Localization of some cytochemical substances in Ramicephalus olivacus Sarkar & Haldar (Protozoa, Apicomplexa; Eugregarinida) of the dragonfly Ceriagrion olivaceum Laidlaw (Zygoptera; Coenagrionidae)

The cytochemical study of the various life history stages of the cephaline gregarine R. olivacus, obtained from the odonate C. olivaceum, reveals a very strong reaction of PAS positive substances in the endoplasm (except the nucleus) of all the life history stages while the nuclear substances react negatively to the Feulgen test except the nuclei of the sporozoites which show moderate to strong reaction for DNA. The simple lipid has been demonstrated weakly in the pellicle, the nuclear membrane and also in the endoplasm of the sporadin in scattered form. The general protein granules have been localized in the pellicle, the endoplasm as well as in the nuclei of the trophozoite and the sporadin. The granules in and around the nuclei of the same show a stronger reaction with Mercury Bromophenol Blue. The role played by these substances has been discussed in the light of the bionomics of the gregarine.