Characteristics of the Specific Bacterium Associated with Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora (Heterorhabditidae: Rhabditida)

Abstract

The infective stage juveniles of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Heterorhabditidae: Rhabditida) carry a specific bacterium in the lumen of their pharynx and intestine. The bacterial cells are large, motile, peritrichously flagellated, gram negative, non-sporeforming rods. They are released by the infective-stage juveniles after they reach the hemolymph of susceptible insects. Additional cultural and biological characteristics of the specific bacterium are presented. © 1977, Brill. All rights reserved.