Baculovirus-like particles in the reproductive tracts of female parasitoid wasps II: the genus Apanteles

Abstract

Virus-like particles were found in the female reproductive tracts of all Apanteles spp. thus far examined. Particles generally consist of putative baculovirus-like nucleocapsids which are enveloped singly or as groups within nuclei of calyx epithelial cells. Enveloped particles are injected into host caterpillars during oviposition. Subsequently, particle nucleocapsids appear in the cytoplasm of many host cells and appear to be uncoated at nuclear pores.