Studies on the Symbiosis of the Body Louse

Abstract

A simple method is described for eliminating the symbionts from the body louse during the egg stage, and thus producing symbiont-free larvae. The behaviour of lice freed of their symbionts by this method is described and compared with that of lice freed of their symbionts by extirpation of the larval mycetome. The complete accord of the results obtained by the different methods warrants the conclusion that the symbionts play an essential role in the life of the louse, so much so that without them death of the larvae results. It is, therefore, justifiable to consider this relationship true symbiosis.