S<i>teinernema sandneri</i> n. sp. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), a new entomopathogenic nematode from Poland

Abstract

A new species of entomopathogenic nematodes, <i>Steinernema sandneri</i> n. sp., was recovered by baiting from Poland. Its morphological traits indicate that the new species is a member of the <i>feltiae-kraussei</i> group. A body length of 843 (708-965) μm, a more anterior position of excretory pore (56 μm), and the lower D% value (40 vs > 46) discriminate this species from most of the other group members. The first-generation males of <i>S. sandneri</i> n. sp. can be distinguished from the other clade members by a 60 μm long spicule, a relatively long gubernaculum (GS% = 79), and the position of the excretory pore (80 μm). Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS rDNA, D2D3 of 28 S rDNA, and <i>cox</i>1 sequences confirmed that <i>S. sandneri</i> n. sp. is a new species of the <i>feltiae-kraussei</i> group, closely related to <i>S. kraussei</i> and <i>S. silvaticum</i>.