VPA 221: Veterinary Entomology and Acarology (1+1)

SAND FLIES-LARVAE

• Eggs hatch in 1-2 weeks, the emergence of the L₁ is by using the egg breaker situated at the anterior end
• Larvae feed on faeces of lizard and other animals, decaying organic matter and even dried leaves
• They have a distinct sclerotized head
• Eyes are absent
• They have 12 segments, 3 thoracic and 9 abdominal
• All segments have feathered hairs resembling match stick
• Terminal segments have the characteristic caudal bristles, 4 bristles in L ₃ and 2 in L ₁ and L ₂
• The first seven segments possess small false legs called the Pseudopods