Department of Integrative Biology

Anandranema phlebotophaga n. gen., n. sp. (Allantonematidae : Tylenchida) is described from the phlebotomine sand fly, Lutzomyia longipalpis (Psychodidae: Diptera) from South America. This parasite is characterized by the absence of males, the small size and inconspicuous vulvar opening of the infective hermaphrodites and the pleomorphic shape of the mature parasitic hermaphrodites. The infective stage hermaphrodites of A. phlebotophaga n. sp. penetrate through the body wall of first stage. L longipalpis larvae and are carried into the pupa and adult stage of the host. Infected female hosts deposit juvenile nematodes while ovipositing. Heavy infections reduced egg production and sometimes completely sterilized female flies. Laboratory trials using Heterorhabditis sp. (Heterorhabditidae : Rhabditida) and Steinemema carpocapsae (Steinemematidae : Rhabditida) against larvae of the sand fly, Phkbotomus papatasi (Psychodidae : Diptera) showed that infection with both nematodes could occur. Possibilities of the above nematodes for the biological control of sand flies are discussed.