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

Krzysztof Szpila*, Thomas Pape

*Corresponding author for this work
    2 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The 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.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalActa Zoologica
    Volume98
    Issue number3
    Pages (from-to)237-244
    Number of pages8
    ISSN0001-7272
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jul 2017

    Keywords

    • Miltogramma
    • Phrosinella
    • First instar larva
    • Morphology
    • Sarcophagidae

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The first instar larva of two species of Miltogramminae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from the Middle East - examples of peculiar morphology'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this