Fine structure of the eggshell of the blow fly, Lucilia cuprina

• Main Authors: Sukontason K.L., Bunchu N., Chaiwong T., Kuntalue B., Sukontason K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-33847121333&partnerID=40&md5=047be13bddaaf003c1c13e7b8421ac32; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20334590; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/handle/6653943832/2268
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

The fine structure of the eggshell of blow fly, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), was examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Eggs, 1.09±0.07 mm in length and 0.25±0.05 mm in width, bore a relatively wide plastron that extending along almost the entire length. The polygonal pattern of chorionic sculpture was indistinct. The ultrathin section indicated a multi-layered eggshell having an exochorion, outer endochorion, pillars, an inner endochorion, innermost chorionic layer, and a wax layer. This study provides new information about the fine morphology of blow flies eggs. A key to differentiate the eggs of forensically important flies in Thailand is given.