Characterization of two new species of Oscheius Andrássy, 1976 associated with Asian bombardier beetle (Pheropsophus jessoensis)
摘要
The global challenge of excessive pesticide use in pest control has underscored the need for novel entomopathogenic nematodes beyond the well-studied Steinernema and Heterorhabditis genera. In this context, we described two Oscheius species isolated from the Asian bombardier beetle (Pheropsophus jessoensis). The study provides a detailed description and illustration of two new species of the genus Oscheius named O. parapheropsophi and O. teraiensis utilizing light and scanning electron microscopy. Infection observations suggested that Galleria remained initially active, later became sedentary, and eventually moulted into the pupal stage. The nematodes caused deleterious impact on the pupa, but the live Galleria was not affected lethally. However, the nematode populations grew exponentially within the host cadavers, indicating a preference for feeding on dead hosts. This rapid growth suggests a necromenic lifestyle, in which the nematodes thrive on dead hosts rather than actively killing live ones.