New species of entomopathogenic nematodes from Chile

Surveys throughout Chile resulted in 101 isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes being obtained. Following morphological studies and molecular characterisation, two new species have been described. These were species of Steinernema; in addition S. feltiae was found, more commonly, but in a more restricted number of geographical regions. Steinernema n.sp 1 was found from just north of Santiago down to Tierra del Fuego in the far south, a range of around 3000 kilometers. Steinernema n.sp 2 was found in Chilean Patagonia and on the Island of Chiloe. In addition a possible new species of Heterorhabditis, which appeared to demonstrates two forms, was identified from three regions in the north of Chile, including the Atacama Desert, one of the driest areas in the world. Aspects of the surveys, the species found and the biology of selected nematodes will be described.