Scanning Electron Microscope Studies of Spicules and Gubernacula of Steinernema Spp. (Nemata: Steinernematidae) 1 )

Abstract

Spicules and gubernacula of Steinernema species were dissected out and observed under a scanning electron microcope (SEM), showing that morphological characteristics of these structures can be used for species differentiation. This paper describes and presents SEM micrographs of spicules and gubernacula of 11 species of Steinernema and shows how they can be used to recognize species. The species discussed are S. affine, S. anomalae, S. bicornutum, S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae, S. glaseri, S. intermedium, S. kraussei, S. kushidai, S. longicaudum, S. neocurtillae, S. puertoricense, S. riobrave, S. scapterisci.