Morphology of Flesh Fly Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) Revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract

In the field of entomology, right identification of specimens is essential. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allows the identification of different species of flies through better visualization of the external morphology of immature and adults. The aim of this study is to describe some ultrastructures of Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma, all examined by SEM to increase the anatomical database on flies of forensic and public health importance.

Ultrastructure Morphology of the Antennae of Bahamiola orbitalis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

“…This study further confirms the consistent appearance of sensilla on calyptrate flies, as previously observed and reported in studies conducted by Sukontason et al (2004) and Zhang et al (2015). The longitudinal grooved bristle structure of the chaetic sensilla found on the scape and pedicel is typical throughout muscoid flies (Bay and Pitts 1976; Sukontason et al 2004; Wang et al 2012; Liu et al 2016; Pezzi et al 2016; Carriço et al 2017; Xu et al 2022).…”

Ultrastructure Morphology of the Antennae of Three Peckia (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) Species: Peckia dominicana, P. nicasia, and P. chrysostoma

“…discussion Scanning electron microscopy has been employed in numerous studies to investigate the antennae of Diptera, including Sarcophagidae. Notably, studies on Sarcophagidae conducted by Sukontason et al (2004), Pezzi et al (2016), Carrico et al (2017), and Xu et al (2022 have provided valuable insights into the external morphology of the antennae of three species of Peckia. These studies reveal that the antennae of these species share a similar external morphology, with only minor differences observed in the number of setiferous plaques on the pedicel, type of sensilla, and post-pedicellar button.…”

“…Such findings are essential for understanding the sensory capabilities of these flies and can inform future research on their behaviour and ecology. Carrico et al (2017) analysed the antennae morphology of Peckia chrysostoma and identified basiconic and chaetic sensilla present on the postpedicel. The current research builds on this by identifying four new types of sensilla-coeloconic, trichoid, clavate, and setiferous plaques-as well as two new subtypes of basiconic sensilla.…”

“…The study adds to ultrastructure studies on the antennae of Sarcophagidae, increasing the information available for comparison in phylogeny adaptations and synapomorphy.Sarcophagidae, a family of true flies, are highly valuable in forensic investigations as they commonly inhabit carcasses and corpses in both adult and larval forms. Oxysarcodexia Townsend, Blaesoxipha Loew, Sarcophaga Meigen, and Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy are globally recognised genera of Sarcophagidae that are of significant forensic and medical importance (Carrico et al 2017;Paseto et al 2019).The genus Peckia (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) exhibits remarkable diversity in its breeding habits. These flies lay their eggs in human corpses, vertebrate excrement, and carrion (Jirón et al 1983;Salviano et al 1996;Carvalho et al 2000;Reeves et al 2000).…”

Ultrastructure Morphology of the Antennae of Oxysarcodexia corolla and Oxysarcodexia peltata (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

“…Recent studies have provided details of the antennal morphology of various Sarcophagidae species using SEM (Pezzi et al 2016; Carrico et al 2017; Caetano et al 2018; Xu et al 2022; Foote-Gordon and Garraway 2023a, 2023b). However, the scanning electron microscopy-based documentation of the genus Oxysarcodexia has yet to be documented.…”