First Occurrence of <i>Paragordius varius</i> in Different Species of Acrididae in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico

Acridid populations have increased significantly in recent years, causing damage to crops. Having biocontrol tools is important as it will help reduce the use of insecticides. This study reports the presence of Paragordius varius in grasshoppers for the first time in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. Samples were taken from the grass around a water pond. A total of 1,225 grasshoppers were dissected to observe the presence of the worm. Seven species of grasshoppers were identified, with the most abundant species being Melanoplus differentialis. The parasitoid Paragordius varius, a nematomorph, parasitized male M. differentialis in greater numbers. This work is the first record of this parasitoid in Mexico and contributes to the knowledge of the biological control of acridids in Mexico.