PARASITISM OF MOSQUITO LARVAE BY THE NEMATODE, DD136 (NEMATODA: NEOAPLECTANIDAE)

Abstract

In laboratory tests the nematode, DD136, was quickly encapsulated after it penetrated the gut wall and invaded the prothoracic body cavity of larvae of Aedes aegypti (L.). When few nematodes were present, most became encapsulated, but when many were present, few were encapsulated. Similar encapsulation of the nematode occurred in tests of local Aedes spp. An undetermined diplogasterid nematode was found to be naturally encapsulated by A. stimulans (Walker). Encapsulation usually does not postpone host death from the pathogenic bacteria transported by the nematode. Larvae that survive and contain capsules take longer to become adults, and often die at pupation or adult emergence. Host reaction inactivates the nematode but the nematode and its bacteria have potential use as a biological control agent.