Question:

'Bow-shaped' slits are present in the posterior spiracles of

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To easily identify botfly larvae, remember that Gasterophilus larvae are gastric parasites of horses, and their posterior spiracles feature three long, curved, or bow-shaped respiratory slits.
  • Oestrus ovis
  • Hypoderma bovis
  • Lucilia sericata
  • Gasterophilus intestinalis
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

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).
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