Helicosporidium
- Pronunciation
- /HE-li-ko-spor-id-ee-um/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Helicosporidium
- Plural
- Helicosporidia
Definition
A genus of parasitic protists that infect a variety of invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, and mites.
Etymology
From Greek 'helix', meaning 'spiral', and 'sporidium', referring to the spore-like cysts.
Example
Helicosporidium parasiticum is a parasite of black flies, where it infects the midgut.
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Helicosporidia are characterized by their unique filamentous cells and spore-like cysts.