A NEW MICROSPORIDIUM, NOSEMA-EMPOASCAE N-SP, FROM EMPOASCA-FABAE (HARRIS) (HOMOPTERA, AUCHENORRHYNCHA, CICADELLIDAE)

A previously undescribed microsporidium is associated with both the cy toplasm and nucleus of Empoasca fabae tissues. We describe this micros poridium as a new species of Nosema, the first to be associated with a n auchenorrhynchan insect. The rod-shaped fresh spores measured 5.07 x 1.66 mu m, while stained spores were 4.18 x 1.48 mu m. Spores had thr ee to six coils of isofilar polar filament at the posterior end. The m icrosporidium infected four different tissues: the salivary glands, th e anterior midgut, the Malpighian tubules, and the reproductive system s (both ovarioles and testes). Both vegetative forms and spores of the microsporidium were observed in all four tissues. We describe morphol ogical characters of the microsporidium by both light and electron mic roscope studies and propose a possible developmental cycle. (C) 1995 A cademic Press, Inc.