636 AQUATIC PHYCOMYCETES 



one other entomogenous fungus (Entomophthora colorata Sorokin). 



Although, as Couch emphasized, in other members of the Blasto- 

 cladiales a period of drying is usually necessary for resting-spore germi- 

 nation, there is considerable variation within this curious group of 

 parasites in this respect. This has come about, probably, by adaptation 

 to the different habitats in which various mosquitoes breed. Certain 

 mosquitoes, Psorophora ciliata for example, breed in temporary pools 

 and their eggs are capable of withstanding prolonged drought. The 

 spore of a Coelomomyces parasitizing their larvae needs and apparently 

 has a capacity to remain viable under like conditions. Indeed, they may 

 actually require desiccation to germinate. Other mosquitoes habitually 

 deposit their eggs in permanent or semipermanent bodies of water. Eggs 

 of such species are less resistant to drying and the coelomomycetaceous 

 spores of their parasites are similarly vulnerable. Thus, the resting 

 spores of C. dodge; will germinate without desiccation and may even 

 be killed if subjected to it. 



The life histories of members of the Coelomomycetaceae are still in- 

 completely known. As Couch says, many questions need to be answered: 

 (1) is the resting-spore zoospore the agent of infection; (2) what is the 

 method of infection; (3) is infection congenital; (4) which parts of the 

 insect's body are attacked; (5) is a particular species of fungus host 

 specific or does it have an alternation of hosts ; (6) within the life cycle 

 does alternation of generations occur, as in certain species of Allomyces; 

 (7) can the fungi be cultivated on artificial media; and (8) is it possible 

 to use any of these parasites for artificial biological control of the 

 insects? The last point is of special significance to the medical ento- 

 mologist. As yet only conflicting evidence is available. 



COELOMOMYCES Keilin, emend. Couch 



J. Elisha Mitchell Sci. Soc. 61 : 128. 1945 

 (Fig. 44 L-M, p. 651) 



Coelomomyces Keilin, Parasitology, 13: 226. 1921. 



Zografia Bogoyavlensky, Russkii arkhiv protistologii (Arch. Russian Pro- 

 tistol. Soc), 1: 113. 1922. 



Obligate parasites within the body cavity of insects; mycelium coen- 

 ocytic, aseptate, dichotomously or irregularly branched, without rhi- 



