ABSTRACT
The fourth instar larva and pupa of Culicoides trilineatus Fox (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae), a species considered as potential vector of the bluetongue virus in Central and South America, are described, illustrated, and photomicrographed for the first time by using binocular, phase-contrast, and scanning electron microscopy. The immatures were collected by using a siphon bottle in tree holes in Salta Province, Argentina, transported to the laboratory, and there reared to the adult's emergence. They are compared with the immatures of Culicoides debilipalpis Lutz (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae), another Neotropical species that develops in tree holes. Details on larval biology and habitat are given.
Subject(s)
Ceratopogonidae/anatomy & histology , Insect Vectors/anatomy & histology , Animals , Argentina , Bluetongue virus , Ceratopogonidae/growth & development , Ceratopogonidae/ultrastructure , Insect Vectors/growth & development , Insect Vectors/ultrastructure , Larva/anatomy & histology , Larva/growth & development , Larva/ultrastructure , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Pupa/anatomy & histology , Pupa/growth & development , Pupa/ultrastructureABSTRACT
The pupa of Culicoides crucifer Clastrier is described, illustrated and photomicrographed by using binocular microscope and phase-contrast microscopy from material collected in an artificial container in Manaus, Brazil. The pupa shows features typical of pupae occurring in calm and clean waters, and it is compared with its similar congeners of the subgenus Haematomyiidium, Culicoides annuliductus Wirth and Culicoides debilipalpis Lutz.
