Diversity of Stag Beetle-Associated Nematodes in Japan

Abstract

ABSTRACT A survey of stag beetle (Lucanidae)-associated nematodes was conducted in Japan to construct a preliminary species inventory and to obtain their molecular profiles as a first step for elucidating their host fidelity and ecological roles. Eight species of stag beetles (94 individuals in total), Dorcus rubrofemoratus, D. montivagus, D. striatipennis, D. rectus, D. titanus, Prismognathus angularis, Prosopocoilus inclinatus, and Lucanus maculifemoratus were collected from 12 localities in Japan, dissected and examined for nematode associates. Isolated nematodes were used to attempt the establishment of voucher cultures. Successfully cultured nematodes were observed under a light microscope for morphological identification at genus or species level, and were sequenced for their near full length SSU and D2/D3 LSU. All investigated lucanid individuals harbored at least one species of nematode, and eight species (Bursaphelenchus sp., Koerneria luziae, K. lucani, Pristionchus cf. pacificus, Pristionchus s...