Ultramorphological characteristics of immature stages of a forensically important fly Parasarcophaga ruficornis (Fabricius) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Abstract

Ultrastructure of all larval instars and puparium of Parasarcophaga ruficornis, a common flesh fly species in India, is presented using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy for the first time. The principal diagnostic characters, i.e. the cephalopharyngeal apparatus, the cephalic segment, structure and orientation of spines, pupal respiratory horns, the structures of both anterior and posterior spiracles are illustrated and discussed. Information presented herein can be useful during forensic investigations involving this fly species.