Some insect associates of the pinewood nematode in eastern Virginia

"Dauerlarvae" of the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchusxylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer) were extracted from captured insects that emerged from caged wood of Pinusthunbergii Parl., Pinussylvestris L., and Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss. Monochamustitilator F. carrying B. xylophilus emerged from all three tree species. Neocanthocinusobsoletus Oliv. carrying B. xylophilus emerged from only P. thunbergii although noncarriers emerged from all three tree species. Amniscuscollaris Hald. Neocanthocinusnodosus F., and Xylotrechussagittatussagittatus Germ, also emerged from caged wood, but none carried B. xylophilus. Monochamustitilator appears to be the primary insect associate of B. xylophilus in this area, and in all probability is a primary vector. Neocanthocinusobsoletus is also associated with B. xylophilus, but to a lesser degree than M. titilator. It is possible that N. obsoletus may, under certain circumstances, function as a vector for B. xylophilus, but its feeding and pupation habits suggest its vector role wo...