Further report on nematode-pseudoscorpion associations

Abstract

Nematode-pseudoscorpion associations were studied in Neobisium bernardi VACHON, N. carpaticum BEIER, N. simoni (L. KOCH), N. sylvaticum (C. L. KOCH), and Roncus jarilo ĆURČIĆ, all from Yugoslavia. Mermithid parasitism of pseudoscorpions was re-established for N. carpaticum and R. pannonius ĆURČIĆ, DIMITRIJEVIĆ, et KARAMATA (Neobisiidae). Phoretic associations of rhabditid nematodes and false scorpions were found in R. jarilo and re-established in N. carpaticum. The possible origin of such associations, their characteristics, frequency, and significance are briefly discussed. The total number of pseudoscorpion species associated with nematodes, is at present 15; of these, the majority belong to the family Neobisiidae (11 species), while 3 species belong to the Chthoniidae, and one to the Sternophoridae.