Multiplication and morphology of Spiroplasma citri in the leafhopper Euscelis plebejus

Spiroplasma citri multiplied in all Euscelis plebejus leaf hoppers injected and sometimes reached titres of over 1 × 10⁷ colony forming units per insect. Spiroplasmas could be isolated from the haemolymph at all times although helices were only apparent for a few days after injection. The salivary glands of injected insects contained membrane bound pockets densely packed with mycoplasma-like bodies. These bodies were frequently infected with virus-like particles similar to those found in cultures of S. citri. Spiroplasmas had little effect on the longevity of the leafhoppers.