Morphological Diversity of Buccopharyngeal Armatures in Susceptible and Refractory Sandflies to Leishmania major

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Suez University

2 Research and Training Center on Vectors of Diseases, Ain Shams University

3 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University

Abstract

The morphological diversity of armatures in susceptible and refractory sandflies to Leishmania was studied using light microscopy.  Large interspecific variations were detected in the size, shape and numbers of the pharyngeal armatures.   Phlebotomus papatasi females have stout pharynx, narrowing after posterior bulge, armature consisting of numerous small scales with fringe of fine backward-pointing teeth and without cibarial armature or pigment patch.  Phlebotomus sergenti females have a pharynx with large scales anteriorly, some produced into long broad spines, scales becoming broader and flatter posteriorly with hind margin serrated with fine teeth.  Oppositely, Sergentomyia squamipleuris females have tapering pharynx abruptly posteriorly, with rows of angular teeth.  Cibarium with convex rows of fine, parallel horizontal teeth, undulating row of vertical teeth and pigment patch small, tapering anteriorly, and broad, chitinised, transverse band are present.  Sergentomyia christophersi females have pharyngeal armature with a few scale-like folds anteriorly and a series of vague ridges posteriorly.  Cibarium with four or five long teeth, many small denticles visible, small pigment patch are present.

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