Steinernema indicum n. sp., a new entomopathogenic nematode (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) from India

Summary A new species of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema indicum n. sp., was isolated from a coconut palm ( Cocos nucifera ) field in the district Udupi, Karnataka, India. The infective juveniles (IJ) S. sp. possess body length 1043 (869-1172) μ m. lateral fields are formed by eight equally spaced and developed ridges (nine incisures) mid-body region, giving formula 3, 8, 7, 5. excretory pore is located posterior to mid-pharynx region (D% = 63), hyaline occupies ca half tail length. first-generation males characterised very short spicules 66 (60-70) m long. male moderately curved with sharp tip golden-brown colour manubrium elongate width ratio 1.92:1. There 11 pairs genital papillae plus single midventral papilla anterior cloacal region. presence dorsal postcloacal papilla, typical diagnostic character that has not been reported any other steinernematid species. mucron present 40% specimens examined second-generation showing 65% examined. first females slightly protruding post-anal swelling. further sequences internal transcribed spacer (ITS) partial 28S regions (D2-D3) ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Phylogenetic analyses confirm belongs glaseri -group and, based on both ITS D2D3 genes, showed member karii clade.