The development of Parafilaria bovicola in Musca xanthomelas and Musca lusoria.
Artificially infected adult flies were used in this study. In both Musca species, P. bovicola developed in the fat-body cells, mainly of the abdomen. Escape from the midgut and penetration of the fat-body cell was possibly achieved by use of the cephalic hook of the microfilaria. At 27 degrees C, development to the 3rd larval stage took 9 days, but maximum length was only reached after 11 days. Sharp increases in larval length took place on Days 6-7 and on Day 9. These sudden increase possibly indicate moults to the 2nd and 3rd larval stages respectively. During larval development the fat-body cell increased markedly in size to from a thin-walled capsule around the larva. On reaching the 3rd stage, larvae escaped from the capsules and migrated to the head cavity and proboscis.
D000818:Animals; D004175:Diptera / Q000469:parasitology*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development; D008842:Microfilariae / Q000254:growth & development; D009348:Nematoda / Q000254:growth & development*; D013997:Time Factors