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Morphology and ultrastructure of spiracles in phlebotomine sandfly larvae
Author(s) -
Fausto A. M.,
Taddei A. R.,
Mazzini M.,
Maroli M.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
medical and veterinary entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.028
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1365-2915
pISSN - 0269-283X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2915.1999.00146.x
Subject(s) - biology , sandfly , ultrastructure , larva , instar , psychodidae , anatomy , morphology (biology) , zoology , parasite hosting , leishmaniasis , botany , leishmania , world wide web , computer science , immunology
Summary The morphology and ultrastructure of the larval spiracle system of three phlebotomine sandfly species, Phlebotomus perniciosus , P. perfiliewi and P. papatasi , were examined by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy and by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). During larval development, thoracic and abdominal spiracles show considerable modifications. In fourth instar larvae, the spiracles consist of a plate with a sclerotized central portion and a peripheral circle of papillae. The latter is distinctive in the larvae of P. papatasi , which are readily distinguished from the other species. Opening clefts across the papillae communicate with an internal chamber that encircles an electrondense plug. Many cylindrical projections cross the chamber, uniting the central plug with the larval body, forming an air filter. Spiracular development in successive larval instars has both a taxonomic and adaptive value.