Description of immature stages of Culicoides peregrinus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae),a potent vector of bluetongue virus

Detailed descriptions of the immature stages, i.e. eggs, larvae, and pupae, of Culicoides peregrinus Kieffer were made based on scanning electron microscopy and bright field microscopy. Measurements of different larval instars were also studied. Wild engorged females were collected by UV light trap and made to oviposit under laboratory conditions onto wet filter paper within glass vials. Among the laid eggs, embryonated eggs were reared in artificial rearing medium in the laboratory for obtaining life stages. The immature stages were also collected from their natural habitat (cattle manure) and subsequently processed and described.