Ultra structure of second instar larva of Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), a forensically important blow fly species from India

Ultra structural characters of second instar larvae of Hemipyrellia ligurriens are elucidated through micrographs (Scanning Electron Microscope). Morphological details of maxillary palpi, antennae, oral cirri, facial mask, labial lobe, spinulations, and papillae of anal segment are described. Oral cirri are ten in number, arranged bilaterally on each side of the functional mouth opening and gently curved medially. The labial lobes are distinctively demarcated with fleshy projections antero–ventrally and have a characteristic shape. Thoracic spines have a bulbous base, slender sharp tips and are directed backwards. Prominent dorsal and ventral anal papillae with projected tips and broad conical base were present surrounded by microtrichia. The ultrastructure details of H. ligurriens would help in the rapid and accurate identification of the species in forensic investigations and to estimate time since death in medico legal cases. This is the first report on the ultra-structural features of H. ligurriens.