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-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.
Sukontason
Kabkaew L
KL
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
Sukontason
Kom
K
Piangjai
Somsak
S
Boonchu
Noppawan
N
Chaiwong
Tarinee
T
Vogtsberger
Roy C
RC
Kuntalue
Budsabong
B
Thijuk
Natchanart
N
Olson
Jimmy K
JK
D000818:Animals; D002102:Cadaver; D004175:Diptera / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D007814:Larva / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning