Abstract:

【Aim】 The aim of this study is to discover the morphological details for accurate identification and differentiation of Culicoides species. 【Methods】 The morphological details of adult Culicoides newsteadi Austen were observed under light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Important diagnostic features of the compound eyes, antennae, maxillary palpus, mouthparts, mesonotum, scutellum, wing, hind tibia, claws and the genitalia of both females and males were described. 【Results】 Six types of antennal sensilla were found in adult females of C. newsteadi including sensilla coeloconica, short sensilla trichodea, long sensilla trichodea, sensilla chaetica, straight sensilla basiconica, and curved sensilla basiconica scattered on antennal surface. Scutal areolae in adult females and males are ovoid. The tips of the parameres in adult males have complicated branches. Compound eyes in adult females have a short distance about 1.3 facets at the joint. The mandible in adult females has 14-17 triangular teeth. The hind tibial comb in adult females has 16-19 combs. 【Conclusion】 The morphological features obtained by LM and SEM can provide information not only for taxonomy and phylogeny of Ceratopogonidae, but also aid in epidemiology studies and disease control, as well as in the digitization, three-dimensional analysis and networking of morphological information of Ceratopogonidae.

Key words: Biting midges, Pulicaris group, morphology, similar species, vector