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Abstract:
Associations and interactions between insects and nematodes are probably as numerous as the diversity of taxa and relatedness of habitats would suggest. And yet, the interface of nematology and entemology remains notoriously under-studied with the main focus being on entomopathogenic nematodes of the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae. We study beetle-associated nematodes of the family Diplogastridae, concentrating mainly on scarab beetles and wood inhabiting weevils. Collections of beetles on five continents and six islands yielded more than 26 new nematode species and two novel genera. These are now cultured in the lab, some with their cognate insect hosts, for more detailed studies on the exact nature of their interactions. Whilst the scarab beetle-nematode interaction is mostly of necromenic nature, i.e. nematode larvae dwell on the beetle, waiting for its natural death, to then continue their development and feed on the carcass, we see in the weevil-nematode system some beneficial effects of Diplogastrid presence for the beetle. Combining traditional methods with modern techniques we were able to reveal interesting cases of co- evolution and novel modes of dispersal and host-finding behaviour.
