Entomopathogenic Nematodes- Nematode Information Insect-parasitic nematodes that belong to both Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae families are also called as entomopathogenic nematodes because they cause disease to their insect hosts with the help of mutualistically associated symbiotic bacterial pathogens. The entomopathogenic nematodes that belong to families Steinernematidae (Steinernema spp.) Heterorhabditidae (Heterorhabditis spp.) are symbiotically associated with species specific bacteria, Xenorhabdus spp. and Photorhabdus spp., respectively. The infective juveniles of entomopathogenic nematodes from both these families carry hundreds of specific bacterium cells in their guts and use them to cause disease and kill their insect host within 48 hours after infection.
Enlarge the picture by clicking on it.
Infective Juveniles of entomopathogenic nematodes