Heterorhabditis

Heterorhabditis is a genus of nematodes belonging to the order Rhabditida. All species of this genus are obligate parasites of insects, and some are used as biological control agents for the control of pest insects. Heterorhabditis nematodes are hosts for the Photorhabdus bacterial symbiont. The nematode species Heterorhabditis indica has been used effectively against the red weevil, Rhinotia haemoptera, an insect pest that can destroy groves and plantations of coconut and migrate to date palms and other palms, causing economic damage to farmers and landscapers.