Fine structure of Delia platura (Meigen) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) revealed by scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

Delia platura (Meigen) is a phytophagous fly that can cause significant crop losses. To obtain a better understanding of the external morphology of this species, adult D. platura is studied using scanning electron microscopy. Organs or structures that are important for taxonomy, such as the compound eyes, spiracles, pulvilli, wings, and genitalia are highlighted to complement previous description based on light microscope. Mesothoracic and metathoracic spiracles of D. platura that provide efficiency in preventing entrance of fine materials or dust into the tracheal system are morphologically different. In addition, the elongate-oval pulvillus is densely covered with tenent setae with spoon-like tip, which can increase the number of contact points for attachment to a surface. Four types of sensilla are observed on the male genitalia of D. platura including: trichoid sensilla, chaetic sensilla, three subtypes of campaniform sensilla, and basiconic sensilla. Long bristles and microtrichiae are observed on the female genitalia of D. platura. The possible function of sensilla located in the genitalia of D. platura is discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:619-630, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Identification of Delia spp. (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera, Anthomyiidae) and its cruciferous hosts in Mexico

“…1) using male genitalia as the principal reference since they are the fundamental identification tool for species of the family Anthomyiidae (Darvas and Szappanos 2003). The extracted male genitalia of D. planipalpis and D. platura male genitalia are similar to those illustrated by Wang et al (2014), Savage et al (2016), and Darvas and Szappanos (2003). In addition, there are morphological differences that are highly useful in separating these two species.…”

Ultrastructure of Antennal Sensory Organs in Nine Flesh Flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): New Insight into the Definition of Family Sarcophagidae

“…The arrangement and number of the setiferous plaques are similar to those reported for other sarcophagid species [ 30 , 39 ]. Different from the long and tapered setae of plaques in Fanniidae and Muscidae [ 42 ] and the short and apically obtuse setae of plaques in Scathophagidae [ 55 ] and Anthomyiidae [ 57 ], the plaques of all the examined flesh flies possess a short seta with a sharply abrupt tip. In some of the specimens examined, some of the bulbous setae were missing.…”

“…After the separation of antennal pedicel and postpedicel, a pedicellar button with a circular central dome could be found in all the examined species, which has first been addressed in the family Sarcophagidae. Unlike the poreless pedicellar buttons discovered in Calyptratae (e.g., Oestridae [ 49 ]; Tachinidae [ 54 ]; Anthomyiidae [ 57 ]), these structures display one micropore at the center of the pedicellar button in S. albiceps , S . africa , S .…”

Ultrastructure of antennal sensory organs of horse nasal-myiasis fly, Rhinoestrus purpureus (Diptera: Oestridae)

“…As the crucial sensory organs involved in feeding, mating, and spawning (Fernandes et al 2005;Amer and Mehlhorn 2006;Smallegange et al 2008;Guha et al 2012;Wang et al 2012), antennal sensilla of flies have managed to evolve various features to enhance their sensitivity and adaptability to the ever-changing environment (Ross 1992;Sukontason et al 2004;Zhang et al 2012aZhang et al , b, 2013aWang et al 2014). Little is known about the antennal sensilla of adult R. purpureus.…”