Dispersal of the Entomogenous Nematode Steinernema feltiae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) by Infected Adult Insects

Abstract
A laboratory study determined that Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) adults infected with the entomogenous nematode Steinernema feltiae Filipjev dispersed up to 11 m from the site of infection. After dispersal and death of the host, nematode progeny developed within the moth cadavers, moved into the soil, and infected larvae of S. exigua. No significant difference was observed in either the proportion of pupae and adults infected or the longevity of S. exigua adults infected with S. feltiae (All strain, 16.2 h), S. feltiae (Mexican strain, 15.6 h) or Heterorhabditis heliothidis (Khan, Brooks, and Hirschmann) (NC strain, 15.0 h). Dispersal of S. feltiae by infected adult insects may account in part for local and worldwide distribution of this and other entomogenous nematodes.