The first instar larva of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Phlebotomidae)

ABSTRACT

The morphology and chaetotaxy of the first instar of Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) longipalpis are described based on observations made under scanning electron microscope. Because three-dimensional images were studied, some terminological changes are proposed to give a more realistic description of the position of the setae. On the larval body, the pairs of setae have the following number 9 on the head, 12 on the prothorax, 8 on the meso- and metathorax, 6 on the first to eighth abdominal segments, and 8 on the ninth abdominal segment.