Focusing on morphology: applications and implications of confocal laser scanning microscopy (Diptera: Campichoetidae, Camillidae, Drosophilidae)

Confocal laser scanning microsocopy (CLSM) produces high fidelity, three- dimensional digital images of complex and phylogenetically informative, diagnostic insect structures such as the male genitalia. This study examined terminalia, mouthparts, and antennae of five genera in three ephydroid fly families-Campichoetidae, Camillidae and Drosophilidae-by utilizing the natural fluorescence of insect tissues under visible light (543 nm) excitation. CLSM images better reveal the shapes and positions of individual structures, and particularly their connections, as compared to conventional bright field light microscopy where fine layers and sutures are often obscured. CLSM has important implications for imaging valuable insect specimens, including types, and obviates the need for re-examination.