Third-instar larvae of common carrion-breeding blowflies of the genus Calliphora (Diptera : Calliphoridae) in South Australia

Abstract

Detailed morphological study was conducted on the third-instar larvae of seven common carrion-breeding species of blowflies of the genus Calliphora Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera : Calliphoridae) found in South Australia. The larval morphology of five species is revised: C. stygia (Fabricius),C. dubia (Macquart), C. augur (Fabricius), C. hilli hilli Patton and C. vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, while that of C. albifrontalis Malloch and C. maritima Norris is described for the first time. Examination of features neglected in descriptions by previous workers, particularly cuticular spinulation, has provided characters that make it possible to identify all species. An illustrated key is provided. Overall, substantial morphological distinctness exists only at the species-group level. Morphological differences at this level largely support species-group and subgeneric arrangements previously proposed for these taxa, as well as the separate status of C. vicina. However, the sister species within the C. stygia- and augur-groups are very difficult to separate, confirming the need for molecular identification in certain cases.