Virus-like Particles in the Calyx ofPhanerotoma flavitestacea(Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Their Transfer Into Host Tissues

Virus-like particles occur in the calyx fluid and cells of the braconid parasitoid, Phanerotoma flavitestacea Fischer. These particles occur in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and cytoplasmic vacuoles of the calyx wall cells as well as in the lumen of the calyx. They were subsequently transferred to the host, Paramyelois transitella (Walker), during oviposition of the parasitoid. Within 2 hours after the wasps had oviposited, similar virus-like particles were found in the host in the cytoplasm of developing muscle tissue, fat body, and nerve tissue. Such particles were absent in unparasitized hosts. The significance of these findings as related to the avoidance of a host response is discussed.