SPOROGONY OF LEUCOCYTOZOON AND HAEMOPROTEUS IN SIMULIIDS AND CERATOPOGONIDS AND A REVISED CLASSIFICATION OF THE HAEMOSPORIDIIDA

Abstract

Sporogony of species of Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus in simuliids and ceratopogonids respectively is described and illustrated. Oöcysts of both types of parasites are only slightly larger than the zygotes and contain relatively few sporozoites at maturity. Sporogony of some individuals is completed in fewer than 5 days at approximately 22 °C; others may require 14–18 days. Comparisons of the morphology and life histories of these parasites with those of Plasmodium suggest that the three genera should be placed in separate families.