Scanning electron microscopy of larval instars and imago of rhinoestrus usbekistanicus gan, 1947 (oestridae)

Abstract

Rhinoestrus usbekistanicus is a larval parasite of the nasal cavities, turbinates and sinus of horse, donkey and Burchell's zebra. This study is the first description using scanning electron microscopy. The first larval instar shows minor differences with Rhinoestrus purpureus. The second larval instar has never been described before, It is caracterized by prominent antennary lobes and reduced cephalic hooks. Pores of stigmatic plates are less numerous than with Rhinoestrus purpureus. The peritremes of the third larval instar are broader rather than higher in contrast to Rhinoestrus purpureus, New fine structures of this larval instar, especially sensorial, are described. This study shows distinctive features between imago of Rhinoestrus usbekistanicus and Rhinoestrus purpureus.