EGG-LAYING AND DEVELOPMENT OF HEXAMERMIS-SERENENSIS (NEMATODA, MERMITHIDAE) UNDER LABORATORY CONDITIONS

Egg laying and development of Hexamermis serenensis (Nematoda; Mermith idae), a parasite of the locust Dociostaurus maroccanus (Orthoptera; A crididae) has been studied in laboratory. Total fecundity of females w as more than 725-1089 eggs, with a maximum rate of 125-130 eggs/day. E ggs were laid at the unicellular stage. Development was followed at 26 degrees C : bicellular stages were observed 1 day after egg-laying : elongation of the embryo was seen by day 5-6, early coil stage by day 9-10, and hatching occurred by day 26-29. Only 15-20% of the eggs laid were viable. Infective stages maintained at 4 degrees C survived 18-6 6 days, and survived 7-20 days at 15 degrees C or 26 degrees C. Result s suggest that H. serenensis may have only one generation per year in field conditions.