Diptera:Nematocera

Question 1

Name 4 families of the suborder Nematocera

Answer 1

Ceratopogonidae
Simulidae
Psychodidae
Culicidae

Question 2

Name one genus of the family ceratopogonidae and name its morphological features

Answer 2

Culicoides
-thorax hummed over small head
-wings have mottled pattern and are held scissorlike at rest
-long plumose antennae in males, short pilose antennae in female
-distinct wing vennation…2 elongate radial cells

Question 3

Name the common name for ceratopogonidae

Answer 3

Biting midges

Question 4

Describe the life cycle of the genus Culicoides

Answer 4

Eggs(brown or black) are laid in damp marshy ground. Eggs hatch in 2-9 days. After hatching the Eggs undergo 4 larval stages. Larva matures faster in warmer temperatures than in temperate areas. Pupation takes 3-10 days.

Question 5

What is the pathogenic significance of biting midges

Answer 5

Females blood-feed and inflict painful bites

Question 6

The family Simulidae has a genus of insects commonly known as black flies or Buffalo gnats. Name the genus

Answer 6

Simulium

Question 7

Name the morphological features of the genus Simulium

Answer 7

-black with a humped thorax
-have broad colorless wings with indistinct venation,, held scissorlike at rest
-females have dichoptic eyes while males have holoptic eyes
-

Question 8

The mouth parts of black flies resemble those of biting midges except for one difference. Name this difference

Answer 8

Black flies have conspicuous segmented maxillary palps

Question 9

Describe the life cycle of the genus Simulium

Answer 9

Eggs are laid in sticky masses in partially submerged stones or vegetation in fst flowing water. Eggs are laid after a few days .There are 8 larval stages the larvae are light colored with a distinct blackish head and a pair of feeding brushes. Body swells posteriorly and below the head is an appendage called a proleg.larvae filter feed on suspended debris and bacteria of the fast flowing water. Mature larvae pupate in a cocoon and after 2-6 days the adult fly rises to the surface in a bubble of air.

Question 10

What is the pathogenic significance of Simulium

Answer 10

Repeated bites cause Onchocerciasis( river blindness).
Caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus.

Question 11

The family Psychodidae has 2 important genera.Name them

Answer 11

Phlebotomus
Lutzomyia

Question 12

Sand flies are considered to be of veterinary importance as vectors of Leishmania. Name the scientific name of these insects and their morphological features

Answer 12

Phlebotomus
-small flies very hairy
-Long legs and large black eyes
- lanceolate Hairy wings that are held erect at rest

Question 13

Phlebotomus are important as vectors of Leishmania. Name 2 types of Leishmania parasites

Answer 13

Leishmania donovani(cutaneous) - cause skin sores
Leishmania tropica(visceral)- affects several internal organs like liver and spleen

Question 14

Describe the life cycle of Phlebotomus(sand flies)

Answer 14

Brown/black eggs are laid in small cracks or holes in the ground in floors of animal houses or leaf litter. Under optimal conditions, eggs hatch after 1-2 wks. There are 4 larval stages in a period of 3 months that scavenge on organic matter. Mature larvae have a well developed black head with eye spots and a segmented grayish body. Pupation takes 1-2 wks after which adults emerge

Question 15

Name a unique feature for phlebotomine larvae

Answer 15

The have caudal setae 1 pair in stage I and 2 pairs in stages 2 3 4
Greyish-white with a dark head and chewing mouthparts.(AOB)

Question 16

Give the suborder and order that mosquitoes belong to

Answer 16

Order- diptera
Suborder- Nematocera
Family- Culicidae

Question 17

There are 3 main genera of importance in the family Culicidae. Name them

Answer 17

Aedes
Anopheles
Culex

Question 18

What is the pathogenic significance of the family Culicidae

Answer 18

-bites cause inflammatory skin reactions and very rarely anaphylaxis
-vectors of Plasmodium spp. filarial nematodes and viruses
- transmission of the canine heart worm Dirofilaria immitis

Question 19

Describe the general morphology of mosquitoes

Answer 19

Slender bodies
Long legs
Long narrow wings held crossed flat over the abdomen at rest
Elongated proboscis adapted for piercing and sucking

Question 20

What is the life cycle of the family Culicidae

Answer 20

Laid in still water(wherever that may be) and hatch after a few days depending on temperature. There are 4 larval stages all aquatic. The larvae have a distinct head with one pair of antennae compound eyes and prominent mouth brushes. Larvae mature and remain at water surface unless disturbed. Mature larvae are aquatic mobile comma shaped and a distinct cephalothorax. Short pupal stage. Adult emerges through a dorsal split in the pupal tegument.

Question 21

Describe larvae and pupae of mosquitoes

Answer 21

Larvae- distinct head, 1 pair of antennae,compound eyes and mouth brushes for feeding.
Pupae- aquatic, mobile comma shaped with a distinct cephalothorax with respiratory trumpets and paddle like extensions for locomotion.