A GREGARINE PARASITE OF LEPTOTHORAX ANTS FROM NORTH-AMERICA

A gregarine parasite (Neogregarinida, Ophryocystidae) of Leptothorax a nts was found near West-Yellowstone, Montana, USA. Infested pupae are characterized by grey to black coloration, irregular pigmentation of c ompound eyes, and toothless mandibles. The pathogenic effects closely resemble those in the fire ant, Solenopsis geminata, when infested by Mattesia geminata. Infested pupae die. The infection can be transmitte d to healthy colonies and to different Leptothorax species by feeding them with infested pupae.