380 
The Schizogregarines 
schizont are fixed by their anterior ends to the epithelial cells of the 
Malpighian tubules of the Coleopteran host. 
As regards the action of these fixative processes and of the parasite 
generally on the host, Leger considers that hypertrophy of the cytoplasm 
of the host cells may ensue, or that atrophy may occur, following 
perhaps upon hypertrophy. Granules of pigment are often seen in the 
cells in the parasitised area. 
Two forms of schizonts, first distinguished by Ldger (1907), have 
been mentioned as occurring in Ophryocystis. These forms are : 
(i) mycetoid schizonts, “ multinucleate ” in character (Fig. 4, A), 
which may be of irregular form, containing many nuclei closely packed 
(as seen in 0. hessei), and (ii) gregarinoid schizonts with a well- 
defined contour and with fewer nuclei (“ paucinucleate ” of Leger), some 
2 to 6 in number, as seen in 0. caulleryi and 0. hessei (Fig. 1, vi, vil). 
The gregarinoid schizonts were the only forms known until 
recently (1907). They are the more commonly occurring forms. Leger 
considers that these paucinucleate forms represent “ la vraie forme 
gregarinienne de Y Ophryocystis!’ The gregarinoid schizonts are the 
only ones which give rise to gametocytes (“ gamontes ” of Leger) 1 or 
sexual individuals (Fig. 4, B). 
The mycetoid schizonts only give rise to merozoites (“ schizozoites ” 
of Leger) (Fig. 4, A), and so provide for the phases of schizogony. 
The daughter schizonts are formed either by ( a ) plasmotomy, wherein 
multinucleate portions or buds are constricted off, especially as in 
0. hagenmuelleri, which possesses branching schizonts, or ( b) schizogony, 
as in the Coccidia, where the maternal cytoplasm breaks up and 
collects around each of the daughter nuclei, giving rise to uninucleate 
merozoites. 
Mycetoid schizonts, at present, are only known to occur in the 
following species: 0. hessei, 0. duboscqi, 0. hagenmuelleri, and possibly 
1 In describing Ophryocystis I have not used the terminology of Leger (1907), 
preferring to adhere to the older terminology, as used by Minchin (1908, p. 210), and 
introduced by Schaudinn more especially for the Coccidia. Leger used the term 
“ gamonte ” for a sexual individual or gametocyte. Although I admire Leger’s work, 
and respect his unique knowledge of the Schizogregarines, the use of the term “gamonte” 
in this connection appears to me to be superfluous. 
Lager’s term “ schizozoites,” for the daughter forms resulting from schizogony (asexual 
multiplication or endogony) is obviously preferable to Schaudinn’s term “ merozoites.” 
However, as the latter term is now well-established in the literature of the Parasitic 
Protozoa I have retained it. In view of the confusion already existing it appears 
undesirable to multiply technical terms. Wherever possible the terms in general use 
should be retained. 
