An entomopoxvirus from Oncopera alboguttata (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae) in Australia

A new entomopoxvirus has been isolated from field-collected larvae of Oncopera alboguttata at Ebor, New South Wales, Australia. The ovoid proteinaceous virus-containing bodies measured about 8 x 6 microns and contained up to about 17 centrally-embedded virus-free spindles and up to about 180 occluded virus particles. The virus particle had a beaded outer membrane and measured about 390 x 270 x 230 nm. The particle contained a single lateral body and a unilaterally concave core which in longitudinal section measured 320 x 80 nm. Dissolution of inclusion body and spindle protein to release virus particles occurred in carbonate/thioglycollate buffer at pH greater than 12.0. It is postulated that this virus has recently evolved from similar viruses in soil inhabiting coleopteran larvae.