First report of Rhabditis (Rhabditella) axei with the invasive palm borer Paysandisia archon

Abstract

Rhabditis (Rhabditella) axei is a free-living, pseudoparasitic, necromenic, and parasitic nematode, depending on the host. This species feeds mainly on bacteria present in decaying organic matter, soil, and other substrates; however, in its parasitic form, it can colonize some species of snails. Moreover, the presence of R. axei has also been detected in birds and mammals, including humans.

Keywords

• alien invasive species
• italy
• lepidoptera
• nematode-insect interaction
• rhabditidae