A new entomopathogenic nematode species for Turkey, Heterorhabditis megidis Poinar, Jackson & Klein 1987 (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae)

During a survey on the occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey, a heterorhabditid species was isolated using the Galleria-baiting technique. Based on morphology and morphometrics, the isolate was identified as Heterorhabditis megidis. Sequences of the ITS region of its rDNA confirmed this identification. The species is recorded for the first time from Turkey. A more intensive survey to determine the distribution of this species, covering all parts of the Black Sea region of Turkey, is currently underway.