair of dark flanges, and medial hatching strip, with dark cellules in more or less two rows. The lateral and ventral parts of the egg have thin, partly confluent longitudinal ribs. The anterior spiracle of 3rd instar larva has 15 or 16 pairs of twig-like processes (6–8 pairs in A. leucopeza). The mandible is long and curved, bearing two pairs of accessory teeth. The parastomal bar is long, thin and dorsally curved at its middle; the intermediate sclerite consists of three parts (the posteroventral one clearly divided into an anterior ventral and a posterior longish section); there is an additional long sclerite, of a...

On the larval morphology of flat-footed flies of the genera Polyporivora, Seri, and Bolopus (Diptera, Platypezidae) developing in fruit bodies of fungi

Morphological descriptions of larvae and pupae of flat-footed flies of the genera Polyporivora Kessel et Magg. (P. boletina Meig., P. ornata (Meig.) (= infumata Hal.), P. hunteri amurensis Shatalkin), Seri Kessel et Kessel (S. obscuripennis Oldenberg), and Bolopus Meig. (B. furcatus (Fallen)) are given. A key to Polyporivora species based on larvae is provided. The main diagnostic characters, such as the length of the anterior spiracles and number of breathing openings on the stigmal plate, shape of terminal hooks, morphology, and topography of cuticular structures were revealed.

Morphology of immature stages in the neotropical nonfrugivorous Tephritinae Fruit Fly Species Rachiptera limbata Bigot (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Baccharis linearis (R. et Pav.) (Asteraceae)

Rachiptera limbata Bigot develops on Baccharis linearis (R. et Pav.) in the areas around Santiago, Chile. The larvae feed on stem tissues and secrete a liquid that hardens to form a protective feeding and pupation chamber. The immature stages of Neotropical species of Tephritinae are poorly known. In this paper, the morphology of the immature stages of R. limbata are described and compared, in a phylogenetic context, with other Tephritinae species. Antennomaxillary complex, pads, oral ridge, cephalopharyngeal skeleton, anterior and posterior spiracles and anal lobes of first-, second-, third-instar larvae and pupae were studied with optical and scanning electron microscopy. The cephalopharyngeal skeleton is darkly sclerotized and shows an opening or window in the ventral cornua. This trait seems to be plesiomorphic in R. limbata and in other Neotropical species. First-instar larvae anterior spiracles are absent; whereas in second and third instars spiracles are developed as a row of five short tubules. In first- and second-instar larvae, the posterior spiracular slit has only a single hair per bundle; whereas third-instar larvae lack hairs. This last trait seems to be consequence of a larval development delay and an apomorphic trait in R. limbata, compared to other Neotropical and Neartical species.

Morphology of immature stages of Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) for use in forensic entomology applications

In forensic investigations, all immature stages of flies (egg, larvae, and puparium) can serve as entomological evidence at death scenes. These insects are primarily used to estimate the post mortem interval (PMI), but can also be involved in the analysis of toxic substances, determining manner of death, and in indicating relocation of a corpse in homicide cases. In this study, we present the morphology of the egg, larvae, and puparium of Hemipyrellia ligurriens, a blow fly species of forensic importance in Thailand. Examination was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The egg stage was found to display a relatively wide plastron region (or median hatch line area) that spans almost the entire length of the egg. The median hatch line is oriented in an upright position. External chorionic sculpture of the egg is present in a hexagonal pattern whose reticular boundaries are slightly elevated. In the larval stages, the most prominent morphological changes were detected upon comparison of the first to the second instar; whereas, the differences between second and third instar larvae were less obvious outside of the increase in number of posterior spiracular slits. Most of the major differences involve body size and structure of the anterior and posterior spiracles. Each anterior spiracle in both the second and third instars projects five to seven papillae apically. Each posterior spiracular disc of a third instar exhibits a complete peritreme, three spiracular slits, and a prominent button that is ventromedially located. The puparium is coarctate and features a clustered bubble membrane comprised of approximately 57 mammillate structures positioned dorsolaterally on each side of the first abdominal segment in young puparia. This feature is replaced by short, tubular respiratory horns in aged puparia. This study provides more detailed exposure of important morphological features that can be used for accurate identification of immature stages of H. ligurriens. Information presented can aid in forensic investigations involving this fly species.

Host Size and Oviposition Site Effects on Sex Ratio of Pupal Parasitoid Muscidifurax zaraptor (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

This study examined how the size of host pupae of Musca domestica L. and exposure of host spiracles affected parasitism and sex ratio of Muscidifurax zaraptor Kogan & Legner (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). Based on a model by Charnov et al. (Nature [Lond.] 289: 27-33, 1981), we predicted that a lower proportion of female offspring would be produced on large hosts when large hosts were presented alone than when both small and large hosts were presented simultaneously. This prediction was supported, suggesting that females used relative cues for determining host size. We also predicted a greater proportion of female eggs would be produced on small hosts when only small hosts were presented than when both small and large hosts were presented simultaneously. This prediction was not supported, suggesting that females also used absolute cues for assessing host size. Host size had no significant effect on the thorax widths of offspring. However, the head widths of offspring varied with pupal size, with wasps emerging from large pupae having larger thoraces. There was a difference in parasitism depending on pupal orientation; house fly pupae that had posterior spiracles exposed (i.e., anterior spiracles concealed) were less often parasitized than when the anterior spiracles were exposed. Pupal position and sex ratio were not related. Finally, females spent less time drilling through posterior spiracles than through anterior spiracles.

