First-instar larvae of Dermatobia hominis collected 1, 4 and 7 days after having penetrated experimentally infected rats, were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. On the pseudocephalon there are basiconic and trichoid sensilla (antennal sensory complex), and basiconic, coeloconic and campaniform sensilla (maxillary sensory complex). The thoracic segments bear several rows of small, backwardly pointed, spines, and trichoid, campaniform, coeloconic and pit sensilla. The anterior spiracle is a minute opening. Both small and large spines directed posteriorly are on the first to fourth abdominal segments, which also bear coeloconic and companiform sensilla. These sensilla are present on the unarmed (fifth and sixth) and armed (seventh) abdominal segments. The seventh and the last (eight) abdominal segments have forwardly directed spines. Each spiracular plate has two spiracular openings and four spatulate-like structures called sun rays. The anus and the coeloconic sensilla are proeminent on the last segment. The results are compared with other parasitic dipteran larvae, and emphasize that the multiple types of sensilla on D.hominis larva may have importance in establishing the parasitic phase of the life cycle of this insect.
Larvae of Dermatobia hominis 10-27 days old were collected from experimentally infected rats and their morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The moult from the second to third instar occurs at 18 days, with emergence from the host at 30 days post-infection. The second-instar larvae bear on the pseudocephalon, antennae (coeloconic sensilla), and coeloconic and basicoconic sensilla on the maxillary sensory complex. The thoracic segments bear small backwardly-directed spines anteriorly and ventral trichoid and campaniform sensilla. The first four abdominal segments have small and large backwardly-directed spines that are absent on segments five and six. The seventh and eighth abdominal segments have medium-sized forwardly-directed spines. Abdominal segments are encircled by campaniform sensilla. The terminal end of the eighth abdominal segment bears the anus, prominent anal lobes and two spiracular openings on each spiracular plate. Spiracular plates show a radial sun ray pattern. The rear abdomen also bears an ecdysal aperture, several pores and eight coeloconic sensilla. Although there are slight morphological differences, the spines (predominantly flat and thorn-like) and sensilla (campaniform and coeloconic) of the third-instar larvae show a similar arrangement to that of second-instar larvae. Thoracic trichoid sensilla are not seen in third-instar larvae. A perispiracular gland aperture is situated above each posterior spiracular opening. These morphological features are compared with those of other cuterebrid larvae.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.