Description of immature stages of Culicoides peregrinus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a potent vector of bluetongue virus

Abstract

Detailed descriptions of the immature stages, i.e. eggs, larvae, and pupae, ofCulicoides peregrinusKieffer were made based onscanning electron microscopy and bright field microscopy. Measurements of different larval instars were also studied. Wild engorgedfemales were collected by UV light trap and made to oviposit under laboratory conditions onto wet filter paper within glass vials. Amongthe laid eggs, embryonated eggs were reared in artificial rearing medium in the laboratory for obtaining life stages. The immature stageswere also collected from their natural habitat (cattle manure) and subsequently processed and described.