Remarks on morphology of immature stages, biology and life-cycle of Calamoncosis aprica (Meigen, 1830) (Diptera, Chloropidae)

The egg, three larval stages and the puparium of C. aprica have been described for the first time. Each larval stage is distinctly different in size, shape of cephalopharyngeal skeleton, structure of anterior and posterior spiracles, and the distribution of spinules. The third larval stage and puparium of C. aprica were compared to the same development stages of C. minima. The most conspicuous difference in the structure of adult larvae and puparia of both species is the shape of posterior spiracles. The range of morphological features that have been taken into consideration in determining the larvae of the third stage and puparia of genus Calamoncosis was extended. The host plant for C. aprica is common reed (Phragmites australis) This dipteran develops in galls formed on tops of this plant's stems by Platycephala planifrons (Chloropidae). Information concerning the life-cycle of C. aprica, as well as some remarks on its biology are included in this paper.

First description of the immature stages of Hemilucilia segmentaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

The immature stages oí Hemilucilia segmentaria (Fabricius, 1805) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are described. Egg morphology and structures such as the cephalopharyngeal skeleton, anterior and posterior spiracles, and the dorsal spines between the prothorax and mesothorax from first, second and third instar larvae are characterized, using light and scanning electron microscopy. This species is abundant in Neotropical forests and, because of its necrophagous behavior, is of substantial medico-legal importance for estimating the postmortem interval in criminal investigations. Information presented herein may be useful to differentiate among eggs and larvae of closely related species and to supplement the database for blowfly identification.

Myiasis in different types of carcinoma cases in southern India

Myiasis maggots were isolated from the cancerous wounds, when the patients reported to the Department of ENT-OPD, JIPMER, Pondicherry. Maggots were identified to Chrysomyia bezziana based on characteristic patterns of posterior and anterior spiracles. Although the categories of cancer wounds were different, invasions were due to C. bezziana, which is very common in suburban areas of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry in southern parts of India. This observation showed the importance of hygiene and sanitation in tropical countries with high fly population and emphasised the need for correct diagnosis of this obligatory myiasis, which was destructive. Through proper health care, further destabilization due to myiasis was avoided.

First Record of Cuterebra fontinella (Diptera: Oestridae) Larvae Infesting a Florida Rat (Rodentia: Muridae)

