Hemocytes of the cochineal insect: ultrastructure.

Using transmission electron microscopy, light microscopy (Giemsa May-Grumwald), and the Periodic Acid-Schif (PAS) and Sudan Black B staining techniques, hemocytes in the hemolymph of adult female Dactylopius coccus were characterized. The following, in order of abundance, were found: granulocytes, plasmatocytes, prohemocytes, and oenocytoids. Granulocytes varied in size with granulations in the cytoplasm, a large quantity of mitochondria, rugose endoplasmatic reticulum, ribosomes and vesicles, central or exocentric, spherical and occasionally lobulate nucleus.