The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology (2006) 53, 292-304

Jiri Vavra, Miroslav Hylis, Charles R. Vossbrinck, Daniela K. Pilarska, Andreas Linde, Jaroslav Weiser, Michael L. McManus, Gernot Hoch and Leellen F. Solter (2006)
Vairimorpha disparis n. comb. (Microsporidia: Burenellidae): A redescription and taxonomic revision of Thelohania disparis Timofejeva 1956, a microsporidian parasite of the gypsy moth Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)
The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology 53 (4), 292-304
Abstract: Investigation of pathogens of populations of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) in Central and Eastern Europe revealed the existence of a microsporidium (Fungi: Microsporidia) of the genus Vairimorpha. The parasite produced three spore morphotypes. Internally infective spores are formed in the gut and adjacent muscle and connective tissue; single diplokaryotic spores and monokaryotic spores grouped by eight in sporophorous vesicles develop in the fat body tissues. The small subunit rDNA gene sequences of various isolates of the Vairimorpha microsporidia, obtained from L. dispar in various habitats in the investigated region, revealed their mutual identity. In phylogenetic analyses, the organism clustered with other L. dispar microsporidia that form only diplokaryotic spores in the sporogony cycle. The octospores of certain microsporidia infecting Lepidoptera that were previously described as Thelohania spp., have recently been shown to be one of the several spore morphotypes produced by species in the genus Vairimorpha. Because the description and drawings of a parasite described as Thelohania disparis by Timofejeva fit the characteristics of Vairimorpha, and all octospore-producing microsporidia collected from L. dispar since 1985 are genetically identical Vairimorpha species, it is believed that the parasite characterized here is identical to T. disparis Timofejeva 1956, and is herein redescribed, characterized, and transferred to the genus Vairimorpha as the new combination Vairimorpha disparis n. comb.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Andreas Linde, Gernot Hoch, Charles R. Vossbrinck, Daniela Pilarska

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
identification/taxonomy

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Lymantria dispar
Vairimorpha disparis (entomopathogen)	Lymantria dispar