Sarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) dux (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): A flesh fly species of medical importance.

BACKGROUND: Although tropical climate of Thailand is suitably endowed with biodiversity of insects, flies of medical importance is not well investigated. Using information from literature search, fly survey approach and specialist's experience, we review database of Sarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) dux Thomson (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), one of the priorities flesh fly species of medical importance in Thailand. RESULTS: This review deals with morphology, bionomics and medical involvement. Important morphological characteristics of egg, larva, puparia and adult were highlighted with illustration and/or micrographs. Search pertaining to molecular analysis used for fly identification and developmental rate of larvae were included. Medical involvement of larvae was not only myiasis-producing agent in humans and animals, but associated with human death investigations. CONCLUSIONS: This information will enable us to accurate identify this species and to emphasis the increase medically important scene in Thailand.

Species composition of carrion blow flies in northern Thailand: altitude appraisal.

Distribution and occurrence of blow flies of forensic importance was performed during 2007 and 2008 in Chiang Mai and Lampang Provinces, northern Thailand. Surveys were conducted in forested areas for 30 minutes using a sweep net to collected flies attracted to a bait. A total of 2,115 blow flies belonging to six genera and 14 species were collected; Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (44.7%), C. pinguis (Walker) (15.1%), C. chani Kurahashi (9.3%), C. thanomthini Kurahashi & Tumrasvin (0.3%); Achoetandrus rufifacies (Macquart) (10.5%), A. villeneuvi (Patton) (2.2%); Lucilia papuensis Macquart (2.2%), L. porphyrina (Walker) (12.4%), L. sinensis Aubertin (0.7%); Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann) (1.3%), H. pulchra (Wiedemann) (0.1%); Hypopygiopsis infumata (Bigot) (0.6%), Hy. tumrasvini Kurahashi (0.2%) and Ceylonomyia nigripes Aubertin (0.4%). Among them, C. megacephala was the predominant species collected, particularly in the summer. The species likely to prevail in highland areas are C. pinguis, C. thanomthini, Hy. tumrasvini, L. papuensis and L. porphyrina.

Two new records of Isomyia paurogonita Fang and Fan, 1986 and Sumatria latifrons Malloch, 1926 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from northern Thailand, with revised key to the species of Isomyia.

During the annual fly survey at Doi Nang Kaew in Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province of Thailand in 2011, Isomyia paurogonita Fang & Fan, 1986 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Sumatria latifrons Malloch, 1926 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were collected for the first time in Thailand. They are the rare species of the subfamily Rhiniinae (tribe Cosminini). Prior to this finding, fifteen species of Isomyia and two species of Sumatria were recorded from Thailand. Therefore, 96 blow fly species have been found in this country. These new locality records of both flies are very important for further research on their biology and ecology in Thailand.

Sarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) dux (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): A flesh fly species of medical importance

BACKGROUND: Although tropical climate of Thailand is suitably endowed with biodiversity of insects, flies of medical importance is not well investigated. Using information from literature search, fly survey approach and specialist's experience, we review database of Sarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) dux Thomson (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), one of the priorities flesh fly species of medical importance in Thailand. RESULTS: This review deals with morphology, bionomics and medical involvement. Important morphological characteristics of egg, larva, puparia and adult were highlighted with illustration and/or micrographs. Search pertaining to molecular analysis used for fly identification and developmental rate of larvae were included. Medical involvement of larvae was not only myiasis-producing agent in humans and animals, but associated with human death investigations. CONCLUSIONS: This information will enable us to accurate identify this species and to emphasis the increase medically important scene in Thailand.

Some ultrastructural superficial changes in house fly (Diptera: Muscidae) and blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae induced by eucalyptol oil.

The ultrastructural superficial changes in third instar house fly (Musca domestica) and blow fly (Chrysomya megacephala) induced by eucalyptol oil were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Dipped in 0.902 g/ml eucalyptol for 30 sec, the larvae integument of both species showed significant aberrant appearance of the body surface, particularly swelling integument, bleb formation, partial breach and deformation of spines.

Fine structure of the eggs of blowflies Aldrichina grahami and Chrysomya pacifica (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

We report here the fine structure of the eggs of blowflies Aldrichina grahami (Aldrich) and Chrysomya pacifica Kurahashi. For A. grahami, the plastron is wide and extends to almost the entire length of the eggs. The plastron near the micropyle is truncated. The polygonal patterns of chorionic sculpture bear a distinct swollen boundary. Regarding C. pacifica, the plastron is narrow and extends to almost the entire length of the eggs. The plastron near the micropyle bifurcates to a Y-shape, but the arms of the 'Y' are short. Information presented herein allows some distinctive features to differentiate among eggs of blowfly species.

Some ultrastructural superficial changes in house fly (Diptera: Muscidae) and blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae induced by eucalyptol oil

Alterações ultraestruturais superficiais no terceiro estágio da mosca doméstica (Musca domestica) e da mosca varejeira (Chrysomya megacephala) induzidas pelo óleo de eucalipto foram observadas usando-se microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Imersos em 0,902 g/ml de óleo de eucalipto durante 30 segundos os tegumentos das larvas de ambas espécies mostraram aparência aberrante significativa da superfície corporal, particularmente edema do tegumento, formação de bolhas, fenda parcial e deformação das espículas.

