THE AEROBIC BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH THE EASTERN HEMLOCK LOOPER LAMBDINA FISCELLARIA (GN.)

Abstract

A study was made of healthy hemlock loopers (Lambdina fiscellaria Gn.) to determine whether a specific bacterial flora is associated with this insect. Larvae, pupae, adults, and eggs were examined by a number of methods and the bacteria found were cultured and classified. Organisms belonging to nine genera of bacteria were isolated and they were principally of foliage-contaminating or soil types that could be ingested with the insects' food. Few of the ingested bacteria survive the digestive process. It is concluded that the bacterial flora is adventitious.