Comparative study of mouthparts of three species of horse flies of the tribe Pangoniini of Chilean distribution (Diptera: Tabanidae)

Abstract

Mouthparts of 3 species representing Esenbeckia Rondani, Protodasyapha Enderlein, and Veprius Rondani of the tribe Pangoniini were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their structures are herein described. The female of Esenbeckia (P.) fascipennis have mouthparts similar to those found in species of haematophagous tabanids such as Scaptia (Pseudoscione). The male of Esenbeckia (P.) fascipennis, and both sexes of P.(P.) hirtuosa, and V. presbiter exhibit mouthparts with abundant micropilosity without teeth and microteeth that suggests a non-haematophagous, nectarophagous feeding habit for these species.

Mouthparts of 3 species representing Esenbeckia Rondani, Protodasyapha Enderlein, and Veprius Rondani of the tribe Pangoniini were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their structures are herein described. The female of Esenbeckia (P.) fascipennis have mouthparts similar to those found in species of haematophagous tabanids such as Scaptia (Pseudoscione). The male of Esenbeckia (P.) fascipennis, and both sexes of P.(P.) hirtuosa, and V. presbiter exhibit mouthparts with abundant micropilosity without teeth and microteeth that suggests a non-haematophagous, nectarophagous feeding habit for these species.