Ultrastructure of Oenocytoids from Two Spiders, Pisaura mirabilis and Trochosa terricola (Araneae)

Abstract

AbstractHaemocytes of two spiders, Pisaura mirabilis Clerk and Trochosa terricola Thor, have been investigated. The oenocytoids are a conspicuous feature of the intracardiac haemocyte population in these spiders. Mature cells contain large amounts of crystalloid material. The crystalloid inclusions consist of piles or bundles made up of numerous undulating lamellae which have a crystal‐like, hexagonal lattice. When viewed side‐on, the lamellae appear as strings or fibrils with alternating light and dark bands. Mature oenocytoids rupture and release the crystalloid material into the heart lumen. The cells contain a cartwheel nucleus and abundant ribosomes. Mitochondria are few and small. Immature oenocytoids contain little crystalloid material, and resemble insect plasmatocytoids.