Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The identification of dipteran larvae (myiasis-causing maggots) is primarily based on the morphology of their posterior spiracles.
The shape, number, and arrangement of spiracular slits are highly species-specific diagnostic features in veterinary entomology.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the posterior spiracular morphology of each larval species:
1. Gasterophilus intestinalis: The horse stomach bot fly larvae possess posterior spiracles that are characterized by having three long, slightly curved, or 'bow-shaped' slits on each spiracular plate. This distinct shape serves as a primary diagnostic key for third-stage larvae collected from equine stomachs during necropsy or in feces.
2. Oestrus ovis: The sheep nasal bot larvae have posterior spiracles that are somewhat D-shaped or crescent-shaped, with a closed peritreme containing numerous small pores rather than long distinct slits.
3. Hypoderma bovis: The cattle grub larvae possess crescent-shaped or funnel-shaped posterior spiracles with a deeply indented, sieve-like plate, lacking the characteristic bow-shaped slits.
4. Lucilia sericata: The green bottle blowfly larvae have posterior spiracles with three straight, parallel slits enclosed within a complete, heavily sclerotized peritreme.
Thus, 'bow-shaped' slits are unique to the genus Gasterophilus.
Step 3: Final Answer:
'Bow-shaped' slits are present in the posterior spiracles of Gasterophilus intestinalis, which corresponds to option (D).