Conversion of spheroplast symbiotes in a leafhopper, Helochara communis Fitch (Cicadellidae: Homoptera).

In mycetomes of leafhoppers, Helochara communis, ultrastructural and histochemical studies revealed that spheroplast symbiotes (t-symbiotes) were converted to 'a-symbiotes' (so-called), with apparent loss of DNA--a phenomenon reminiscent of rhizobium-bacteroid conversion in certain legume nodules. Additional t-symbiotes were incorporated into the substance of these 'a-symbiotes'.