Perezia sp. (fam. Nosematidae) parasitic in the fat-body of Gonocephalum arenarium (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

The microsporidian described in this paper is parasitic in the fat-body of Gono-cephalum arenarium (Order Coleoptera; Family Tenebrionidae), a root-feeding beetle which is usually found sheltering under stones or fallen leaves and in lawns in South Africa. During the present investigation only adult insects were available for study as the earlier phases of the life history doubtless occur beneath the surface of the soil.