Nematodes that attack insects are called what?

Nematodes that attack insects are called what?

• A. Entomopathenogenic Nematodes
• B. Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
• C. Free-Living Nematodes
• D. Soil Nematodes

Answer: (A)

Entomopathogenic nematodes are the type that attack insects. These nematodes specialize as insect pathogens: they locate living insect hosts in soil or litter, enter through natural openings or through the cuticle, and release symbiotic bacteria inside the insect. The bacteria multiply and cause rapid death of the host, while the nematodes feed on the bacteria and insect tissues, reproduce, and release another generation to continue the cycle. This is why they’re used as a biological control for pest insects. They are distinct from plant-parasitic nematodes (which feed on plant roots), free-living nematodes (which don’t parasitize hosts), and the broad group of soil nematodes (which includes many non-insect-parasitizing species).

Entomopathogenic nematodes are the type that attack insects. These nematodes specialize as insect pathogens: they locate living insect hosts in soil or litter, enter through natural openings or through the cuticle, and release symbiotic bacteria inside the insect. The bacteria multiply and cause rapid death of the host, while the nematodes feed on the bacteria and insect tissues, reproduce, and release another generation to continue the cycle. This is why they’re used as a biological control for pest insects. They are distinct from plant-parasitic nematodes (which feed on plant roots), free-living nematodes (which don’t parasitize hosts), and the broad group of soil nematodes (which includes many non-insect-parasitizing species).