| text 
House Fly - Larva
Larva
Larva Sensory Receptors
Externally above the mouth and oral lobes, the larva has two dorsal lobes, each with a prominent projection called the dorsal organ. This is greatly innervated and primarily serves as an olfactory receptor.
Below the dorsal lobes is a pair of terminal lobes bearing the terminal organ, and closer to the mouth is a pair of ventral organs. The dorsal, terminal, and ventral organs are the three major groups of sensory receptors for the larva, enabling it to perceive its environment and move to optimal sites for food and survival.
The terminal organ receptors are mostly contact chemoreceptors, as are the ventral organ receptors.
The ventral organ probably serves the function of gustatory perception to aid in the selection of suitable foods by the larva.
Internally, three pairs of ganglia underlie these three pairs of anterior sensory organs. These organs provide the larva with the sensory perceptions needed to survive by seeking the most suitable microhabitat based on odor, temperature, moisture, and chemical constituents.
Dorsal Organ
Diagram of the dorsal organ showing dendritic (nerve) bundles leading into the dome and branching into a fine network of dendrites ending beneath the fine pores in the surface of the dome. Separate neurons lead to the lateral pore receptor.
Anti-Fly Program
Learn more about fly control using the Anti-Fly Program developed by Novartis.
Anti-Fly Products
Integrated fly control means using a two-pronged attack on flies: larvicides to prevent fly larvae developing into adults, and adulticides to kill adult flies.
Sensory Structures
Anterior end of the house fly larvae (third-instar) showing sensory structures (dorsal organ, terminal organ and ventral organ). Also shown is the mouthhook.
Anterior Sensory Organs
Longitudinal section through the anterior sensory organs of the house fly larva showing neurons connecting to the dorsal (DO), terminal (TO), and ventral (VO) sensory organs.