Nosema galerucellae n. sp., Microsporidian (Protozoa, Microspora), parasite of Galerucella luteola Müller (Chrysomelidae, Coleoptera): Development cycle and ultrastructure.

The life cycle of the microsporidian parasite of Galerucella luteola (Chrysomelidae, Coleoptera) was investigated by optical and electron microscopy. All stages were diplokaryotic and apansporoblastic. Sporogony was disporous. Spores were oval, elongated and measured 4.95 × 2.89 μm with a lamellar polaroplast and 7-9 coils of polar filament. These ultrastructural features indicate that this microsporidian is a Nosema. We have named it Nosema galerucellae n. sp.