Some observations on the morphology and protein profiles of the slug-parasitic nematodes Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita and P-neopapillosa (Nematoda :Rhabditidae)

The slug parasitic nematodes Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita and P. neopapill osa are described and figured including observations with the scanning elec tron microscope. P. hermaphrodita is a protandrous hermaphrodite and males were not found in most of the cultures derived from slugs. Populations in w hich males were common were identified as P. neopapillosa. Apart from their mode of reproduction, these two species are morphologically identical. Pro tein electrophoresis using the Pharmacia PhastSystem or a cellulose acetate system stained for phosphoglucose isomerase resulted in very different pat terns for the two species, indicating that their different specific identit ies are warranted.