Heterotermes aureus

Parasitization of subterranean termite Heterotermes aureus by beneficial nematodes by Ganpati Jagdale

It has been reported that three entomopathogenic nematode species including Steinernema carpocapsae Mexican 33 strain, S. feltiae UK76 strain and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88 strain can infect and kill desert subterranean termite s Heterotermes aureus under laboratory conditions (Yu et al., 2008). These nematodes can also develop and reproduce in termite cadavers and emerge as infective juveniles.

Please read following literature for more information on interaction between insect-parasitic nematodes and termites.

Yu, H., Gouge, D.H., Stock, S.P. and Baker, P.B. 2008. Development of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae; Heterorhabditidae) in desert subterranean termite Heterotermes aureus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Journal of Nematology. 40: 311-317.