The entomopathogenic nematodes are a neglected subject in the mainstre
am symbiosis Literature. This article attempts to redress the balance
by comparing the association with more well-known symbioses. The trans
mission strategies and nutritional interactions employed in the associ
ation display remarkable similarities to those found in the symbioses
between insects and filamentous fungi. Consequently we conclude that t
he relationship between the entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbi
otic bacteria should be considered an ectosymbiosis.