Redundant spore coat structures in an entomopathogenic Bacillus

An ultrastructural study of an insecticidal bacillus isolated from the silver-spotted skipper (Epargyreus clarus) revealed unusual spore coat redundancy. Spores developed simultaneously with appendages which were always attached to the spore coat and remained attached even after the mother cell had lysed. The appendages were multilobular or attached plates and were encased by lamellar coverings and a fibrous outer coat which were similar to those surrounding the attached spore.