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Structure and function of the cibarial armature in Simuliidae
1Department of Entomology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Medical and Veterinary Entomology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
The cibarial armature in female blackflies (Simuliidae) varies, with teeth, spicules, or none. This structure likely evolved for blood-feeding, aiding the cibarial pump and secondarily damaging microfilariae.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Morphology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Cibarial armature morphology in adult female blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) is crucial for understanding feeding mechanisms.
- Previous studies have noted variations in this armature across different blackfly species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the cibarial armature morphology in adult female blackflies using scanning electron microscopy.
- To investigate the functional significance of the cibarial armature in relation to blood-feeding and Onchocerca spp. infection.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the cibarial armature of adult female blackflies.
- Morphological classification based on the presence of teeth, spicules, or lack thereof was performed.
Main Results:
- Three distinct types of cibarial armature were identified: toothed, spiculate, and smooth.
- Armature development varied, with poorly developed structures in some vectors of human onchocerciasis and well-developed structures in others.
- The presence of a well-developed armature did not prevent infection with Onchocerca spp. in certain species.
Conclusions:
- The cibarial armature is not primarily an anti-microfilaria mechanism.
- Armature evolution is linked to the blood-feeding habit in Nematocera, suggesting a role in the cibarial pump's function.
- Secondarily, the armature may act as a barrier against ingested microfilariae.