Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize and quantify the hemocytes types of A. gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae in the light and the scanning electron microscopy. Six hemocyte types were identified: prohemocytes (PR), plasmatocytes (PL), granulocytes (GR), spherulocytes (SP), oenocytoids (OE) and vermicytes (VE). The PR (0.9%) were the smallest cells, with a voluminous nucleus, scarce cytoplasm and smooth surface. The PL (49.7%) were polymorphic cells with cytoplasmic projections in cellular surface. The GR (23%) presented cytoplasmic granules and phylopodial projections on the cellular surface. The SP (20.9%) presented the cytoplasm full of spherules and a smooth surface. The OE were the largest cellular type with homogeneous cytoplasm and smooth surface. The VE (0.5%) were fusiform cells with elongated extremities and a smooth cellular surface.