A NONOCCLUDED VIRUS ISOLATED FROM 4 SATURNIID SPECIES

Nonoccluded spherical DNA viruses were isolated from four saturniid species. The virus particles measured 37 to 42 mμ in diameter. Latent virus infections are general in laboratory populations of Philosamia cynthia × ricini and Hyalophora cecropia. Most deaths occur in the early and late instars, and moribund larvae, although normal in color, are flaccid. Considerable losses in body weight are usual before death. Electron mocrographs show the presence of virus in the cytoplasm of midgut cells of P. cynthia × ricini; there appears to be an association between mitochondria and virus development. Infectivity tests with P. cynthia × ricini and H. cecropia are described and a cross-infectivity test of three of the virus isolates to P. cynthia × ricini, Antheraea pernyi, and Actias selene suggest that they may not be identical, although preliminary serological tests show them to be related. © 1968.