Identification of hemocytes in carob moth, Ectomoyelois ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae

Insects use humoral and cellular immune responses against attack of pathogens and parasitoids. Insect hemocytes have important roles in immune systems with diverse forms and activities. The identification of hemocytes and knowledge of their population could help us for better controlling of the respective insect pest. In this research the hemocytes of Carob moth Ectomoyelois ceratoniae in five larval instars were examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Giemsa staining was used to identify these cells. Five identified types of hemocytes in this insect were; Prohemocyte, plasmatocyte (with several morphological forms), granulocytes, spherulocytes, and oenocytoids. All hemocytes types were detected in each larval instar. Mitotic divisions were observed among plasmatocyte, prohemocyte and spherolucytes. Total hemocyte counts in different instars showed that THC increases with increase in larval instars. Differential counts of hemocytes revealed that granulocytes and plasmatocytes are most abundant in all stages of larvae except in first instar larva.