Diagnosis - use of 'trap' insects. The only nematodes currently marketed as biological control agents. Characteristics Steinernematid spicules are heavy and paired and a gubernaculum is present. Several pairs of genital papillae including a pronounced preanal ventral papilla are located in the caudal region. Heterorhabditid males have slender spicules and a bursa supported by 9 ribs.
Genital papillae are absent.
References Woodring, J. L. and H. K. Kaya, 1988. A handbook of techniques. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Fayetteville, Arkansas, August 1988. Evans, K., D.L. Trudgill, and J.M. Webster. 1993. Entomogenous and Entomopathogenic Nematodes in Biological Control.