Some observations on the cuticle of the larvae of Hypoderma bovis and Hypoderma diana (Oestridae)

Abstract

The third-instar larval cuticles of Hypoderma bovis and H. diana and the puparial cuticle of H. bovis are described. The observations on and the descriptions of these cuticles are compared with the work of Enigk & Pfaff (1954) on H. bovis larval cuticle. The cuticles of the Hypoderma species are compared with the typical dipteran larval cuticle described by Dennell (1946) for Sarcophaga and found to approximate very closely to this basic pattern. In view of this it has been necessary to revise the terminology of the cuticular layers as originally described by Enigk & Pfaff for Hypoderma bovis. A description of the puparial cuticle and its specialized structure and the histological appearance of the pupal suture or line of weakness is given.