Abstract
Nosema locustae did not produce detectable infections in Mormon crickets in any stage of development. While nymphal development was retarded among insects inoculated as first to third instars with high spore concentrations (10 6/mg bran), no reductions in survival or oviposition were obtained. A new species of microsporidian ( Vairimorpha n. sp.) was isolated from Mormon crickets near Dinosaur National Monument. In laboratory cage tests, this pathogen produced significant mortality among first to third instar Mormon crickets treated with a bran bait containing 10 6 spores/mg. Lower concentrations (10 4/mg and 10 2/mg) did not significantly affect survival, but retarded nymphal development and yielded heavy infections. Crickets inoculated as seventh instars to adults did not exhibit significant changes in survival, infection, or oviposition relative to controls. Before N. locustae can contribute to Mormon cricket management, a “cricket strain” of this pathogen must be isolated and tested. However, Vairimorpha n. sp. appears to be a promising biocontrol agent for both short-term host density reductions and longer-term reductions in host development coupled with enhanced transmission potential.
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