PLASMODIUM HEXAMERIUM, N. SP. FROM THE BLUE-BIRD, INOCULABLE TO CANARIES1

Abstract

P. hexamerium* (p. 276) was isolated in canaries from a bluebird (Sialia sialis sialis) and Maryland yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas brachidactyla), was observed also in a catbird (Dumatella carolinensis) and a mourning dove (Zenai-dura m. macroura), Kansas and Illinois. The incubation period following intravenous inoculations of infected blood was 5-12 days; the infections were slight, and became latent after 2 to 3 wks. Segmentation occurred at 8-9 a. m. when the birds were kept on alternating 12-hr. periods of light and darkness beginning respectively at 6 a. m. and 6 p. m. The periodicity is probably not quotidian. Six merozoites are regularly produced at segmentation. Gametocytes are elongate, closely resembling those of P. elongatum Huff.