Does scavenging extend the host range of entomopathogenic nematodes (Nematoda: Steinernematidae)?

Entomopathogenic Nematodes in the Soil Environment: Distributions, Interactions and the Influence of Biotic and Abiotic Factors

“…Thus, differences in foraging behavior might explain the ability of these species to coexist. Similar factors might also explain the coexistence of Steinernema affine (Bovien) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Steinernema kraussei (Steiner) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) in central European oak woodland habitats (Půža & Mráček, 2010a). Interestingly, under certain soil conditions or in the presence of roots, the foraging behavior of S. carpocapsae apparently departs from the usual ambushing paradigm: they travel greater distances, move more deeply into the soil profile, use roots as "routeways", penetrate into the roots themselves, and effectively attack root-feeding larvae (Griffin, 2012;Wilson et al, 2012).…”

Laboratory and field evaluation of entomopathogenic nematodes for control of Agriotes obscurus (L.) (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

“…). However, research on susceptibility of wireworms to entomopathogenic nematodes has been limited and produced inconsistent results (Eidt and Thurston ; Campos‐Herrera and Gutierrez ; Půža and Mráček ). Studies with A. lineatus larvae showed no susceptibility to Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) and mortality between 17% and 67% with various Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar strains (Ansari et al.…”

“…). However, most of the research on wireworm control with EPNs did not specify the insect species nor the larval stage of the wireworm tested (Campos‐Herrera and Gutierrez ; Půža and Mráček ; San‐Blas et al. ).…”

Entomopathogenic nematodes, phoretic Paenibacillus spp., and the use of real time quantitative PCR to explore soil food webs in Florida citrus groves

“…Although EPNs are considered obligate parasites of a large number of arthropod species, they can scavenge insect cadavers under certain circumstances (Pů ža and Mráček, 2010;San-Blas and Gowen, 2008). EPNs are vectors of enteric bacteria (Xenorhabdus for steinernematids and Photorhabdus for heterorhabditids) that act synergistically with the nematodes to kill the host and then share the tissues for development and reproduction (Boemare, 2002).…”