The host relationships of Cuterebra spp. bot flies (D?ptera: Oestridae) are of interest from both the perspective of parasite/host coevolution (Col well et al. 2006; Slansky 2007a) and the context of these insects causing a type of myiasis (cuterebro sis) in cats, dogs, humans, and other mammals (Safdar et al. 2003; Slansky 2007b,c; 2008). Cute rebra spp. larvae typically parasitize either indig enous lagomorphs (rabbits and hares) or rodents (e.g., mice, rats and tree squirrels) in the Ameri cas (Sabrosky 1986; Slansky & Kenyon 2003), with each generally restricted to one or a few closely related host species. Occasionally they in fest other mammals ('atypical' hosts; Sabrosky 1986; Slansky & Huckabee 2006; Slansky 2007b,c; Slansky 2008). Whether the latter repre sent aberrant cases, as categorized by Sabrosky (1986), or reflect incipient broadening of the host spectrum of these flies, is uncertain. Thus, studies are required to help define these flies' host rela tionships. Here we describe an unusual case of an eastern woodrat, Neotoma floridana (Ord) (Ro dentia: Muridae), parasitized by larvae o? Cutere bra fontinella Clark, which typically infest mice. In late Apr 2007, a severely emaciated rat in Sebastian, Indian River county, Florida, was killed in a suburban area adjacent to a 0.3 ha plot of dense scrub, including Brazilian pepper (Schi nus terebinthifolius Raddi, palmetto (Sabal spp. and Serenoa repens (Bartr.) Small, oak (Quercus spp.) and pine (Pinus spp.). Upon the animal's death, 5 larvae emerged from its lower abdomen, leaving large holes that exposed the underlying muscle fascia. Four larvae were placed in a glass jar with vented lid containing moist sandy soil, and a thin layer of soil was sprinkled over them. The jar was kept in a shaded area outdoors for ap proximately 3 weeks, after which it was main tained indoors at approximately 21-24?C; 2 fe male flies eventually emerged, 1 in late Jun and the other in early Jul, 2007. Subsequently, they died and were pinned for preservation. One larva was preserved in isopropanol. These specimens are deposited in the Medical & Veterinary Insect Collection, Department of Entomology & Nema tology, at the University of Florida, Gainesville, as voucher specimens UF070501, UF070502 and UF070503, respectively. The first fly was photo graphed with a Nikon? model D200 digital cam era, and images of the larva were made with an Automontage? digital photomicroscopy system (Synchroscopy, Frederick, Maryland). The rat was tentatively identified as an eastern woodrat but the specimen was not retained. Another rat was therefore collected from the same population and confirmed to be N. floridana; it is deposited as voucher specimen UF 31368 in the mammal col lection of the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Based upon information in Sabrosky (1986), the flies (Fig. la,b) were determined to be C. fon tinella. The larva (Fig. lc) appears to have par tially pupariated. Some of the mostly flattened, exterior platelets are raised slightly and have multiple points (Fig. Id), a characteristic of third instars of rodent-infesting Cuterebra species; in contrast, lagomorph-infesting species have cone shaped spine-like platelets (Slansky & Huckabee 2006; Slansky 2007b). The lack of 2 button-like anterior spiracles typically extruded by Cuterebra spp. larvae during pupariation (Sabrosky 1986; Slansky & Kenyon 2003) indicates this process was incomplete. The pupal durations and dates of emergence for these specimens support records indicating that C. fontinella has 2 or more gener ations per year in the southeastern US (Sabrosky 1986; Durden 1995, 2008; Slansky 2006). This species apparently has not been reported previ ously from Indian River County, although there are records from other eastern counties north (Or ange and Volusia) and south (Broward and St. Lu cie) of this county (Slansky 2006). Only 2 published studies have reported Cutere bra spp. infesting N. floridana in Florida, and in neither was the species of Cuterebra identified (Johnson 1930; Worth 1950a). Outside Florida, only Cuterebra americana (Fabricius) has been reared from N. floridana (Sabrosky 1986; L. A. Durden, personal communication to F. S.). Thus, the case described here appears to be the first con firmed report o? a. Cuterebra species other than C. americana, and of C. fontinella, reared from N. floridana. This appears to be the first published, substantiated record for Florida of a Cuterebra species reared from any of the 3 indigenous rat species (N. floridana, the rice rat, Oryzomys palustris (Harlan) and the hispid cotton rat, Sig modon hispidus Say and Ord) or 2 non-indigenous

DTrf2 is required for transcriptional and developmental responses to ecdysone during Drosophila metamorphosis

The TATA box-binding protein (TBP) related factor 2 (TRF2) has been well characterized at a biochemical level and in cultured cells. Relatively little, however, is known about how TRF2 functions in specific biological pathways during development. Here, we show that Drosophila TRF2 (dTRF2) plays an essential role in responses to the steroid hormone ecdysone during the onset of metamorphosis. Hypomorphic dTrf2 mutations lead to developmental arrest during prepupal and early pupal stages with defects in major ecdysone-triggered biological responses, including puparium formation, anterior spiracle eversion, gas bubble translocation, adult head eversion, and larval salivary gland cell death. The transcription of key ecdysone-regulated target genes is delayed and reduced in dTrf2 mutants. dTrf2 appears to be required for the proper timing and levels of ecdysone-regulated gene expression required for entry into metamorphosis.

Identifying fly puparia by clearing technique: application to forensic entomology

In forensic investigations, immature stages of the fly (egg, larva, or puparia) can be used as entomological evidence at death scenes, not only to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI), analyze toxic substances, and to determine the manner of death but also to indicate the movement of a corpse in homicide cases. Of these immature stages, puparia represent the longest developmental time, which makes them of useful. However, in order for forensic entomologists to use puparia effectively, it is crucial that they are able to accurately identify the species of fly found in a corpse. Typically, these puparia are similar in general appearance, being coarctate and light brown to dark brown in color, which makes identification difficult. In this study, we report on the clearing technique used to pale the integument of fly puparia, thereby allowing observation of the anterior end (second to fourth segments) and the profile of the posterior spiracle, which are important clues for identification. We used puparia of the blowfly, Chrysomya megacephala (F.), as the model species in this experiment. With placement in a 20% potassium hydroxide solution daily and mounting on a clearing medium (Permount(R), New Jersey), the profile of the posterior spiracle could be clearly examined under a light microscope beginning on the fifth day after pupation, and the number of papillae in the anterior spiracle could be counted easily starting from the ninth day. Comparison of morphological features of C. megacephala puparia with those of other blowflies (Chrysomya nigripes [Aubertin], Chrysomya rufifacies [Macquart], Chrysomya villeneuvi [Patton], Lucilia cuprina [Wiedemann], and Hemipyrellia ligurriens [Wiedemann]) and a housefly (Musca domestica L.) revealed that the anterior ends and the profiles of the posterior spiracles had markedly distinguishing characteristics. Morphometric analysis of the length and width of puparia, along with the length of the gaps between the posterior spiracles of seven fly species, displayed differences among them. This provides a key to identifying the puparia of these seven fly species.