Heterorhabditis bacteriophora/Photorhabdus (entomopathogen)

Taxonomic position
▼ Heterorhabditis (genus - entomopathogens) ▼ Heterorhabditidae (beneficial pathogens) ▼ Pathogenic nematodes (beneficials) ▼ Other diseases of pests ▼ Diseases of pests ► Beneficials

Literature database
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Heterorhabditis bacteriophora infecting the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella), click on image to enlarge it
Author: Peggy Greb, USDA Agricultural Research Service
Source: IPM Images

Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar, 1976) - nematode
Photorhabdus luminescens spp. luminescens - and
Photorhabdus luminescens spp. laumondii - symbiotic bacteria
is effective against root weevils and scarabs and is commercially available. The nematode contains the mutualistic and pathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens (syn. Xenorhabdus luminescens).

P. luminescens can be grown on artificial media and is by itself of interest as an entomopathogen. It produces a number of toxins which can kill insects after oral feeding.