Further Observations on the Anatomy and Function of the Proboscis of the Blow-fly, Calliphora erythrocephala L.

Abstract

A detailed description of the anatomy of the proboscis of the blow-fly, C. erythrocephala, and of the functions of the structures found in it is given. Attention is particularly directed to the fact that the fly can feed in several ways. It can filter the larger particles out of its liquid food, or can scrape chosen surfaces, moistened with vomit or saliva, with its prestomal teeth and subsequently ingest the emulsion produced, or can suck up materials, such as thick sputum or faeces containing helminth ova, without the intervention of its filtering apparatus or the application of its teeth. The relation of these modes of feeding to infection is very briefly indicated.