Larval morphology of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) using scanning electron microscopy

The larval morphology of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) is presented using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Extreme similarity of this species to Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), a species usually found concurrently inhabiting decomposing human corpses in Thailand, is seen only in the first-in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of vector ecology Vol. 28; no. 1; p. 47
Main Authors Sukontason, Kabkaew L, Sukontason, Kom, Piangjai, Somsak, Boonchu, Noppawan, Chaiwong, Tarinee, Vogtsberger, Roy C, Kuntalue, Budsabong, Thijuk, Natchanart, Olson, Jimmy K
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.06.2003
Subjects
Animals
Cadaver
Diptera - anatomy & histology
Forensic Medicine
Larva - anatomy & histology
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
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Summary:The larval morphology of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) is presented using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Extreme similarity of this species to Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), a species usually found concurrently inhabiting decomposing human corpses in Thailand, is seen only in the first-instar larvae. The relative thickness of the branches of the posterior spiracular hairs in these species could be used to differentiate them in this developmental stage. In contrast, the "hairy" appearance of C. rufifacies allows second- and third-instar larvae to be easily distinguished. Results of this study should help in future endeavors to differentiate C. megacephala from other larvae found in decomposing human corpses in Thailand.
ISSN:1081-1710