Morphology of the second‐ and third‐instar larvae of Dermatobia hominis by scanning electron microscopy

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.