Resumen

COSTA, Wagner Alexandre et al. Eggshell as a characteristic to identify Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) and Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) neivai (Pinto, 1926) (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Rev Pan-Amaz Saude [online]. 2012, vol.3, n.1, pp.19-24. ISSN 2176-6215.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S2176-62232012000100003.

Sand flies are the main vectors of leishmaniasis diseases that infect approximately 12 million people in 88 countries, with approximately 350 million people living in risk areas. Sand fly species are identified based on the morphology of the adults, and there are few studies of the immature insects, making the accurate identification of these vectors prior to adult emergence difficult. This study investigated the eggshell morphology of Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia and Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) neivai. The results obtained with scanning electron microscopy and quantitative analyses showed the occurrence of significant differences among numbers of tubercles in the eggshell of both species, besides the presence of some cross-conections between ridges, only in L. (N.) intermedia, thus enabling the morphological differentiation between eggs of both species.

Palabras clave : Psychodidae; Insect Vectors; Animal Structure; Scanning Electron Microscopy; Chorionic Sculpturing; Systematics.

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