Ultrastructure of the attachment of the bacteria Serratia entomophila to foregut cuticle of Costelytra zealandica (Coleoptera : Scarabidae) and a review of nomenclature for insect epicuticular layers

Abstract

The adherence of a pathogenic bacterium Serratia entomophila to foregut cuticle or Costelytra zealandica (Coleoptera : Scarabidae) is described ultrastructurally. The bacteria adhere by fimbriae to the epicuticular superficial layer which often strips off with bacteria remaining attached. The superficial layer stains with ruthenium red, but it is not known if fimbriae attach to specific carbohydrate receptors. Previous terminology used for insect epicuticle layers is reviewed and a standard nomenclature proposed.