COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MOUTHPARTS OF THE FEMALE OF EIGHT SPECIES OF HORSE FLIES SCAPTIA (PSEUDOSCIONE) MACQUART FROM CHILE (DIPTERA: TABANIDAE)

Abstract

Mouthparts of females of 8 species of subgenera Scaptia (Pseudoscione) were examined by scanning
electrón microscopy. Mandibles of female exhibit differences in variation in size and shape of teeth
within a given species. The laciniae have differences in number of cuticular teeth and micropilosity.
Labra of females have differences in shape, number and arrangement of apical microdenticles. The
shape of hypopharynx of females is similar within of species, but there are differences in depth and
pilosity of the salivary duct. A combination of these features distinguishes the female of each species.