After mfs are ingested during the blood meal. They migrate from the intestine within 24-36 hours into the Malpighian tubules to develop and molt from the 1st to the 2nd juvenile stage.

The parasite becomes immobile, shortens, thickens and develops into the sausage stage in about 4-5 days. This larval form is followed by the 1st stage larva, and the 1st molt occurs in the Malpighian tubules at day 8. During the 2nd larval stage, the internal organs of the worms are formed. After 9 days, they enter the abdominal hemocele, where the 2nd molt occurs.

The 2nd molt occurs at 11-12 days, resulting in 3rd stage larvas.