Changes in the activity and pattern of hemolymph esterases in the larvae of wax moth Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) during mycosis

Abstract

The extended pattern of multiple esterase forms has been revealed in the hemolymph of wax moth Galleria mellonella larvae infected by the fungi Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana or Paecilomyces fumoso-roseus. The total esterase activity of the hemolymph also increases during mycosis. Mechanical damage of the cuticle, treatment with deltamethrin, and chilling of the caterpillars induced similar changes in the hemolymph pattern of esterase activity. Presumably, the changed spectrum and activity of the hemolymph esterases during mycosis is due to the damaged cuticle and epidermis cells.