Morphology of Immature Stages of Sphaerophoria rueppellii (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera, Syrphidae) a Predator of Aphids Pest

The hoverfly Sphaerophoria rueppellii (Wiedemann, 1830) is widely distributed in the Palearctic, and their larvae prey on soft insect pests that cause significant agricultural losses. The correct morphological diagnosis of immature stages of natural enemies is especially important in biological control management. Little is known about the morphology of the immature stages of this predator, being only known the L3 stage using a light microscope, but lacking a complete study of the chaetotaxy. Here is provided a detailed and complete characterization of the three early stages of S. rueppellii using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with a special focus on the number, disposition, and functional morphology of the sensilla of the three immature stages. For the first time is described in detail the morphology of the Posterior Respiratory Process (PRP), as well as the chorionic sculpturing of the egg surface. An Energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDS) was performed to determine the composition of the principal components.