SEM Observations on the Intratracheal Existence and Cuticle Surface of the Pine Wood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, Associated with the Cerambycid Beetle, Monochamus carolinensis

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopic observations were made to reveal the mode of existence of the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, in the tracheae of adult cerambycid beetle, Monochamus carolinensis, and the cuticle surface property of the dispersal (dauer) 4th stage larvae (Livs) of the nematode. About 80% of all Livs were recovered from the thoracic tracheae and the rest from the tracheae of the abdomen, head, and legs. Most Livs orientated in the same direction in the tracheae, but some were reversed. The head of Livs was hemispherical with a small oral aperture, poorly developed amphid aperture, and no labial papillae. Many particles were observed on the sticky cuticle surface, but no bacteria were observed on the nematode specimens examined under SEM. © 1986, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY. All rights reserved.