On a new haplosporidian (protozoa) Nephridiophaga xenoboli in the gut of a millipede Xenobolus carnifex

Abstract

1. The morphology and life history of a new haplosporidian parasite, Nephri-diophaga xenoboli sp.nov. from the gut of a millipede, Xenobolus carnifex are described. 2. The earliest stage hatched from the spore is a free uninucleate amoebula which penetrates the gut epithelium and grows into a multinucleate plasmodium. 3. The uninucleate gametes are formed by a process of endogeneous budding in the centre of the plasmodium and the sporoblast is formed as a result of fusion of two such gametes. 4. A characteristic cyst membrane enclosing about forty to fifty sporoblasts is formed immediately after fertilization is completed which is accompanied by a disintegration of the peripheral layer of the cytoplasm of the plasmodium. 5. Each sporoblast develops into a bivalved simple spherical spore, 3.0μ in diameter.