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Ultrastructure of eggshell of Chrysomya nigripes Aubertin (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

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Abstract

We examined the eggshell structure of the blowfly, Chrysomya nigripes Aubertin, a species of forensic importance, using scanning electron microscopy. A relatively wide plastron region was located dorsally. It extended almost the entire length of the egg and bifurcated slightly, close to the micropyle, which is a deep cavity surrounded by an elevated, fine, wavy rim. The chorionic sculpture had an hexagonal pattern, with a smooth and elevated boundary. The ruptured eggshell showed the outermost exochorion, membranous outer endochorion and pillar layer, which also had an hexagonal pattern on a perforated mesh pillar layer. This study provides a greater database on the egg of this forensically significant blowfly.

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Figs. 1–4 Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4
Figs. 5–7 Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Fig. 7

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Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the Faculty of Medicine Endowment Fund for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University.

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Correspondence to Kom Sukontason.

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Sukontason, K., Sukontason, K.L., Boonchu, N. et al. Ultrastructure of eggshell of Chrysomya nigripes Aubertin (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Parasitol Res 93, 151–154 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-004-1102-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-004-1102-z

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