necessary for classification. This information will be 

 reviewed in conjunction with the specific studies reported 

 in this dissertation. 



Other Microsporidia 



In addition to B. dimorpha , at least three undescribed 

 species of microsporidia infect S^. geminata (Jouvenaz et 

 al. , 1977), and at least one undescribed species infects 

 Solenopsis spp. in South America (Jouvenaz et al! , 1980). 



Other Pathogens of Ants 



Because of the paucity of information on the diseases 

 of ants, it is feasible to summarize briefly the literature 

 on pathogens of ants other than microsporidia. The only 

 remaining pathogen of ants which has been described is 

 Mattesia geminata Jouvenaz and Anthony (Neogregarinida: 

 Ophrocystidae) , which also infects S^. geminata in Florida. 

 This protozoan develops in the oenocytes of the hypoderrais, 

 causing destruction of the hypodermis, melanization, and 

 eye malformation in pupae. The infection appears to be 

 invariably fatal in the pupal stage of development. Attempts 

 to transmit the infection per o_s (using fresh, aged, and 

 variously treated spores) and by placing infected pupae 

 in healthy colonies (conspecific pupae are adopted) have 

 failed (Jouvenaz and Anthony, 1979). A similar or identical 

 neogregarine occurs in fire ants in Brazil (Jouvenaz et 

 al., 1980). 



