Ultrastructure of eggshell of Chrysomya nigripes Aubertin (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

We examined the eggshell structure of the blowfly, Chrysomya nigripes Aubertin, a species of forensic importance, using scanning electron microscopy. A relatively wide plastron region was located dorsally. It extended almost the entire length of the egg and bifurcated slightly, close to the micropyle, which is a deep cavity surrounded by an elevated, fine, wavy rim. The chorionic sculpture had an hexagonal pattern, with a smooth and elevated boundary. The ruptured eggshell showed the outermost exochorion, membranous outer endochorion and pillar layer, which also had an hexagonal pattern on a perforated mesh pillar layer. This study provides a greater database on the egg of this forensically significant blowfly.