Geometric-morphometric analysis of wing shape of Lucilla sericata Meigen (Diptera: calliphoridae) from two different environments

Abstract

The common green blowfly, Lucilla sericata, is a widespread species with forensic, medical, and veterinary importance. In this study, we use geometric morphometric as a tool to assess differences in the wing shape of female L. sericata occurring on two different environs. Thirty samples were collected from the two sites of Poblacion Market and Pampam Falls, Iligan City. The right wings were dissected and previously identified landmarks were digitalized using TpsDig. Morphometric analysis was conducted through Generalized Procrustes-based analysis, together with the quantification of wing area and length. Subsequent discriminant analysis was also conducted through PAST software. Results revealed intraspecific variations with >70% statistically significant discrimination. 83.33% of studied individuals were correctly classified into their corresponding group on the first discriminant function. A total of twelve significant components contributed to the differentiation of the female L. sericata right wings from two environs. Amongst the significant components identified, Principal Component 1 contributed the highest to the variation with 20.95% shape variability. Most variability are from the landmarks of the upper margin and middle portion of the wings extending to the branching endpoint of the media vein. The results showing variation within species were accounted as phenotypic plasticity to contrasting environmental conditions.

Keywords

• blowfly
• discriminant analysis
• intraspecific variations
• landmarks
• plasticity