Microsporidia (Microspora: Microsporida) from Newfoundland blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae)

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Vávra, Jiri, Undeen, Albert H.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1981
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Canada; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z81-194; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z81-194

Examination of several hundred microsporidia-infected blackfly larvae collected in Newfoundland, Canada, revealed the presence of seven clearly distinguishable microsporidian species: Caudospora simulii, Caudospora polymorpha, Amblyospora bracteata, Thelohania varians, Thelohania fibrata, Tuzetia debaisieuxi, and Pleistophora multispora. The classification of the last five species is reviewed. Microsporidium sp. was found in the fat body of larvae of Simulium longistylatum. Another Microsporidium sp. was found in the nerve chord of Prosimulium mixtum.