Heterorhabditis bacteriophora/Photorhabdus (entomopathogen)

Heterorhabditis • Heterorhabditidae • beneficial nematodes • Diseases of pests • Beneficials/natural enemies

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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

This nematodes is effective against root weevils and scarabs and is commercially available. The species has been described as cruiser and is considered to be especially effective against slow moving soil insects.

H. bacteriophora contains the mutualistic and pathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens (syn. Xenorhabdus luminescens) in its gut. The bacteria are released by the nematode into the haemocoel of the host, causing insect death within 1-2 days. P. luminescens is by itself of interest as an entomopathogen and can be grown on artificial media. It produces a number of toxins.