INVIVO CULTIVATION OF SPIROPLASMAS IN LARVAE OF THE GREATER WAX MOTH

Larvae of the greater wax moth, G. mellonella, supported extensive multiplication of a number of spiroplasma strains after injection with 1 .mu.l doses of spiroplasma broth cultures. Spiroplasma multiplication in the insects was monitored by light microscopic examination of hemolymph samples. Multiplication rates of the spiroplasmas in larval hemolymph varied with the spiroplasma strain. Spiroplasma citri strain G-1 and strain SR3 spiroplasma, known to be plant pathogens, reached titers of .apprx. 108 helices/ml hemolymph after 5-10 days at 30.degree. C but were not detectable in hemolymph for at least 48 h after injection. The flower isolates 23-6 and PPSI multiplied rapidly with titers approaching 107/ml of hemolymph 12 h after injection and reaching 109/ml by 24 h. Populations remained at these levels for the duration of the larval stage and spiroplasmas were present in adult moths after pupation. Spiroplasma cells observed in hemolymph were short, actively motile helices without blebs or other degenerative signs. Apparently larvae of G. mellonella have potential value as laboratory hosts in further studies of the Mollicutes.