Registry of mermithid (Mermithidae) parasites of spittlebug nymphs (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) in sugarcane crops in Veracruz, Mexico

SObjective: To make known the presence of parasite mermithids of the spittlebug nymph in different sugarcanelocalities of the state of Veracruz, Mexico.Design/methodology/approach: The nematodes were collected in sugarcane soils after observation of theemergence of the pest from the spittlebug nymphs (in situ), while some others were obtained after collectingspittlebug nymphs in the field and the pest’s emergence in the laboratory. The death of the nematodes wasprovoked with hot water (sterile distilled, 60 °C), and they were measured and stored in Eppendorf tubes of 1.5mL in formaldehyde 4% and kept in refrigeration at 4 °C.Results: This report is presented as evidence of pest mermithids that emerge from the spittlebug nymph hostin sugarcane crops in eight localities of the state of Veracruz. Although their identification at the species levelcould not be done, the length of each mermithid found was recorded, as well as its relationship with the host.Limitations on study/implications: When the presence of mermithids was verified and their location wasidentified in diverse localities, the opportunity of continuing with the collection of specimens was justified andtheir identification could be formally performed, as well as the implementation of biological control studieswith the use of these native nematodes; also, the exploration of their roles in the control of nymphs from thesugarcane crop.Findings/conclusions: The presence of mermithid parasites of spittlebug nymphs in the sugarcane crop ineight localities in the mountainous region of Veracruz was verified in situ. Their emergence was classifiedinitially on nymphs of the spittlebug (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) that belong to the genera Aeneolamia and Prosapia