Author: S. MENNAN AND O. ERTURK

Publishing Date: 2006

E-ISSN: 0255-7576

Volume 24 Issue 1

ABSTRACT:

Mermithids parasitism has been reported on different insects all over the world. During the studies ofLeptinotersa decemlineata, 1000 beetles were collected from Persembe/Ordu and examined for nematodes parasitism. One infested beetle was found with Mermithids. This is the first record of mermithid parasitism in one of the most important beetle in Turkey. Ten mermithid juveniles were recorded in one mature L. decemlineata. Infected beetles’ colour of body was darker and dim; movement was slower than the others. Abdomen of infected insect was swollen
and cuticle beneath the wings disappeared. Detailed taxonomic studies of a mermithid recovered from L. decemlineata have not been done due to lack of fully matured specimens, however identification was made up to genus Hexamermis Steiner, 1924.