Attraction of Neoaplectana carpocapsae (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) to Common Excretory Products of Insects

Abstract

Dauerlarvae of the insect-parasitic nematode Neoaplectana carpocapsae were either strongly attracted to or repelled by various concentrations of known constituents of insect feces. These included uric acid, xanthine, allantoin, ammonia, and arginine (attractants) and allantoic acid (repellent). Dauerlarvae exhibited aggregating behavior adjacent to paper treated with uric acid, suggesting that high concentrations were an arrestant. Certain combinations of uric acid, xanthine, allantoin, allantoic acid, and arginine greatly increased, decreased or masked the attractiveness of these chemicals.