Pathogenic nematodes (beneficials)

Diseases of pests • Beneficials/natural enemies

Heterorhabditis bacteriophora infecting the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella)
Author: Peggy Greb, USDA Agricultural Research Service
Source:IPM Images

Pathogenic nematodes (beneficials)

The group includes entomopathogenic nematodes and other beneficial pathogenic nematodes belonging predominantly to the order of Rhabditida. The nematodes have been used successfully against various insect groups like soil-living and boring insects. They can be isolated from soil samples by baiting with a suitable insect host like Galleria mellonella.

The following families are currently in the system:

• Acugutturidae (1 species)
• Allantonematidae (3 species)
• Heterorhabditidae (9 species)
• Mermithidae (5 species)

• Neotylenchidae (1 species)
• Rhabditidae (1 species)
• Steinernematidae (17 species)