Steinernema australe n. sp. (Panagrolaimomorpha: Steinernematidae), a new entomopathogenic nematode from Isla Magdalena, Chile

A new species of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema australe n. sp., was isolated from a soil sample taken close to the beach on Isla Magdalena, an island in the Pacific Ocean, 2 km from mainland Chile. Morphologically the new species belongs to the glaseri-group and is characterised by morphometrics of the infective juvenile which has a very long body of 1316 (1162-1484) μm, excretory pore located far posterior to the anterior extremity (110 (95-125) μm), exceptionally long tail of 103 (92-114) μm, H% = 51 (42-61), E% = 107 (94-122) and a ratio = 35 (31-38). The first generation male has 72 (55-78) μm long spicules, a 45 (36-51) μm long gubernaculum and SW% = 172 (118-196). The first generation female can be recognised by well developed double epiptygmata, the lack of a prominent postanal swelling, a mucron on the tail tip and (in 60% of individuals) one to two subsidiary mucrons. Sequences of the ITS and D2D3 regions of the ribosomal DNA confirm that S. australe n. sp. is a valid species.