SOME ASPECTS OF THE FINE STRUCTURE OF THE MYCETOMES AND MYCETOMAL MICROORGANISMS IN SITOPHILUS (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE)

Abstract

Certain elongate elements that occur in special structures (mycetomes, made up of constituent mycetocytes) in the larvae of the granary and rice weevils (Sitophitrus granarius (L.) and Sitophilus oryza (L.)) have long been regarded as microorganisms; and there is some evidence that they are of benefit but not essential to the insect host. These elongate elements are also found in the guts and female gonads of adult insects. The elements have resisted all efforts to culture them and thus, while they have been generally regarded as microorganisms, their exact biological status has been open to doubt. Electron micrographs, it is claimed, have now established them as undoubtedly microorganisms.