Ultrastructure of the formation of a melanotic capsule in Diabrotica (Coleoptera) in response to a parasitic nematode (Mermithidae)

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The present paper is an ultrastructural study of the formation of a melanotic capsule in the beetles Diabrotica balteata and D. u. undecimpunctata, in response to the mermithid nematode Filipjevivermis leipsandra.

Soon after the infective stages of F. leipsandra entered the body cavity of third stage Diabrotica larvae, they were encapsulated by host blood cells and subsequently killed.

Initial hemocytes making contact with the parasite lysed and liberated their cytoplasm over the nematode's cuticle. Within 6–8 hours, the inner layer of cytoplasm was replaced by an electron dense material, probably melanin.

The definitive 72-hour capsule was composed of four major regions; (a) an inner partially melanized region, (b) a layer of spherical, necrotic cells, (c) a region containing 3–4 layers of very elongate cells, and (d) an outer zone consisting of loosely attached hemocytes bearing close resemblance to normal blood cells.

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1

Visitor at Berkeley from October to December, 1967. Present address: Zoologisches Institut, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, West Germany.

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