Orthosomella lipae sp. n. (Microsporidia) a parasite of the weevil, Liophloeus lentus Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

A new microsporidium, Orthosomella lipae sp. n., was isolated from the outer ovariole sheath, trophic chambers, oocytes, somatic tissues and eggs of adults of the weevil, Liophloeus lentus Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from southern Poland. Morphological and life cycle characteristics revealed using light and electron microscopy, place this new species within the Unikaryonidae. However, the 16S rDNA phylogeny indicates that it is associated with the genus Orthosomella.

Highlights► We describe a new microsporidian parasite, isolated from the weevil. ► It is associated with the genus Orthosomella. ► Development either with or without a parasitophorous vacuole, within the same host.