Effects of eucalyptol on house fly (Diptera: Muscidae) and blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

The effects of eucalyptol were evaluated against the house fly, Musca domestica L., and blow fly, Chrysomya megacephala (F.). The bioassay of adults, using topical application, indicated that M. domestica males were more susceptible than females, with the LD50 being 118 and 177 microg/fly, respectively. A higher LD50 of C. megacephala was obtained; 197 microg/fly for males and 221 microg/fly for females. Living flies of both species yielded a shorter life span after being treated with eucalyptol. The bioassay of larvae, using the dipping method on the third instar, showed that M. domestica was more susceptible than C. megacephala, with their LC50 being 101 and 642 microg/microl, respectively. The emergence of adults, which had been treated with eucalyptol in larvae, decreased only in M. domestica. Having the volatile property, fumigation or impregnated paper test of eucalyptol or the efficacy of repellence or attractiveness merits further investigations to enhance bio-insecticidal efficacy.

Effects of eucalyptol on house fly (Diptera: Muscidae) and blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Foram avaliados os efeitos do eucaliptol contra a mosca doméstica, Musca domestica L. e a mosca varejeira, Chrysomya megacephala (F.). O bioensaio de adultos, usando-se aplicação tópica, indicaram que os machos da M. domestica eram mais susceptíveis que fêmeas, com LD50 sendo 118 e 177 µg/mosca, respectivamente. Foi obtido mais alto LD50 da C. megacephala; 197 µg/mosca para machos e 221 µg/mosca para fêmeas. Moscas vivas de ambas espécies tiveram vida menor após tratamento com eucaliptol. O bioensaio de larvas, usando o "dipping method" no terceiro estágio, mostrou que M. domestica foi mais susceptível que C. megacephala com seu LD50 sendo 101 e 642 µg/µl, respectivamente. A emergência de adultos, que tinham sido tratados com eucaliptol na larva diminuiu somente na M. domestica. Tendo propriedade volátil, fumigação ou teste do papel impregnado por eucaliptol ou a eficácia de repelência ou de atração merecem investigações posteriores para aumentar a eficácia do bio-inseticida.

Fine structure of the eggs of blowflies Aldrichina grahami and Chrysomya pacifica (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

We report here the fine structure of the eggs of blowflies Aldrichina grahami (Aldrich) and Chrysomya pacifica Kurahashi. For A. grahami, the plastron is wide and extends to almost the entire length of the eggs. The plastron near the micropyle is truncated. The polygonal patterns of chorionic sculpture bear a distinct swollen boundary. Regarding C. pacifica, the plastron is narrow and extends to almost the entire length of the eggs. The plastron near the micropyle bifurcates to a Y-shape, but the arms of the 'Y' are short. Information presented herein allows some distinctive features to differentiate among eggs of blowfly species.

Evaluation of the formalin-Tween concentration technique for parasitic detection

O método de detecção de parasitas por meio de sedimentação com Tween 20Õ foi comparado com o de formalina-éter. De um total de 297 amostras fecais examinadas, 72,1 por cento foram positivas. A técnica de formalina-Tween foi eficaz para demonstrar a presença de helmintos, particularmente ovos de Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura e ancilostomídeos. Entretanto, foi menos capaz de revelar protozoários. Este método é simples, de rápida execução e altamente sensível; revela infecções por parasitas, especialmente por meio da identificação de ovos de helmintos.

Scanning electron microscopy of third-instar sarcophagid (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) recovered from a mummified human corpse in Thailand.

The third-instar of an unidentified sarcophagid, recovered from a mummified body of a 32-yr-old Thai male was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Although the morphological features of this larva are similar to the other sarcophagid larvae, some features could be helpful for species identification, which is a basic requirement for estimation of postmortem interval in forensic investigation. These features included number and arrangement of papillae on the anterior spiracle, structure of spines, size of circumspiracular tubercles at caudal segment and branching peculiarity of the posterior spiracular hairs. This information could benefit future identification of the sarcophagid larvae that exist in Thailand.

Scanning electron microscopy of third-instar sarcophagid (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) recovered from a mummified human corpse in Thailand

The third-instar of an unidentified sarcophagid, recovered from a mummified body of a 32-yr-old Thai male was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Although the morphological features of this larva are similar to the other sarcophagid larvae, some features could be helpful for species identification, which is a basic requirement for estimation of postmortem interval in forensic investigation. These features included number and arrangement of papillae on the anterior spiracle, structure of spines, size of circumspiracular tubercles at caudal segment and branching peculiarity of the posterior spiracular hairs. This information could benefit future identification of the sarcophagid larvae that exist in Thailand

Evaluation of the formalin-tween concentration technique for parasitic detection.

The formalin-Tween sedimentation method was compared with the formalin-ether sedimentation for parasitic detection. Of a total 297 fecal specimens examined, 72.1% were positive. The formalin-tween technique was effective for ascertaining helminths, particularly Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm eggs; however it has less capability for protozoa detection. This method is simple, inexpensive, less time consuming and highly sensitive when detecting the parasitic infection, particularly when focusing on helminth eggs.

Surface ultrastructure of third-instar Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae).

We describe some ultrastructure of the third-instar Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae) using scanning electron microscopy, with the cephalic segment, anterior spiracle and posterior spiracle being emphasized. This study provides the taxonomic information of this larval species, which may be useful to differentiate from other closely-related species.

Surface ultrastructure of third-instar Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae)

We describe some ultrastructure of the third-instar Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae) using scanning electron microscopy, with the cephalic segment, anterior spiracle and posterior spiracle being emphasized. This study provides the taxonomic information of this larval species, which may be useful to differentiate from other closely-related species