Predatory nematodes
In the Netherlands many nematode species occur which feed on the smaller soil organisms, including nematodes. In a petri-dish mononchs are easily recognizable at low magnification by their mobility and bucket shaped mouth cavity.
In members of the Mononchidae, as Prionchulus, the mouth cavity is provided of a large tooth which they use to damage the cuticle of their prey; subsequently they suck the liquid content out of the prey body. In the intestine of these mononchs, remainings of the prey can be visble. Members of the Antatonchidae, Anatonchus at the lower photo, have three posterior directed teeth in the mouth cavity which are used to prevent that the preys escapes, they swallow the whole undamaged nematode which often can be observed in the intestine. In a petri-dish, mononchs appear to be very active and give the impression that mononchs offer interesting possibilities for the control of plant parasitic nematodes. In the soil, however, they have to invest much more energy in finding their prey. The possibilities to use mononchs for biological control of plant parasites are not yet convincing.
» More pictures
 |
|
Prionchulus
picture: Hanny van Megen |
 |
|
Anatonchus
picture: Dr Neilson ©The James Hutton Institute |