PARASITISM OF OVERWINTERING GRASSHOPPERS BY MERMITHID NEMATODES

Advanced parasitic juveniles of the nematode Amphimermis acridiorum we re recorded in mid-spring in grasshopper species which overwintered in the southern tablelands of New South Wales. Hosts included adult Pera la viridis and nymphal Urnisa sp. The observation confirms that parasi tism by mermithid nematodes may occur prior to the hatching of summer grasshopper hosts. The implications for parasitism of summer hosts suc h as Phaulacridium vittatum are discussed.