Abstract

To resolve the taxonomic status and life cycle of Psorospermium haeckeli and to develop control and crayfish population management methods, thorough knowledge is needed of the different life stage structures of P. haeckeli. Elements of the shell of P. haeckeli were investigated by SEM energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDS). Chlorine was detected in moderate and phosphorus and potassium in small amounts uniformly throughout the shell. Silicon was not detected and calcium only in insignificant amounts. Samples of P. haeckeli kept in nitric acid endured the treatment well, suggesting that proteins are not significant components of the basic structure of the shell. The results indicate that the shell could be mainly composed of cellulose or chitin, further suggesting that P. haeckeli may be a fungus or an alga. Two different types of P. haeckeli were found in a single noble crayfish (Astacus astacus). Also, green-coloured forms very much resembling small P. haeckeli were observed on the outer surface of the carapace of A. astacus originating from a Finnish lake.

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