New record of Phylloteles hyalipennis (Baranov, 1934) (Diptera: Miltogramminae) from North India, with morphology, life cycle and SEM study of immature stages

Objectives First time from North India, the immature stages of a species of the genus Phylloteles Loew, 1844, are described, with a redescription of the adults. The research explored the morphological characteristics and distribution of Phylloteles hyalipennis (Baranov, 1934) from India. This study aims to enhance species identification and potentially revise classification of this scientifically important group. Methods Gravid females of this species were collected from the decomposing chicken meat from the Union territory Jammu and Kashmir (India), and larvae were reared under optimal conditions to get a pure colony. The immature stages were examined under light as well as scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results The results included descriptions of adult morphology, systematic classification, and detailed analysis of immature stages. The Pseudocephalon, maxillary palpus, anterior and posterior spiracles, and variations of thoracic and abdominal segments, anal region, and details of cephaloskeleton of immatures were utilized as key characters for species identification in case of immature stages and presented along with illustrations. Conclusion The study provides valuable insights into the poorly understood larval morphology of Miltogramminae, specifically in Oriental taxa. This information can stipulate new characteristics for species identification in case of immature stages and enhances systematics of Indian Sarcophagidae.