The biology and host range of Neoaplectana leucaniae, a new species of insect-parasitic nematode

Abstract

The morphology and life history of a new species of insect-parasitic nematode, Neoplectana leucaniae are described. This nematode, which may be cultured on a veal pulp medium, was used in a number of experiments against larvae and adults of New Zealand Melolonthinae, and was found capable of parasitizing all test hosts used. Lack of persistence of the nematode in soil makes it unsuitable for use in the biological control of soil-inhabiting pest insects.